James Comer

State to Shutter Costly Fuel Testing Lab

Associated Press — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:39:24 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Describing it as a waste of taxpayer dollars, Agriculture Commissioner James Comer said he will shutter a $3 million gasoline quality testing lab that was opened under his predecessor Richie Farmer.

Comer said Wednesday that the lab "hemorrhaged'' tax dollars while failing to handle the 500 random tests of gas station fuel Kentucky conducts each year. The closure will eventually save taxpayers about $600,000 a year, Comer said. The state is already contracting with a private company in Texas to conduct the
tests.

Amended Hemp Bill Passes Kentucky Legislature

Kenny Colston, Kentucky Public Radio — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:06:18 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - State lawmakers have approved a bill to allow a regulatory framework to be set up for industrial hemp in Kentucky, if the crop is legalized at the federal level.

Senate Bill 50 will give control of licensing of future hemp farmers to the state’s Industrial Hemp Commission, while allowing Kentucky State Police to do background checks on the farmers.

The Department of Agriculture will oversee many administrative roles involved in industrial hemp.

Sen. McConnell Endorses Hemp

Josh James — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 20:09:53 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Kentucky’s most influential Republican, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is throwing his weight behind the movement to legalize hemp production in the state.

KY Agriculture Department To Match Vets With Jobs

Josh James — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:53:41 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is launching two new programs to connect military veterans and farmers looking for workers.

Industrial Hemp Bill to be Filed in Ky. General Assembly

Brenna Angel — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 23:38:46 +0000

LEXINGTON, Ky. - State Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says a bill to allow the growth of industrial hemp will soon be filed in the Kentucky General Assembly.

Hemp Commission Convenes, Has Legislative Goals

Brenna Angel — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:48:07 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A state commission created by the Kentucky General Assembly held its first meeting in Frankfort Wednesday after years of inactivity.

Hemp Commission Revived

Josh James — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 20:01:28 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Agriculture Commissioner James Comer says he is restarting the long-dormant Kentucky Industrial Hemp Commission.

Paul, Comer Push For Industrial Hemp In Ky.

Associated Press — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:34:52 +0000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Agriculture Commissioner James Comer pushed Thursday for industrial hemp production in Kentucky, announcing the reformation of a long idle commission that will press to lift federal restrictions on the plant that once was a major cash crop.