AN ACT relating to natural resources.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phillip Wheeler

SB 298 aims to govern Kentucky’s natural resources, outlining conservation, regulation, and management of land, water, and wildlife.

to Committee on Committees (S)

#energy #technicalcorrections

Summary of SB 298 (2026 Regular Session, Kentucky)

Purpose and Intent

SB 298 is introduced in the Kentucky Senate with the title “AN ACT relating to natural resources.” While the specific text of the bill is not provided here, the title indicates its primary focus is on the management, protection, or regulation of Kentucky’s natural resources. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Committee on Committees (S) for consideration.

Key Provisions (High-level expectations)

As the full bill text is not available in the provided information, the following potential areas commonly addressed in natural resources legislation may be relevant. These are illustrative and should be confirmed by reviewing the actual bill language:

Conservation measures for land, water, or wildlife resources.
Regulation of natural resource extraction (e.g., minerals, timber, fossil fuels) and related permitting processes.
Funding or allocation of state resources for environmental protection, restoration, or stewardship programs.
Authority and structure for state agencies to implement natural resources policies.
Public access, recreation, and use of natural resources, including safeguards for environmental quality.
Penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance standards.

Who Would Be Affected

State agencies responsible for natural resources, environmental protection, and wildlife management.

Industries involved in natural resource extraction, land development, or resource-based activities in Kentucky.

Local governments and landowners who manage or utilize natural resources.

General public, particularly stakeholders engaged in outdoor recreation, conservation groups, and communities affected by environmental regulation or funding decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced in the Senate on February 27, 2026.

Referral to the Senate Committee on Committees (S) on February 27, 2026, initiating the bill’s committee-stage review.

As of the current information, no further action (e.g., committee hearings, amendments, floor votes) is recorded. The bill would progress through standard legislative steps (committee consideration, potential floor votes in the Senate and House, and eventual governor’s signature or veto) subject to subsequent actions.

Notes for Readers

For a precise understanding of SB 298’s substantive changes, fiscal impact, and effective dates, the bill’s full text and fiscal note (if any) should be reviewed. The summary above reflects the bill’s title and action history, not the specific policy language.

If you have access to the bill’s draft or a link to the text, I can provide a detailed, section-by-section analysis highlighting each provision, its impact, and any anticipated costs or savings.