Not really. In fact, quite the opposite; the EPA has released a list of the 44 most hazardous coal ash sites that will KILL YOU in the name of industry and job creation.

Coal ash, a product of burning coal, is kept in liquid or a slurry, in containment ponds or dams. The EPA lists more than 400 such impoundments across the country, but the 44 singled out Monday represent those that are near populated areas, posing a higher risk of danger.

… The storage ponds hold fly ash, bottom ash, coal slag and flue gas residues that contain toxic metals such as arsenic, selenium, cadmium, lead and mercury, although generally at low concentrations. [AP via C-J]

The good news? Kentucky’s not the winner of this shameful competition (thanks, Tarheels!). The bad news? We’re No. 3, clocking in with a total of 7 sites including one right here in Louisville.

The ugly news? Our Lt. Governor probably doesn’t see anything wrong with that.