The Kentucky (Commonwealth) Emergency Response Commission (KYERC or CERC), formed in 1988 to meet the requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, provides information to the Commonwealth’s citizens regarding hazardous substances in their communities.
Members of the KYERC are appointed by the Governor to two year terms, and represent first responders, elected officials, local emergency management, environmental and health officials, and local industries. The Director of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management serves as the chair, as stated in KRS 39E (PDF-144KB).
The KYERC provides support to the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs). Kentucky’s Local Emergency Planning districts correspond to the 118 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties joined to form the Northern Kentucky Emergency Planning Committee, creating the only exception.
KYERC is also responsible for the annual collection of Tier II Hazardous Material Report Forms and the state fees.