Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

On a childhood trip to Harlan County, Kentucky, Scott Porter was captivated by the beauty of blooming dogwoods on a mountaintop. The subsequent removal of that mountaintop for coal mining set him on a lifelong mission to protect the environment. "It struck me that something so beautiful can be done away with," Porter said in a recent interview.

Now, decades later, Porter has been appointed as the new associate director of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky. This organization represents the commonwealth's four bishops in public policy matters. Porter joined the conference in May after nearly 40 years in law, including positions at the Kentucky Attorney General’s office and as general counsel for the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Porter holds a degree in biology from the University of Cincinnati (1981) and a law degree from Northern Kentucky University (1988). He aims to merge his professional experience with his faith in his new role. "One of the things I hope to bring is a critical view of how the environment and ecology have been neglected by legislators and policymakers and how it affects the sanctity and dignity of human life," he stated.

He emphasized that Catholics believe in "the sanctity of human life from cradle to grave." He added, "We all share this big blue planet... As stewards, we have the obligation to take care of the environment."

Porter's previous roles involved extensive travel throughout Kentucky, providing insights that will aid his work at the conference. He noted various community struggles across regions such as Martin County's access to clean water, West Louisville's industrial shadows, and Eastern Kentucky's abandoned coal mines.

In his position as associate director, Porter plans to monitor risks to human life in Kentucky while supporting initiatives that mitigate climate change impacts. Jesus' commandment to "love thy neighbor as thyself" guides him as he adapts to his role. "What I strongly believe is we can be their voice... We have a fiduciary and moral responsibility to treat our neighbors the way we treat ourselves," he said.

To learn more about Porter's work with the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, visit ccky.org.