Kentucky House approves legislation related to nuclear power in the commonwealth

Nuclear power plants being established for the first time in Kentucky

                                                                                                              (Ky State Capitol Photo)

(Story Courtesy of Kentucky Today)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – Two pieces of legislation that could lead to nuclear power plants being established for the first time in Kentucky won unanimous passage in the Kentucky House on Friday, sending them on to the Governor.

Senate Bill 198, one of the two measures sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, would establish the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority administratively attached to the University of Kentucky's Center for Applied Energy Research and governed by an advisory board of representatives from numerous stakeholders throughout the state and national nuclear organizations.

The authority's mission would be to serve as a non-regulatory, trusted state government agency on nuclear energy issues and development in the commonwealth. It would also support the development of Kentucky's nuclear energy ecosystem in a manner that enhances the economy, protects the environment, supports community voices, increases energy education, and prepares the future workforce.

The authority's purpose and function would include assisting local communities in understanding advanced nuclear energy opportunities, providing information on nuclear energy to the general public, developing economic opportunities, engaging with regulators and promoting stakeholder collaboration.

It was approved, 92-0.

The second measure, Senate Joint Resolution 140, would instruct the Kentucky Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities in the state, to make all staffing, organizational and administrative preparations necessary to be ready to discharge its regulatory duties relating to applications for the siting and construction of nuclear energy facilities in the state.

Carroll, who watched the bill’s progress in the House, said, “This is not in any way critical of coal or natural gas, renewables or any other form of energy we currently utilize. I believe Kentucky needs to continue with an all-the-above approach. However, I also believe nuclear is the future of this commonwealth, and it is imperative that this Commonwealth stay at the forefront and not get left behind.”

The vote was 94-0 on the resolution.