Gov. Andy Beshear of Kentucky recently vetoed a bill that aimed to promote nuclear energy in the state, citing concerns related to the selection process of voting members on the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. The governor supports an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that includes nuclear energy but took issue with the method of appointing members to the advisory board. The bill, Senate Bill 198, had bipartisan support and its sponsor, Republican state Sen. Danny Carroll, has stated his intention to urge lawmakers to override the veto.
The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority would be a nonregulatory agency focusing on issues related to nuclear energy and its development in the state. It aims to support the development of a “nuclear energy ecosystem” that enhances the economy, protects the environment, supports community voices, and prepares the future workforce. The authority would also address workforce and educational needs to develop the nuclear sector and set criteria for communities to be designated as “nuclear-ready.” The bill marked a significant milestone for Carroll, who has long advocated for nuclear power as an alternative energy source in a state where coal has traditionally played a major role.
Beshear’s veto message expressed concerns about the lack of oversight due to the method of selecting board members from the private sector, which he deemed unconstitutional as it bypassed the authority of the governor or other state constitutional officers in appointing or removing voting members. Despite the decline of Kentucky’s coal industry over the past two decades, the state still generates a significant percentage of its electricity from coal. The debate around attracting nuclear energy projects aims to have nuclear energy complement, rather than replace coal as an energy source, in the state’s energy mix.
The debate about nuclear energy in Kentucky comes as the state’s coal industry has declined over the years, with a significant reduction in the amount of coal mined compared to two decades ago. The state still relies heavily on coal for electricity generation, though that percentage has decreased due to factors such as cheaper natural gas prices and stricter federal environmental regulations. The nuclear bill aims to position Kentucky for potential nuclear energy projects and prepare for a shift towards a more diverse energy mix that includes nuclear power, alongside other sources like coal and natural gas.
As the Republican supermajority legislature in Kentucky prepares to reconvene in mid-April, lawmakers will have the opportunity to vote on overriding the governor’s veto of the nuclear energy bill. Beshear has signed several bills and continues to review other measures as the legislative session progresses. Supporters of the nuclear bill emphasize the importance of diversifying the state’s energy sources and preparing for the future of energy production in Kentucky. The debate surrounding nuclear energy reflects the ongoing transition in the energy sector and the shifting dynamics of power generation in the state.
