Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, said Kentucky is falling behind Tennessee and other states in nuclear energy development. (LRC Public Information, 2023 photo)
The GOP-controlled Kentucky Senate unanimously passed a bill Friday that would create a grant program to support nuclear energy development in the state, building off the establishment last year of a research authority dedicated to studying and supporting nuclear energy.
Senate Bill 179, sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, would allow the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Authority housed at the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research to accept applications for grants supporting “the entire nuclear energy ecosystem” in Kentucky. Grants for projects could include radioisotope production, the siting of nuclear facilities, nuclear waste storage and the enrichment of nuclear fuel.
Carroll said on the Senate floor with the prospect of rising electricity demand from data centers and electric cars, Kentucky was falling behind in nuclear energy development compared to other states, mentioning Tennessee’s investments in nuclear energy. He said his bill would “again send that message to those in the industry that Kentucky is open for business when it comes to nuclear.”
“I want to make it clear this is not just nuclear reactors within the commonwealth. It’s the entire ecosystem,” Carroll said. “All the industry that comes along with that, we want that in our commonwealth. It will help to build our economy and it will help to supply our energy needs.”
A bill that became law sponsored by Carroll last year established the nuclear energy authority. Its membership includes representatives from utilities, local and state officials and a representative for environmental interests. Of the $20 million in state funds going each fiscal year to the authority, $10 million of that would be allowed to be used for grants under SB 179. Each grant would be no larger than $2 million.
Sen. David Yates, D-Louisville, said the concept of nuclear energy can make some nervous, but a part of their job as elected officials is to educate the public on “all the precautions and the research” that has been put in place.”