FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky's Republican-dominated legislature wrapped up work Friday on a bill meant to lay the foundation for nuclear energy in a state where coal has been king for generations, fueling the economy.
“This is in no way a competition to coal," Republican state Rep. Randy Bridges said while shepherding the bill through the House. "It is complementary to coal. Kentucky is a coal state.”from around the world — including the United States, China, France, Britain and Saudi Arabia — committed “to work to fully unlock the potential of nuclear energy."will be built on a former coal mine site in southeastern Kentucky.
Final passage of the nuclear energy bill in Kentucky marked a milestone for its sponsor, Republican state Sen. Danny Carroll, who has spent years striving to secure an eventual foothold for nuclear power as an energy supplier. The authority would be a nonregulatory agency on issues related to nuclear energy and its development in Kentucky. It also would support development of a “nuclear energy ecosystem” meant to enhance the economy, protect the environment, support community voices and prepare the future workforce.
The state Economic Development Cabinet would be tasked with creating a financial assistance grant program for nuclear energy-related projects. Fact Check: Photo Purportedly Shows Barron Trump Taking Picture of Melania Trump While Sitting on Her Lap.