Senate Natural Resources panel approves resolution declaring nuclear generation "clean, dispatchable" for baseload power

The Kentucky Senate Natural Resources Committee voted to approve ACR 22, a resolution declaring nuclear generation a "clean and dispatchable" means of providing baseload electricity for the commonwealth at its final scheduled committee meeting.

The resolution was presented to the committee by State Representative Randy Bridges, who told the panel that Kentucky has experienced power shortages and strains on the grid during peak demand. "Today, we're gonna talk about ACR '22, declaring nuclear generation to be clean and dispatchable means for providing baseload energy for our commonwealth," Bridges said.

The measure notes several prior state actions related to nuclear development and urges support for new technologies. Bridges told the committee that the General Assembly in recent years has taken steps including lifting a nuclear moratorium in 2017, creating a working group in 2023 to study nuclear technologies, and establishing the Kentucky Nuclear Development Authority in 2024. "Nuclear power should be a part of our all-of-the-above energy approach," he said.

Bridges and Representative Steven Rudy also discussed advanced nuclear topics including small modular reactors and reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. Bridges referenced the Department of Energy site at Paducah, which he described as a former uranium enrichment site, and said negotiations are under way for a laser enrichment capability that could re-enrich spent fuel for reactor use while reducing waste.

Committee members moved and seconded the measure and the clerk called the roll. Senator Boswell asked to explain his vote and expressed support, saying Kentucky must "do everything we can" to restore competitive energy costs and promote economic development. Several senators voted in favor on the roll call: Boswell, Carpenter, Elkins, Girdler, Herron, Maiden, Mills, West, Wheeler, Williams and Chair Smith. Chair Smith explained his vote by saying states with coal resources seeking to keep coal active and affordable must attach that work to projects like the one described by the resolution.

Chair Smith stated that the resolution passed with "favorable expression." No opposing votes were recorded on the roll call during the meeting.

The committee discussion combined policy context, references to recent state statutory action, and arguments for including nuclear in the state's energy mix. Speakers cited projected growth in energy demand—Bridges said global demand is expected to rise substantially, estimating a 15–20% increase by 2030 and up to 50% by 2050—and argued for baseload resources that operate with no emissions during operation.

The committee did not record additional instructions to staff or specify next procedural steps in the transcript excerpted here.