Committee endorses concurrent resolution supporting nuclear technology and spent-fuel research

The Committee on Natural Resources and Energy on Monday approved a committee substitute for House Concurrent Resolution 22, a nonbinding measure that expresses the legislature’s support for nuclear energy research and emerging technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).

Sponsor Representative Bridges told the committee Kentucky faces an "energy crunch" and that new technologies warrant exploration. He noted the substitute includes language about reusing spent nuclear fuel. "We have the ability to use nuclear waste, uranium veil spent, and the ability to use that, and that makes it even cleaner," the sponsor told the committee during the presentation of the substitute.

Members voiced a range of perspectives. Representative Williams and others said nuclear should be part of Kentucky’s future generation mix to provide reliable baseload power as coal generation declines. Representative Blanton urged a feasibility study before more policy action. Chair Sherry Gooch, who explained her vote, said the resolution does not carry the force of law but signals the Commonwealth’s openness to nuclear technologies and noted regulatory permitting remains a major hurdle for new nuclear projects.

The substitute passed on a roll call. The clerk recorded a majority of affirmative votes; one member recorded a "no" vote and one member offered a "pass" during the roll call. Chair Gooch said the resolution will be transmitted to the Senate after committee approval.

Supporters framed the resolution as a statement of intent and invitation to industry and regulators rather than a new regulatory mandate. Representative Bridges and other backers said advances in SMRs and in spent-fuel refurbishment warrant legislative attention and could complement other low-carbon generation.

The committee substitute is a concurrent resolution, which means it is advisory and does not change state law; supporters said the measure signals interest to federal agencies and private developers. Representative Bridges said the language is intended to tell the world that "Kentucky is open to the idea of entertaining nuclear energy, and we're open for business." The committee recommended the substitute to the full House for floor consideration and transmission to the Senate.