Bill creating reactor site readiness pilot program heads to governor
FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky General Assembly has approved legislation aimed at positioning the state as a competitive force in the growing nuclear energy sector. The bill now awaits the governor’s signature.
Senate Bill 57, sponsored by Danny Carroll, establishes the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program, designed to streamline federal permitting, attract private investment, and support the development of nuclear power in Kentucky.
The program allows the state to invest up to $25 million per approved project to help developers secure federal permits and operating licenses. It also includes taxpayer protections such as surety bonds and milestone-based repayment requirements. Final approval for any project would remain with the Kentucky General Assembly.
Carroll said Kentucky must act quickly to stay competitive as other states move forward with nuclear investments.
“Other states like Texas and Tennessee have already made significant investments in nuclear development,” he said. “So Kentucky must stay competitive amid nationwide growth of advanced reactors.”
He added the bill would not negatively impact taxpayers and could bring tens of billions of dollars into the state if investments move forward. To protect consumers, the measure ties early cost recovery to large industrial users rather than residential customers.
The legislation also encourages public-private partnerships between the state, utilities, and private companies, with the goal of creating long-term economic opportunities across Kentucky.
In the House, the bill was carried by Randy Bridges, who emphasized the importance of attracting nuclear projects to strengthen the state’s economic future.
Lawmakers are still discussing additional funding for the program as part of the state’s biennial budget, which is currently under review.
Leave a Comment