On Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed a bill aimed at promoting nuclear energy in coal-rich Kentucky, citing concerns about the composition of an advisory board rather than the merits of nuclear power itself.
Governor Beshear reiterated his support for an inclusive energy strategy that encompasses nuclear energy alongside other sources. While coal has historically been the backbone of Kentucky’s economy, its dominance has waned in recent years. Proponents of nuclear energy integration viewed the passage of the bill as a significant step forward for the state’s energy landscape.
The governor’s objection centered on the method of appointing voting members to the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, which would oversee the advancement of nuclear power initiatives. He criticized the provision that allowed private sector groups to designate many of the board members, bypassing the traditional appointment process involving the governor and other state officials.
Governor Beshear emphasized, “The legislature cannot unilaterally dictate the membership of a board and confer governing authority to private sector entities. This deviates from the standard procedures of the executive branch and the delegation of power necessary to enforce the law.”
Senate Bill 198 was among the handful of bills vetoed by the Democratic governor. With the Republican-controlled legislature set to reconvene in mid-April, the fate of these vetoes may be determined during the final two days of the session. Senator Danny Carroll, the bill’s sponsor, expressed confidence in persuading lawmakers to override the veto, citing bipartisan support for the legislation.
Senator Carroll defended the board member selection process, asserting that it minimizes political influence by allowing diverse entities to nominate representatives. He emphasized the importance of involving various stakeholders in the advisory board to ensure comprehensive decision-making.
The passage of the nuclear energy bill was a significant achievement for Senator Carroll, reflecting years of effort to promote nuclear power as a viable energy source in Kentucky’s evolving energy landscape. The bill underscores the increasing global focus on nuclear energy, with numerous countries committing to maximizing its potential.
The proposed authority would serve as a nonregulatory entity dedicated to advancing nuclear energy initiatives in Kentucky. It aims to cultivate a robust nuclear energy ecosystem to stimulate economic growth, preserve the environment, engage local communities, and prepare the workforce for future opportunities.
Governor Beshear’s veto message cited concerns about the lack of meaningful oversight resulting from the private sector-dominated board composition. He argued that the governance structure outlined in the bill undermines constitutional principles by limiting the governor’s authority to appoint or remove voting members.
The discourse surrounding nuclear energy development in Kentucky coincides with the decline of the coal industry, which has witnessed a substantial downturn over the past two decades. Despite this, coal still plays a significant role in the state’s electricity generation, albeit decreasingly so, due to factors such as natural gas competitiveness and stricter environmental regulations.
While proponents advocate for nuclear energy as a complementary addition to Kentucky’s energy portfolio, they are careful to emphasize that it is intended to supplement rather than replace coal. Additionally, Governor Beshear signed a related resolution directing the state Public Service Commission to prepare for potential nuclear energy projects, signaling the state’s proactive stance towards diversifying its energy sources.
