(FRANKFORT, Ky.) — Kentucky is taking another major step toward becoming a hub for nuclear energy as state lawmakers consider legislation that would establish a pilot program to prepare sites for nuclear reactor construction.
Sen. Danny Carroll, a Paducah Republican, filed Senate Bill 57 on Friday, proposing the creation of a Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program that would bring together state government, utilities, and private industry to share the costs of securing federal permits for nuclear facilities.
Under the proposal, each nuclear site would receive up to $75 million in combined funding, with the state, utility companies, and commercial partners each contributing as much as $25 million. The money would go toward obtaining early site permits, construction permits, and combined operating licenses from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Carroll said the investment could yield substantial returns for Kentucky’s economy.
“There is potential for a $20 billion return on the investment and effort we put into this,” Carroll told colleagues Friday. “This would be transformative for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and move us up another notch on the ladder as it relates to nuclear energy potential in the United States.”
The senator said interest from major corporations has been intense, with CEOs and developers regularly seeking meetings to discuss potential projects in Kentucky.
“Utilities, industry, and everyone is ready to move,” Carroll said. “It’s up to us to take the initiative and get in front of this before other states beat us to it.”
Building on Years of Groundwork
The legislation represents the latest phase in Kentucky’s nearly decade-long effort to position itself as a player in the nuclear energy sector.
The state lifted its moratorium on nuclear development in 2017, reopening the door to nuclear investment after years of restrictions. Since then, lawmakers have steadily built the policy framework needed to attract nuclear projects.
Recent initiatives include establishing a Nuclear Energy Working Group in 2023 and creating the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority in 2024 to coordinate strategy and court investors. The state has also directed millions toward the Center for Applied Energy Research and launched a Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program.
Those efforts have begun paying dividends, with federal site designations and private nuclear investments announced in Paducah.
Carroll said the new pilot program would support at least three sites strategically located across Kentucky, spreading the economic benefits of nuclear development throughout the state.
“The growth and economic advantage of nuclear energy can and will benefit regions across our commonwealth,” Carroll said. “Everyone who calls Kentucky home will see the benefits.”
The senator indicated the bill may be amended as discussions continue with stakeholders during the legislative session.
Carroll has emerged as a prominent advocate for nuclear energy at both the state and national levels, regularly briefing other lawmakers and policymakers on Kentucky’s nuclear development strategy.
