(FRANKFORT, Ky.) (April 8, 2026) — Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, announced on Wednesday that Governor Andy Beshear has signed Senate Bill (SB) 57 into law, marking the next major step forward and reflecting years of coordinated work across state agencies, industry partners and research institutions to advance nuclear energy development in Kentucky.
“This legislation is the result of years of collaboration across state government, our research institutions, utilities and private-sector partners,” Carroll said. “We have worked side by side with the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, Dr. Rodney Andrews at the University of Kentucky, Secretary Rebecca Goodman and Kenya Stump at the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Chairwoman Angie Hatton and Executive Director Linda Bridwell at the Public Service Commission, Secretary Jeff Noel and staff at the Economic Development Cabinet, utilities serving Kentucky and nuclear reactor development companies to position Kentucky for this moment. This sends a clear message that our commonwealth is ready to compete and ready to lead in the next generation of nuclear energy.”
SB 57 establishes the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program, creating a structured pathway for communities to prepare for advanced nuclear energy projects. The program supports early-stage development by assisting with federal permitting and licensing while maintaining clear accountability measures to protect taxpayers.
The law allows the state to invest up to $25 million per approved project, supporting up to three initial projects through the pilot program, backed by surety bonds and milestone-based repayment provisions. It also requires participating communities to meet “nuclear-ready” standards before projects can advance, with final approval authority remaining with the General Assembly.
In 2026 budget legislation, Carroll, along with House colleagues, successfully secured $75 million in authorized necessary government expenditures to support the pilot program, strengthening Kentucky’s ability to move quickly and compete for major private-sector investment.
The pilot program is designed to coordinate efforts across state government, research institutions, utilities and private-sector nuclear developers to accelerate project readiness and attract long-term economic development.
“Kentucky has been laying the groundwork for a decade to get to this point,” Carroll said. “With this law in place, we are no longer just talking about potential. We are taking action and I believe we are on the precipice of something big for our state. With each step we are closer to creating jobs, strengthening our energy grid, lowering energy costs and bringing significant investment into communities across the state, especially in communities from east to west that are proving ready to lead.”
Carroll has been a leading voice in advancing nuclear energy policy in the commonwealth and serves on the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority.
BACKGROUND ON ADVANCING NUCLEAR ENERGY DEVELOPMENT IN KENTUCKY
Carroll has emerged as a leading voice at both the state and national levels on nuclear energy policy, driving a long-term strategy to position Kentucky as a leader in advanced energy production while expanding an all-the-above energy portfolio.
TIMELINE
2017: Kentucky’s nuclear development moratorium was lifted through Senate Bill 11, reopening the door for nuclear investment.
2023: The Nuclear Energy Working Group was established through Senate Joint Resolution 79, signaling Kentucky’s readiness to pursue nuclear power production.
2024: The Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority was created through Senate Bill 198 to coordinate strategy and attract private-sector investment.
A one-time $40 million investment, $20 million annually in fiscal years 2025 and 2026, was directed to the Center for Applied Energy Research to support nuclear readiness and workforce development.
The Public Service Commission was directed through Senate Joint Resolution 140 to prepare for nuclear siting and permitting.
July 2024: Carroll provided a national update on Kentucky’s progress to the National Conference of State Legislatures Nuclear Legislative Working Group, which connects lawmakers with industry and policy experts.
August 2024: Carroll participated in the Council for State Governments policy masterclass on small modular reactors, hosted in partnership with the Government of Ontario, focused on meeting future energy demands through advanced nuclear technology.
2025: $10 million was provided to support the Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program established through Senate Bill 179 to grow Kentucky’s nuclear ecosystem.
2026: SB 57 establishes the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program, supported by $75 million in authorized necessary government expenditures secured by Carroll to support up to three projects and advance site readiness, permitting and early-stage development.
