HOUSE PASSES SENATE BILL 179, ADVANCING KENTUCKY’S NUCLEAR ENERGY FUTURE

Sen. Danny Carroll’s latest effort to promote nuclear energy development delivered to the governor

FRANKFORT, KY (March 13, 2025)—The Kentucky House of Representatives has unanimously passed Senate Bill (SB) 179, legislation sponsored by Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, to establish a nuclear energy grant program within the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority (KNEDA). The bill, which also passed the Senate unanimously, now heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

Carroll expressed his appreciation for the House’s support and thanked House Majority Floor Leader Steven Rudy, R-Paducah, and Rep. Randy Bridges, R-Paducah, for carrying the bill in the House.

“SB 179 is a crucial step toward ensuring Kentucky has an all-of-the-above energy portfolio,” Carroll said. “Investing in nuclear energy strengthens our energy infrastructure, drives economic development, and creates opportunities for future generations.”

The bill directs $10 million in existing University of Kentucky funds to create the Nuclear Energy Development Grant Program to support projects that advance and attract nuclear energy-related investment across Kentucky. The program will strengthen Kentucky’s energy security, economic competitiveness, and workforce development by funding strategic initiatives within the growing nuclear sector.

Eligible projects include reactor design and manufacturing, nuclear fuel processing, facility siting and development, waste management, radioisotope production, and supply chain manufacturing. The goal is to position Kentucky as a national leader in nuclear energy innovation by attracting private and public investment.

The program will be overseen by KNEDA, with a five-member subcommittee responsible for reviewing applications, setting eligibility requirements, and awarding grants based on criteria such as

  • the project’s potential to attract additional investment and contribute to Kentucky’s nuclear energy ecosystem,

  • the economic impact on the community and surrounding region,

  • the readiness of the host community, including whether it has received a nuclear-ready designation, and 

  • the amount of matching investment from other sources

Grants will be capped at $2 million per project to ensure broad funding distribution across multiple initiatives.

With growing national interest in nuclear energy as a stable, long-term energy source, SB 179 positions Kentucky to compete for federal funding, attract private investment, and build a forward-thinking energy portfolio that ensures the commonwealth's long-term economic and energy security.

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Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as chair of the Senate Families and Children Committee. Sen. Carroll is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Senate Health Services Committee, and the Senate Education Committee. Additionally, he is a Legislative Oversight and Investigations Statutory Committee member and serves as an ex officio (non-voting) Juvenile Justice Oversight Council member.

For a high-resolution .jpeg of Carroll, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate102.jpg. 

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