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FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 18, 2026) — Kentucky lawmakers are continuing to build momentum behind the commonwealth’s long-term nuclear energy strategy following this week’s nuclear energy conference, hosted by the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) at the Kentucky History Center.
The two-day symposium brought together national energy experts, regulators, researchers, utilities, economic development leaders and policymakers to discuss the future of advanced nuclear energy and Kentucky’s growing role in shaping it. Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, delivered opening remarks on the conference’s second day and moderated a featured panel examining how states across the country are moving from nuclear policy development to real-world deployment.
Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, R-Alexandria, joined Carroll throughout the conference as lawmakers continued building relationships with industry leaders and national stakeholders working to advance next-generation nuclear technologies.
The conference follows further action taken during the 2026 Regular Session of the Kentucky General Assembly to strengthen Kentucky’s position as a national leader in advanced nuclear energy development.
This year, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 57, sponsored by Carroll, to establish the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program to help accelerate advanced nuclear energy development in Kentucky through strategic site preparation, federal permitting assistance and public-private coordination. The effort was backed by $75 million for necessary government expenditure to back potential investment in Kentucky.
The General Assembly also passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 66, sponsored by Sen. Steve West, R-Paris, encouraging the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville to expand nuclear-related workforce training and pursue federal research and development partnerships.
Both measures were signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear.
“Kentucky isn’t standing on the sidelines while other states shape the future of energy,” Carroll said. “We’re taking deliberate, strategic steps to position our commonwealth as a national leader in advanced nuclear development while strengthening an all-the-above energy portfolio that keeps power reliable, affordable and available for future generations. This conference showed the level of national interest in what Kentucky is building and reinforced that we are moving in the right direction.”
Carroll says he wants to see Kentuckians remain optimistic about the possibilities of this advanced energy technology and its footprint in the bluegrass.
“A lot of people have certain images and ideas come to their mind when they hear the words ‘nuclear energy,’ but I want to emphasize that the recent advancements related to this form of energy are vast and amazing,” Carroll said. “We’re talking about safe, clean energy that not only can serve as a significant source of power generation for our homes and businesses, but that correlates to real, tangible benefits like high-quality and well-paying jobs.”
The PSC conference focused heavily on advanced reactor technology, energy reliability, workforce development, nuclear safety, economic growth and the role nuclear energy can play alongside existing and emerging energy resources. Sessions featured leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Nuclear Energy Institute, Idaho National Laboratory and major private-sector nuclear developers.
Frommeyer said the conference demonstrated that Kentucky’s work over the last several years is earning national attention and creating new opportunities for long-term investment and job creation.
“Kentucky has built serious momentum because Sen. Carroll and the General Assembly have continued taking meaningful action year after year,” Frommeyer said. “What stood out this week was the number of industry leaders, researchers and policymakers who recognize Kentucky is committed to being part of the future of advanced nuclear energy. We are building relationships, expanding opportunities and making sure Kentucky remains competitive as energy demand continues to grow.”
Kentucky lawmakers have steadily advanced nuclear energy policy in recent years as part of a broader all-the-above energy strategy focused on reliability, affordability, economic development and long-term grid stability.
Since lifting Kentucky’s nuclear moratorium in 2017, the General Assembly has established the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, invested in nuclear workforce development and research initiatives, supported grant programs and directed state agencies to prepare for future nuclear siting and permitting efforts.
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