SB 198

This bill establishes the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority as a new state agency attached to the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, tasked with promoting and facilitating nuclear energy development throughout Kentucky. The Authority, governed by a 30-member advisory board (22 voting, 8 non-voting) representing government, utilities, industry, and community stakeholders, will serve as the state's primary non-regulatory agency for nuclear energy issues, providing public information, assisting communities in understanding nuclear opportunities, and coordinating with federal regulators and national laboratories. Key responsibilities include developing a strategic plan, conducting workforce and site suitability studies, creating criteria for "nuclear-ready community" designations, producing biennial economic impact analyses, and submitting annual reports to state leadership, while the Cabinet for Economic Development will create a financial assistance program to support the nuclear energy ecosystem in the Commonwealth.