Written by Kentucky State Representative Randy Bridges
To meet the increasing power demands of our industries and ensure grid reliability, we must embrace a diversified energy portfolio that includes nuclear energy alongside coal, natural gas, and renewables. Fortunately, with bipartisan leadership in Frankfort and growing momentum in Washington, the Commonwealth has a unique opportunity to modernize its energy mix.
Earlier this year, legislation signed into law established a new grant program to advance and attract nuclear energy development in Kentucky. This initiative recognizes that Kentucky’s deep roots in energy production, combined with its robust manufacturing base and infrastructure, position to lead in the nuclear sector.
While Kentucky has never hosted a commercial nuclear power plant, emerging technologies—such as AI and advanced manufacturing—are driving unprecedented energy demand. These industries require massive, around-the-clock power that is clean, reliable, and secure. Nuclear power fits the bill.
Our neighboring state, Tennessee, is already progressing with small modular reactor (SMR) construction, having filed a construction permit with the federal government. If Kentucky does not act with urgency, we risk falling behind and missing an opportunity to strengthen our economy and modernize our energy portfolio.
Let’s be clear: the history of Kentucky’s power generation was written in the coal mines, and coal will remain a cornerstone of our energy future. Approximately one out of every five operating coal mines in the U.S. is located here in Kentucky—second only to West Virginia. We must continue to mine coal as we have for generations. But to grow, we must also expand our energy portfolio to include nuclear, ensuring the horsepower we need in the 21st century.
Momentum is building across Kentucky. The U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce a $2 million grant to develop a roadmap for reindustrializing the Paducah DOE site—a clear sign of federal interest in Kentucky’s energy potential. At the same time, energy experts have identified several retired coal plant sites in the state as viable locations for future nuclear development. These efforts, along with growing support from state lawmakers and industry leaders, underscore the Commonwealth’s readiness to lead in a new era of energy production.
As we look ahead, it’s important to recognize that nuclear energy doesn’t just bring investment—it brings jobs. While the field is often associated with engineers and scientists, the reality is that most positions at nuclear facilities are skilled trades and craft jobs. From pipefitters and welders to electricians and equipment operators, these are high-paying, accessible careers that can be filled by Kentuckians through apprenticeships and community and technical college training. Nuclear power can—and should—be a jobs engine for our working families.
At the federal level, President Donald Trump and his Secretary of Energy, Chris Wright, have already taken steps to modernize the way the federal government treats nuclear power. The president recently signed executive orders rolling back outdated regulations and prioritizing energy production. Wright’s commitment to nuclear is clear—one of his first directives was to “unleash commercial nuclear power in the U.S.”
In May, the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which includes a crucial production tax credit for nuclear energy. That credit is essential to ensuring nuclear technology can compete and thrive—and it’s a major step toward bringing investment to Kentucky.
As the Senate takes up this legislation, we urge Kentucky’s congressional delegation—particularly Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul—to protect the nuclear production tax credit and keep this momentum going. Kentucky manufacturers depend on reliable, affordable power. This is about staying competitive.
With leadership at both the state and federal level, Kentucky can remain a national energy leader—not by leaving its past behind, but by building on it with a diversified strategy that includes coal, natural gas, renewables, and nuclear power. That’s the future Kentucky’s manufacturers are working toward.
Randy Bridges is State Representative for the 3rd House District in the Kentucky General Assembly. He lives in Paducah.
