The Kentucky Senate has approved legislation focused on preserving coal-fired power plants across the Commonwealth. The Senate bill prohibits the Public Service Commission from approving a request to retire such a power plant unless the utility demonstrates the shuttering will not adversely affect power grid reliability or affordability.
Paris Senator Steve West cast a "yes" vote. He said President Biden’s comment that building a coal-fired plant means bankruptcy is impactful.
“That’s hard on the market. The market reacts to those statements and the market has reacted. So, already to this point, we’ve shut down several coal plants in this state,” said West.
The bill passed the Senate 25 to eight. One of the no votes came from northern Kentucky Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer. She said the energy issue is complex and it’s important to have all electric generators at the table.
Also, speaking against the bill was Louisville Senator David Yates who said it’s more than just environmental regulations.
“But they also have to consider the cost, the life expectancy, the assets. All those things have to go into place. And when we try to dictate and control one type of fuel over another, we increase those costs,” said Yates.
Bill Sponsor Robby Mills said the legislation is all about protecting the nation’s power grid. He argued temporary service interruptions are not in the best interest of anyone. Mills' office said in 2012 there were 46 coal-fired generating units, capable of burning Kentucky coal. Now, his staff says there are 19 with 11 scheduled to close by 2040.
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