According to a federal report, Kentucky led the nation in coal fired power plant retirements in 2020.

Ever since, lawmakers in Frankfort have made moves to protect coal powered energy.

Senate Bill 349 is a continuation of that effort.

Here's more from Kentucky Edition's Clayton Don.

For many Kentuckians, coal are intertwined.

Both Eastern and western Kentucky still have active coal mines.

A bill was even introduced this session to make it the state rock.

But as the coal industry has faced a steep decline in recent decades, debate about its place in the state's economy and energy portfolio remain.

Senate Bill 349 would create a new state commission.

It would oversee the retirement of coal fired power plants.

Some fear the commission could keep a plant open too long, burdening ratepayers with renovation costs.

I'm particularly concerned that my consumers who are struggling to pay their bills right now won't be able to pay them at all if we double down on maintaining coal fired power plants that have reached the end of their service.

We are doing great work.

There is a nuclear task force going.

There's excitement about finding other sources of energy.

But this this doesn't help us in that regard.

Modern pollution control measures by the Environmental Protection Agency make coal less cost effective than it used to be.

One Democrat says she respects coal, but it might be time to start embracing renewable energy.

It has kept food on the table, lights on.

But it is important for us to know when to pay our respect for an industry and for those who have worked within that industry and who have health repercussions that they are now suffering from from that industry and not continue to tax Kentuckians because we are not ready for the change.

Others think the exact opposite that the commission would keep utility bills low to Eastern Kentucky representatives offered a strong rebuttal to Democrats.

It's easy for some of us to focus on bizarre social justice warrior identity politics when they're not having to concern themselves with the basic necessities of life like they are in my district.

Simply put, a trailer in my district shouldn't have a power bill.

That's 4 to 5 times that of a mansion in Louisville or Lexington.

You better be thankful that our grid is being supplied by coal as we speak and the lights are on until you come with another alternative.

This this committee is not saying don't bring us alternatives, bring us nuclear, bring us something that will work.

The House passed Senate Bill three 4957 to 37 with the stamp of approval from both chambers and now heads to the governor's desk for his signature or his veto.

For Kentucky edition, I'm Clayton Dalton.