The General Assembly is also considering what would be by far its largest investment in nuclear energy.

Yesterday, the Senate approved spending $150 million and large part to help companies construct three nuclear reactors across the state.

Kentucky senator cite increasing energy usage in the nation, including for artificial intelligence.

Mr.

president, we are at a tipping point in nuclear energy efforts in our state.

We either invest at a significant level or we fall back with the states who are not committed and pass up on the numerous opportunities we have been presented to this point and will continue to be presented should we move forward.

We have places in this Commonwealth now, Mr.

President, that companies will not locate because we cannot currently produce the power.

Right now, today, we don't have to think about the future that is happening right now in parts of the Commonwealth.

We have to turn people away.

That would bring good paying jobs to this commonwealth.

And so this is an effort to speed up the process with the permitting and the development of these new nuclear facilities.

And there has been push back as to the length of time.

Well, this is an effort to speed up that time.

And there are people say, well, this could take ten years, this could take five years, what have you.

But the, you know, the best time to plant a tree is today.

The Senate passed Senate Bill 57 unanimously.

Kentucky lifted its ban on nuclear back in 2017.

Since then, it's created grant programs and a non regulatory state agency to promote nuclear development.

The environmental advocacy group Kentucky Resources Council told lawmakers last month that Senate Bill 57 could raise residential energy bills by allowing companies to recoup the costs of building new power plants, even if those are never completed.