CARROLL ISSUES STATEMENT ADDRESSING BESHEAR'S VETO OF SENATE BILL 198
FRANKFORT, KY (April 4, 2024) – The following is a statement from Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, regarding the gubernatorial veto of Senate Bill 198 (SB 198):
"I'm disappointed by the governor's veto of SB 198. It saddens me that in Frankfort, political considerations often overshadow efforts that could benefit Kentucky's families and communities. The intent of this bill is to get us one step closer to a critical expansion of our all-the-above energy policy the governor says he supports. This veto only delays Kentucky's progress in exploring nuclear energy opportunities, a path many other states are pursuing.
"The veto message's emphasis on appointment authority over the merits of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority concerns me. We intend for the advisory board members, representing diverse entities, to be selected by their respective organizations, thereby minimizing political influence in these decisions. This authority, a non-regulatory body within the University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research supported by an unpaid advisory board, aims to lead the way in developing Kentucky's nuclear energy ecosystem. It does not encroach on the governor's executive powers.
"House Bill 1 allocates $40 million across the biennium to the University of Kentucky for long-term investments, with interest earned to be used for the Center for Applied Energy Research's administration of the authority and the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission.
"The unanimous and bipartisan approval from both legislative chambers highlights SB 198's broad endorsement.
"Given the importance of Kentucky's energy policy and its impact on our commonwealth, the veto stands in the way of a critical opportunity for advancement in nuclear energy development. I urge my colleagues to consider supporting an override of this gubernatorial veto."
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Senator Danny Carroll, R-Benton, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as Senate Families and Children Committee chair. He is also a Senate Education, Health Services and Judiciary committee member. Additionally, Carroll is a member of the Public Pension Oversight Board, Juvenile Justice Oversight Council, and the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee.