Senator responds to plans for America's first privately-developed uranium enrichment facility in Paducah

Senator responds to plans for America's first privately-developed uranium enrichment facility in Paducah

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2025) — Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, issued the following statement in response to General Matter’s announced plans to develop a private uranium enrichment facility in Paducah. It is the first of its kind in the United States and a historic investment in American nuclear infrastructure.

“This is exactly the kind of momentum we’ve been working toward. Paducah is once again being recognized as a national strategic asset, not just for its history, but for its future. The announcement by General Matter represents a significant milestone for Kentucky and marks the beginning of a new era in American energy leadership.

“From lifting the moratorium in 2017 to establishing the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority and creating targeted state grant programs, we’ve made it clear that Kentucky is serious about advanced nuclear development. This private-sector investment confirms that vision and validates the work we’ve done to build the right policy and regulatory environment.

“When the U.S. Department of Energy named Paducah a potential site for AI and energy infrastructure just days ago, it was another step in the right direction. We're seeing the private market respond, and respond in a big way.

“We are not only attracting attention. We’re attracting action. Global Laser Enrichment’s (GLE) June announcement of a laser-enrichment facility next to the DOE site signaled Paducah’s return to the national stage. General Matter’s announced investment builds on that momentum and positions Kentucky as a launch pad for the future of American nuclear energy.

“I want to thank everyone who helped lay the foundation to make this possible. The positive impacts of this will ripple from the coal fields of western Kentucky to the coal mining regions in eastern Kentucky, and far beyond the borders of the Bluegrass.”

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As first reported by WKMS, nuclear technology company General Matter plans to establish the nation’s first U.S.-owned, privately-developed uranium enrichment facility near the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Backed by Founders Fund and led by former SpaceX executive Scott Nolan, the company includes Peter Thiel among its directors and has deep ties to the defense, energy, and technology sectors. The U.S. Department of Energy designated General Matter in December 2024 as an eligible contractor to support the federal effort to rebuild domestic uranium enrichment capacity.

This private-sector investment marks a return to Paducah’s legacy role in national energy and security infrastructure, while also showcasing Kentucky’s forward-looking policy environment. The announcement follows the Department of Energy’s designation of the site just days ago as one of four federally-owned properties identified for potential development of AI and energy infrastructure.

In addition to General Matter’s plans, a second major enrichment project is moving forward nearby. In June, Global Laser Enrichment (GLE) formally announced its intent to build a laser-based uranium enrichment facility on adjacent land, using proprietary SILEX technology. As reported by WPSD, GLE submitted its full license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission this summer and is targeting operations by 2030.

“A formal announcement event is scheduled today in Paducah, with participation from federal and state leaders, including U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, Congressman James Comer, and Governor Andy Beshear.

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Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Paducah, represents the 2nd Senate District, including Ballard, Carlisle, Livingston, Marshall, and McCracken Counties. He serves as co-chair of the Interim Joint Committee on Families and Children and is a member of the Interim Joint Committees on Education; Judiciary; and Health Services. He serves on the Legislative Oversight and Investigations Committee and is a non-voting ex officio member of the Juvenile Justice Oversight Council. Carroll is also a member of the Medicaid Oversight and Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Governor’s Early Childhood Education Advisory Council and the Child Fatality and Near Fatality Review Panel. Finally, he serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Nuclear Legislative Working Group.