Gov. Beshear supports lifting ban on nuclear power plants in KY

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Governor Steve Beshear says he supports lifting the 30-year ban on nuclear power plants in Kentucky.

Coal and natural gas primarily fuel the energy industry in Kentucky, but Gov. Beshear says nuclear power is an idea whose time has come.

His comments came following Wednesday's announcement of multi-million dollar grant to the University of Kentucky to develop alternative sources of energy.

"I'm very hopeful that, at some point, we can lift the ban on nuclear energy in Kentucky, and start taking a look at that," he said.

The General Assembly banned construction of nuclear power plants in 1984, five years after the Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania. The partial meltdown was the worst nuclear plant disaster in U.S. history, and it's still fresh in mind for those who want to maintain Kentucky's ban.

"The governor is doing a job of trying to bring jobs to Kentucky, but this is a disastrous idea," said Rep. Tom Riner (D-Louisville).

Riner also points to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and says the risk from natural disasters, mechanical and human failure, even terrorism is too great.

"It is a huge accident waiting to happen," he said.

But supporters, including Rep. David Floyd (R-Bardstown), say nuclear power plant safety has come a long way in recent years.

"Nuclear power production of today is far safer. It's a different animal than it was in those days. It's been used all over the world, and it's a highly efficient method of producing energy with an almost inexhaustible supply of fuel," said Floyd.

Beyond the safety issue, opponents say nuclear power would be another threat to the already reeling coal industry.

"I think we're getting past that point now. I think most Kentuckians realize that we need an all-of-the-above strategy in the energy field, and nuclear is just a part of that," said Beshear.

But even some advocates of clean energy will be hard to convince.

"If you think coal is dirty, wait until you have to deal with radioactivity," said Riner.

Rep. Floyd says support from the governor could likely lead to a bill being filed for the 2015 General Assembly, but previous bills have always ended in meltdown.