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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HJR 77/GA
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A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission 1
to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and ene rgy 2
affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency. 3
WHEREAS, eastern Kentucky has historically been a cornerstone of the 4
Commonwealth's energy production and economic development through its abundant 5
coal resources; and 6
WHEREAS, the region ha s experienced a significant economic transition in recent 7
years, with coal employment declining and communities seeking pathways to economic 8
stability; and 9
WHEREAS, eastern Kentucky residents face some of the highest energy cost 10
burdens in the Commonwealth , with electricity rates and home energy expenses 11
consuming a disproportionate share of household income; and 12
WHEREAS, in 2024, the General Assembly established the Energy Planning and 13
Inventory Commission to assess energy supply adequacy, evaluate resourc e planning 14
decisions, and provide independent analysis of the Commonwealth's energy future; and 15
WHEREAS, understanding the technical and economic viability of coal resources 16
in eastern Kentucky, including potential for continued baseload generation, altern ative 17
coal applications, and emerging coal technologies, is essential to informed energy policy; 18
and 19
WHEREAS, identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs for eastern Kentucky 20
residents serves both economic development and quality of life objectives for the region; 21
NOW, THEREFORE, 22
Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: 23
Section 1. The Energy Planning and Inventory Commission ( EPIC) is directed 24
to conduct a comprehensive assessment examining the following with regard to the 25
eastern Kentucky counties that are included in the Appalachian Regional Commission: 26
(1) The technical and economic viability of existing and potential coal -fired 27
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generation resources in eastern Kentucky, including analysis of operational economics, 1
fuel supply chains, compliance costs, and grid reliability contributions; 2
(2) Potential alternative and emerging uses for eastern Kentucky coal resources, 3
including but not limited to carbon capture applications, rare earth element extraction, 4
advanced materials production, and other value-added applications; 5
(3) Factors contributing to elevated energy costs for eastern Kentucky residents, 6
including generation, transmission, and distribution cost components, rate structures, and 7
regional market dynamics; 8
(4) Opportunities and mechanisms to reduce energy cost burdens on eastern 9
Kentucky households and businesses, including potential policy interventions, 10
infrastructure investments, rate design modifications, efficiency programs, and other 11
approaches; and 12
(5) The role of coal resources and coal -related infrastructure in supporting energy 13
supply adequacy and grid reliability for eastern Kentucky and the broader 14
Commonwealth. 15
Section 2. In conducting the assessment, the Energy Planning and Inventory 16
Commission shall: 17
(1) Consult with electric utilities and cooperatives serving eastern Kentucky, coal 18
producers, regional development organiz ations, consumer advocates, and other relevant 19
stakeholders; 20
(2) Consider economic development impacts, workforce implications, and 21
community transition dynamics; and 22
(3) Coordinate as appropriate with other state agencies and regional planning 23
entities. 24
Section 3. The Energy Planning and Inventory Commission shall submit a 25
report containing its findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research 26
Commission by December 1, 2026, and shall make its analysis public avai lable on the 27
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EPIC website. 1
Section 4. Whereas it is critical to the livelihood of the citizens of eastern 2
Kentucky that the energy infrastructure of the region be studied to explore ways to 3
strengthen grid adequacy and r eliability and to reduce energy costs, an emergency is 4
declared to exist, and this Resolution takes effect upon its passage and approval by the 5
Governor or upon its otherwise becoming a law. 6