A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency.
HJR77 directs the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) to conduct a comprehensive study of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky, with a focus on counties in the Appalachian Regional Commission region. The resolution asks EPIC to examine the technical and economic prospects for existing and potential coal-fired generation, including fuel supply, compliance costs, and grid reliability, as well as alternative and emerging coal uses such as carbon capture, rare earth element extraction, and advanced materials production.
The study also must identify the drivers of high energy costs for eastern Kentucky households and businesses and evaluate options to reduce those costs through policy changes, infrastructure investment, rate design, and efficiency programs. EPIC is required to consult utilities, cooperatives, coal producers, development groups, consumer advocates, and other stakeholders, and to report findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research Commission by December 1, 2026, with public posting on EPIC’s website. The resolution declares an emergency, so it takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.
This resolution does not directly change substantive energy or utility law, but it does formally assign EPIC a new research and reporting mandate focused on coal, grid reliability, and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky. It may influence future legislation, regulatory decisions, and utility policy by creating an official state assessment of coal-related economic viability, regional energy burdens, and potential cost-reduction strategies. The measure also requires public reporting, which could shape debate over energy planning, coal transition policy, and regional economic development.
The available voting history suggests strong support for the resolution, with the House adopting it 94-0. The bill’s findings frame the study as important to eastern Kentucky’s economic stability, energy reliability, and household affordability, indicating a generally favorable and pragmatic tone. No committee transcript is available, but the unanimous vote suggests broad bipartisan agreement on the need for additional analysis rather than immediate policy change.
The main areas of potential contention are the bill’s focus on coal and whether state policy should continue to emphasize coal-fired generation versus transition to other energy sources. The resolution explicitly asks EPIC to examine coal’s continued role, alternative coal applications, and ways to support coal-related infrastructure, which may draw concern from critics who favor cleaner energy investment or who question public support for coal. There may also be debate over proposed rate design changes, infrastructure spending, and the extent to which state action should intervene to lower energy costs in a specific region.