A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION urging the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville to explore opportunities to participate in federal nuclear-related programs and to expand their curricula to offer courses and degree paths to train the workforce that will construct and operate the next generation of nuclear energy facilities.
Summary
SCR66 is a concurrent resolution urging the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville to expand their role in Kentucky’s emerging nuclear energy sector. It asks both universities to explore participation in the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program and to broaden curricula, certificates, and degree paths that would prepare students for jobs building and operating next-generation nuclear facilities. The resolution also encourages the universities to look for nuclear-related research and grant opportunities, including collaboration with the U.S. Department of War, as Kentucky seeks to develop a broader nuclear energy ecosystem.
The resolution frames this effort as part of a larger state interest in nuclear development, citing the 2017 lifting of Kentucky’s nuclear construction moratorium, the work of the Nuclear Energy Development Working Group, the potential of small modular reactors, and the need for reliable baseload power. It also notes existing nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceutical research at the Markey Cancer Center and Brown Cancer Center as examples of university expertise already connected to nuclear science. The resolution does not create new regulatory requirements or appropriations; instead, it expresses legislative encouragement and policy direction to the universities.
Impact
SCR66 does not amend Kentucky statutes or impose binding legal duties. Its practical effect is to formally encourage the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville to pursue federal nuclear research programs, expand nuclear-related academic offerings, and seek grant funding and partnerships that could support workforce development and research tied to nuclear energy and nuclear medicine. The resolution is advisory in nature, but it signals state support for building educational capacity around nuclear power, small modular reactors, and related technical fields.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around SCR66 appears strongly favorable. The Senate adopted the resolution unanimously, and the House adopted it with overwhelming support, indicating broad bipartisan agreement on the value of preparing Kentucky’s universities and workforce for nuclear energy development. The bill’s findings and floor support suggest enthusiasm for positioning the Commonwealth to benefit from new nuclear technologies, research funding, and energy-sector growth.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record, and no committee transcript excerpts are provided. Any potential concerns would likely center on the resolution’s aspirational nature, the costs or priorities associated with expanding university curricula, and the decision to encourage collaboration with the U.S. Department of War for research and grant opportunities. However, the recorded votes show minimal opposition, suggesting that any such concerns did not generate significant legislative resistance.
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