HJR 77

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