Staff Reports
In a move that is sure to ruffle some feathers on the eve of Kentucky’s gubernatorial election, the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has given the green light to a plan that will shut down two coal-fired power plants. The decision, coming from the three appointed members of the PSC, is a blow to Republican candidate David Cameron, who has made the protection of Kentucky’s coal industry a major priority in his campaign.
Panel Appointed By Dem Incumbent Approves Coal Plant Closures On Election Eve https://t.co/smhk0DxJA2 pic.twitter.com/tFeIPF5dQq
— TheDC Energy/Science (@thedcenergy) November 8, 2023
The PSC’s order allows Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities to retire two coal-fired units and three natural gas units. These will be replaced with a new natural gas unit as well as solar and battery storage. The move represents a shift towards cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy, a trend that has been gaining momentum within the Democratic party.
For Beshear, the Democratic incumbent governor, the decision may come as a surprise to some. Hesitant to fully embrace the green energy agenda of his party, Beshear has found himself caught between the demands of the more progressive members of the Democratic party and the interests of the coal industry, which employs a significant number of people in the state.
Cameron, however, is not pleased with the decision. He believes that the closure of these power plants will have a negative impact on the families of Kentucky who rely on the coal industry for their livelihoods. As the state’s attorney general, Cameron has actively fought against federal regulations that he believes would harm the industry.
Kentucky is heavily reliant on the coal industry, with about 20% of operational coal mines in the US located in the state. However, the industry has been in steep decline in recent years, with the number of jobs dropping from over 16,000 in 2012 to just 5,000 in 2022.
As the election draws near, the battle over Kentucky’s coal industry is sure to heat up. Beshear will need to find a way to balance the demands of his party with the concerns of the coal industry and its workers. The decision by the PSC will undoubtedly play a major role in shaping the outcome of the election.
