"Jim Key, an appointee to the U.S. Department of Labor Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker’s Health, returned to Paducah from Washington, D.C., after attending the bill’s signing.
Under the new law, he sees potential for corporations to bring a new nuclear reactor to the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant site. Key also proposed the possible construction of a manufacturing facility for nuclear reactor parts on the site. He said both operations would bring valuable jobs to the area.
Carroll noted that the bill could affect the region’s current energy plans. Global Laser Enrichment, a company that enriches depleted uranium waste, has plans to start operations at the former PGDP site. Carroll said the new legislation is likely to benefit the company.
“[Nuclear energy] is a huge part of where we're headed in this country,” Carroll said. “Paducah is going to play a significant role.”Carroll pointed to a statement made by Microsoft founder Bill Gates in 2012, indicating that the nuclear fuel available in Paducah could provide power to the U.S. for “hundreds and hundreds of years.” The prohibitions on the import of uranium from Russia could cause nuclear agencies to turn to places like Paducah.Kentucky recently passed legislation to encourage the growth of the nuclear industry within the state. Senate Bill 198 was passed in March, forming an advisory agency for nuclear energy in Kentucky. The bill also created a financial assistance program for nuclear development in the state.
SLX Price at posting:
$5.33 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
