Attorney General Cameron Decries Misguided Decision to Close Coal Plants
FRANKFORT, Ky. (November 7, 2023) – Last month, Attorney General Cameron opposed a request to retire four coal-fired power plants, demonstrating that the proposal would severely reduce the reliability of Kentucky’s power grid, raise utility rates, and kill jobs across the Commonwealth. Late last night, the Public Service Commission announced that it would close two plants in Louisville but keep open plants in Mercer and Carroll Counties.
“While I appreciate the Public Service Commission’s decision to keep open the Mercer and Carroll County plants, half measures don’t cut it for the thousands of Kentucky families who will be impacted by the concurrent closures,” said Attorney General Cameron. “The fight to protect Kentucky coal continues. To those who have been victimized by the anti-coal agenda, I am more determined than ever to fight for you.”
Kentucky is the fifth-largest coal-producing state in America and has about one-fifth of the country’s operating coal mines. As a result, Kentucky averages the eighteenth-lowest electricity prices of any state and the third-lowest prices of states east of the Mississippi River. It’s a fact: coal benefits the Commonwealth.
But fringe environmentalists want to shutter Kentucky coal—killing all the jobs and benefits that come with it. This radical approach will destroy the Commonwealth’s competitive advantage, cripple our economy, and increase utility costs on hard-working Kentuckians. Attorney General Cameron has opposed extreme environmentalism at every turn, suing to stop the cancellation of the Keystone XL Pipeline and defending against attacks on gas-powered vehicles and coal-fired power plants.
General Cameron has also advocated for Kentucky families before the Public Service Commission. Since taking office, he has secured nearly $350 million in utility rate savings for Kentucky consumers.
To read a copy of the order, click here.
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