Gov. Bevin to Ceremonially Sign Nuclear Moratorium Lift in Paducah

By MATT MARKGRAF

Governor Matt Bevin is joining state and local officials in Paducah on Wednesday to ceremonially sign the bill that effectively lifted the nuclear moratorium in Kentucky.

The state legislature passed Senate Bill 11 -known as the ‘Leeper Act’ earlier this year. The measure is named after McCracken County Judge Executive and former State Senator Bob Leeper who had championed similar legislation. State Senator Danny Carroll of Paducah and others continued the effort that led to passage.

McCracken County is home to the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant that produced enriched uranium through the diffusion process for around 60 years until operations ceased in 2013.

Area leaders are optimistic for the short-term and long-term potential of the site as a possible research facility or home to a future nuclear reactor. Some have expressed concern over environmental implications. The site has undergone clean-up for hazardous and radioactive waste since the 1980s and sits within the New Madrid Seismic Zone.

The signing is at 4 p.m. at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Leeper and Carroll will join Bevin for the signing.