Committee moves bill to study energy resources and costs March 5, 2026 Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin, is sponsoring House Joint Resolution 77, which cleared the House Natural Resources and Energy Committee on Thursday. A high-resolution photo can be found here. FRANKFORT — The House Natural Res ources and Energy Committee advanced a resolution Thursday directing state officials to study the future viability of coal resources and energy affordability in Eastern Kentucky. House Joint Resolution 77 would direct the Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resources and electricity affordability in the region. The study aims to provide lawmakers with research and data that could guide future energy and economic policy decisions affecting coal-producing communities. Under the resolution, the commission would examine the long-term availability of coal, the reliability of the electric grid and the cost of energy in Eastern Kentucky. The commission would report its findings to the Legislative Research Commission by Dec. 1, 2026. Rep. Tom Smith, R-Corbin, said the resolution is intended to give lawmakers a clearer picture of the region’s energy landscape. “We asked EPIC to come into Eastern Kentucky to look at the whole of what’s going on with our electric grid and what our options are,” Smith said during the committee meeting. Rep. Adam Moore, D-Lexington, said he planned to support the resolution but asked whether the study would consider alternative energy sources in addition to coal. While the resolution focuses heavily on coal, Smith said the study could also examine other energy resources used in the region. “When we talk about Eastern Kentucky, we talk about jobs, and when we talk about coal, it’s kind of like we’re in a coal bubble,” Smith said. “We produce gas in Eastern Kentucky yet it’s not being burned in these coal-fired generators. So, the resolution is also asking them to look at gathering systems or energy that could possibly be used in Eastern Kentucky.” House Majority Caucus Chair Suzanne Miles, R-Owensboro, also praised the resolution, saying the research could help lawmakers develop long-term solutions for energy policy across the state. “Hopefully we have some good data to work on solutions for the entire state,” Miles said. Rep. Jim Gooch Jr., R-Providence, said he initially had concerns about the resolution because of its focus on Eastern Kentucky and the timeline for completing the study. Gooch said he later learned EPIC had already begun researching many of the issues outlined in the resolution. “I spoke to EPIC and they are already doing this research, this resolution just makes it official.” Gooch said. “I no longer have as many serious reservations about how quickly we’re going to have to operate.” The measure passed committee 19-0 and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The post Committee moves bill to study energy resources and costs appeared first on The Lexington Times. ...read more read less