Kentucky HJR77: A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency.

What the bill says

A joint resolution directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency.

From the introduced text:

A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency. WHEREAS, eastern Kentucky has historically been a cornerstone of the Commonwealth's energy production and economic development through its abundant coal resources; and WHEREAS, the region has experienced a significant economic transition in recent years, with coal employment declining and communities seeking pathways to economic stability; and WHEREAS, eastern Kentucky residents face some of the highest energy cost burdens in the Commonwealth, with electricity rates and home energy expenses consuming a disproportionate share of household income; and WHEREAS, in 2024, the General Assembly established the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to assess energy supply adequacy, evaluate resource planning decisions, and provide independent analysis of the Commonwealth's energy future; and WHEREAS, understanding the technical and economic viability of coal resources in eastern Kentucky, including potential for continued baseload generation, alternative coal applications, and emerging coal technologies, is essential to informed energy policy; and WHEREAS, identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs for eastern Kentucky residents serves both economic development and quality of life objectives for the region; NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky: Section 1. The Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) is directed to conduct …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Tom Smith (R, HD-086) · primary sponsor
• Chris Fugate (R, HD-084)
• Adam Bowling (R, HD-087)
• George Brown (D, HD-077)
• Patrick Flannery (R, HD-096)
• Daniel Grossberg (D, HD-030)
• Mitch Whitaker (R, HD-094)

Latest actions

1. March 19, 2026: to Committee on Committees (S)
2. March 19, 2026: received in Senate
3. March 18, 2026: 3rd reading, adopted 94-0
4. March 16, 2026: posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 17 2026
5. March 6, 2026: 2nd reading, to Rules
6. March 5, 2026: reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
7. February 26, 2026: to Natural Resources & Energy (H)
8. February 19, 2026: to Committee on Committees (H)
9. February 19, 2026: introduced in House

Votes

• House: Adopt RCS# 280 (March 18, 2026): 94 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HJR77?

HJR77 is a bill in the Kentucky Legislature (2026 Regular Session): A JOINT RESOLUTION directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency.

What does HJR77 do?

In its own words: A joint resolution directing the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of coal resource viability and energy affordability in eastern Kentucky and declaring an emergency.

What is the status of HJR77?

In committee as of March 19, 2026. Latest action: to Committee on Committees (S) (March 19, 2026).

Who sponsored HJR77?

Tom Smith (R, HD-086), with 6 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HJR77?

On the Kentucky Legislature website: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hjr77.html