Mayor encourages public comment on DOE proposal for advanced nuclear reactors
FOX23 News at 9 p.m.
PADUCAH, Ky. (KBSI) — Mayor George Bray is encouraging residents to submit public comments following a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Energy regarding advanced nuclear reactors.
The agency is proposing a “categorical exclusion” under its National Environmental Policy Act procedures for certain activities related to advanced nuclear reactors, including authorization, siting, construction, operation and decommissioning.
A categorical exclusion allows certain projects to move forward without detailed environmental review if they are determined not to have significant environmental impacts.
The public comment period is open through March 4, and comments can be submitted through the Department of Energy’s online public comment portal.
“I encourage all residents to take this opportunity to provide input during the open public comment period on advanced nuclear reactors and the Department of Energy’s categorical exclusion,” Bray said.
“The development of Paducah/McCracken County’s nuclear community is rapidly advancing, and community input is an essential element to ensure transparency, safety and accountability in decisions that may impact our future.”
The proposal follows Executive Order 14301, signed in May 2025, which directs the energy secretary to expedite or eliminate certain environmental reviews for nuclear-related projects.
According to the order, advanced reactors — including microreactors, small modular reactors, and Generation III+ and Generation IV designs — could support industries such as data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, petrochemical production, health care, desalination and hydrogen production.
