McCracken County leaders announced two community meetings on nuclear energy in June, aimed at providing residents with information and fostering discussion.
The first will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, while the latter will run from 8 to 10 a.m. on Friday, June 12. Both meetings will be at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention and Expo Center.
According to a news release from McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer and Paducah Mayor George Bray, Dr. Patrick White will lead the meetings.
White is an advanced nuclear and technology expert whose work focuses on nuclear energy safety and regulation, nuclear waste management and nonproliferation issues, the release stated.
White’s presentation will explore advanced nuclear energy technologies; the siting, regulation and oversight of nuclear facilities; the nuclear energy ecosystem and supply chain; the potential role and benefits of nuclear energy development for communities and what it means to be designated as a Nuclear-Ready Community.
The county is holding the meetings as part of the Nuclear-Ready Community designation process.
Designation is awarded through the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, which was established by the Kentucky General Assembly in 2024. KNEDA serves as a non-regulatory state agency focused on supporting and facilitating energy development, coordinating strategy and expanding energy education in the state.
According to KNEDA, the Nuclear-Ready Community program was developed to help communities demonstrate their preparedness to support potential nuclear energy-ready development.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meetings. Clymer and Bray will provide opening remarks, and time will be allotted for public comment.