Beshear set to unveil 'comprehensive' energy plan

Gov. Steve Beshear's (D-Lexington) office has announced the Governor will release a "comprehensive energy plan" at a press conference at the state capitol tommorrow at 10am.

Details are unclear on the plan at this point - which is lauded as the "first-ever" so-called comprehensive plan - though Beshear has hinted at what may be in the plan in the past.

At a September conference on energy issues, the Governor emphasized the continued use of coal as part of the Commonwealth's future while also saying nuclear power options should be "discussed."

Beshear said then that the state "cannot abandon coal."

Earlier this week, Beshear penned a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency criticizing proposed changes in regulations that would remove buffers preventing mining waste from being dumped near rivers and streams. In that letter, he said he was committed to "environmentally responsible coal mining" in Kentucky.

With regard to "renewable" energy, Beshear has noted an increase in those types of fuels would be included in his plan, but suggested it would not be a major increase, according to reports.