For generations, Kentucky has powered America. From coal to manufacturing to agriculture, our state has always understood what it means to produce, build and compete. Today, as the global race with China intensifies, Kentucky once again has an opportunity to lead.
I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where I heard from Blake Deeley with the National Energy Dominance Council about the importance of American energy leadership and what it means for our economic and national security future. The message was clear: if the United States wants to win the next century, we must outcompete China in energy, technology and infrastructure.
That starts with states like Kentucky.
China is aggressively investing in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals and energy infrastructure because they understand something many in Washington have forgotten: nations that control energy, control economic power. America cannot afford to become dependent on foreign adversaries for the energy and technology systems that drive our economy.
Kentucky is uniquely positioned to help America achieve true energy dominance. We have a skilled workforce, abundant natural resources, growing manufacturing capacity and a strategic location that makes us attractive for new investment. From traditional energy production to emerging technologies and data infrastructure, Kentucky can help fuel the next generation of American growth.
As a thought leader on energy in Kentucky and a member of the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Energy, I believe we must pursue policies that encourage innovation, strengthen domestic energy production, modernize infrastructure and attract private investment. That means supporting reliable baseload power, expanding broadband and digital infrastructure and ensuring Kentucky remains competitive for industries that will define the future economy.
This is not just about economics. It is about national security.
Every factory built in America instead of China matters. Every investment in American energy production matters. Every technological breakthrough developed here at home instead of overseas matters.
The United States has the talent, resources and entrepreneurial spirit to lead the world, but leadership is not guaranteed. We must choose it.
Kentucky has always answered the call when America needed us. In this new era of global competition, we can help power America’s future once again.
