Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers comments on governor's data centers executive order
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers has issued a statement regarding Governor Andy Beshear's executive order on data centers, stating that the order aligns with Stivers' previous call for data center developers to bear infrastructure costs. However, Stivers criticizes the executive order as political theater, advocating for a legislative process to establish a comprehensive framework for data centers to protect ratepayers and provide business certainty.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers issued a statement from Frankfort on August 6, 2026, criticizing Governor Andy Beshear's recently issued executive order concerning data centers. Stivers indicated that the governor's order largely reflects principles he previously outlined, specifically that data center developers, rather than Kentucky ratepayers, should be responsible for the costs of new infrastructure.
Despite the alignment on principles, Stivers dismissed the executive order as "political theater" and argued that a "lasting framework" for data centers should be established through a deliberate legislative process. He emphasized the importance of legislative input from all involved parties to create sound policy that protects ratepayers, respects communities, and provides certainty for businesses investing in the state. Stivers also noted the General Assembly's coordination with the federal delegation, including Congressman Brett Guthrie, to ensure Kentucky's policies complement federal efforts.
Stivers, who represents the 25th Senate District and has served as Kentucky Senate President for over a decade, underscored his belief that the legislative path is the proper method for addressing such complex policy issues. His comments highlight an ongoing political disagreement regarding the appropriate method for regulating the growing data center industry in Kentucky.