(WKYT) – Gov. Andy Beshear is pushing back on questions about the legal authority of his new executive order on data centers.
Beshear signed the order last week to protect against harmful impacts from potential data centers in Kentucky and to give local communities a stronger voice in whether those projects move forward.
Some critics have questioned whether the order can direct the Public Service Commission to stop utilities from raising rates to cover data center costs.
Beshear said there is no gray area.
“The executive order is fully enforceable and if you don’t believe it watch me — watch what happens when we move forward, watch how these companies present their plans as they have to, watch the actions of the various agencies,” he said.
Beshear said companies will have to present their plans with the rules outlined in the order in mind.
He also said the order is designed to improve communication between data center companies and the communities where they want to build.