FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2026) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today his two nominations to the Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC). Tony Campbell and Matt Ricketts have been nominated to serve on the EPIC executive committee.
Campbell recently retired from East Kentucky Power Cooperative where he was President and CEO for the last 16 years. Earlier this year, he spoke at a White House event to promote reliable energy sources like Eastern-Kentucky coal. He also led the charge against former-President Biden’s ‘green new scam.’
Ricketts currently serves as President and CEO of the Crounse Corporation. The Paducah-based shipping company operates a massive inland shipping fleet consisting of approximately 40 towboats and over 1,300 barges. Crounse Corporation is one of the largest carriers of bulk coal and limestone on the U.S. inland waterway system, operating along the Ohio, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Cumberland rivers. A Union County, Kentucky native, Ricketts previously worked in a senior role for Alliance Resource Partners.
“Kentucky understands the importance of reliable, affordable, and American-made energy—especially coal and natural gas,” said Tony Campbell, former CEO and President of East Kentucky Power Cooperative. “America must keep coal plants open and running to ensure reliable electricity when we need it most. I’m grateful to AG Coleman for calling me back into the fight to protect Kentucky’s energy future.”
“I am honored by Attorney General Coleman’s nomination to serve and look forward to working alongside other members of EPIC to help move Kentucky energy forward," said Ricketts, CEO and President of the Crounse Corporation.
Both nominations must be confirmed by the Kentucky State Senate.
“Affordable and reliable energy is Kentucky’s competitive advantage, and it’s the reason so many families and industries come to the Commonwealth. These two widely respected individuals will help lead the future of Kentucky energy,” said Attorney General Coleman.
Download a picture of Campbell.
Download a picture of Ricketts.
EPIC was created by the General Assembly in 2024 as Senate Bill 349 from State Senator Robby Mills, R, Henderson. Earlier this year, Mills sponsored Senate Bill 100 which strengthened the commission’s ability to carry out its mission of ensuring Kentucky has reliable, affordable, and diverse energy resources to meet present and future demands.
“Affordable energy is the backbone of Kentucky’s economy and quality of life,” said Senator Mills. “I’m proud to work alongside AG Coleman and EPIC to plan for the future and meet growing demand."