Beshear addresses some of this on his website.

Some excerpts follow.

From this page on economic development in general: (lots more on the page, but this seems to indcate a broader focus than you imply)

* Focusing Economic Development Strategies on Industries with the Greatest Opportunity for Growth in Kentucky. In recent years, Kentucky has focused on maintaining manufacturing jobs. Although the preservation of our manufacturing base is an important economic strategy, we shouldn’t focus so heavily on manufacturing that we ignore the potential for growth in other areas. To be competitive in today’s economy, Kentucky must pursue economic development strategies that build off our economic strengths and have the best potential for growth in the future. While we should continue to pursue growth strategies to attract and sustain manufacturing jobs, we also should focus on industries, such as small businesses, energy, agriculture, adventure tourism, data warehousing, and value-added products that also provide future growth potential. As Governor, I will review each region of the state to determine their economic strengths, and then link those strengths with the needs of industries that have the best possibility to expand in the future.

From here on jobs and workforce development:

In my Kentucky First plan, I outlined a number of industries that build on our economic strengths and provide us the greatest potential for growth such as: energy, manufacturing, agriculture, adventure tourism, shipping and distribution, as well as data warehousing. I have recommended ways to invest in Kentucky business to create more jobs and improve our economy. Now I want to discuss another component of creating more jobs: investing in human capital.

My plan for putting Kentucky Workers First will:

* Focus workforce development on industries that represent our future

* Increase education and training opportunities

* Modernize our approach to developing a skilled workforce

[details then follow]

And from this page is an area where I have been saying for YEARS we can create far more American jobs--ENERGY:

n my Businesses First plan, I explained that one of the keys to growing the Kentucky economy will be to better target state efforts at businesses here in Kentucky using Kentucky know-how and Kentucky talent to expand and become more profitable. I described my detailed strategy of how I will make Kentucky’s businesses my top economic priority as Governor.

My Fueling Kentucky First plan applies both of these economic development strategies to a critical part of the Kentucky economy – our energy sector. What energy we use to power our homes, businesses, industries, and vehicles and how efficiently we use it affects the competitiveness of our businesses, our family budgets and the environment we cherish.

Fueling Kentucky First is my plan to achieve energy independence, build new industries, create jobs and promote our national security. My Administration will make the creation of new clean coal, alternative fuels and other “Clean Technology” jobs a top priority.

Not surprisingly, he emphasizes "clean" coal and natural gas more than I would personally like, but those ARE local energy resources for Kentucky. I hope he also looks into other, cleaner resources as well and with an equal emphasis and not just pander to the coal industry. But politically and practically, I suspect "clean" coal has to be part of an energy independence plan for a state like Kentucky.