State Rep. Rocky Adkins currently serves as House Majority Floor Leader after being chosen for the post by his Democratic colleagues in November, 2003. A long-time veteran of the Kentucky House of Representatives, he is now serving in his 25th year as a legislator.

A native of Sandy Hook, Ky., Rep. Adkins is a graduate of Elliott County High School and Morehead State University, where he also received his Master’s Degree in Secondary Education.

In 1986, Rep. Adkins was elected to the 99th House District at the age of 26, making him one of the youngest members ever elected to serve in the Kentucky legislature. Rep. Adkins quickly accumulated legislative responsibilities and served on a number of influential committees, including the House Appropriations & Revenue Committee and the Budget Review Subcommittee on Transportation where he served as chairman. As a member of House Leadership, Rep. Adkins serves on the Rules Committee, the Committee on Committees, and the Legislative Research Commission.

A leader in the field of energy independence, Rep. Adkins has introduced several ground-breaking pieces of legislation that will help our nation achieve energy self sufficiency in the coming years. His legislation includes incentives for the conversion for coal to transportation fuels, use of agricultural products for energy such as biodiesel, biomass, ethanol and cellulose, and greater utilization of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro. Rep. Adkins’ legislative initiatives also promote conservation and incentives for energy efficient home building and construction.

He was recently re-appointed Vice Chair of the Southern States Energy Board (SSEB) for a third term by new Chairman Governor Bob McDonnell. Rep. Adkins has been called “the South’s lead legislator on energy.” The SSEB is a non-profit interstate organization dedicated to enhancing economic development throughout the region. Adkins was also recently elected Chair of the Southern Legislative Conference’s Energy and Environment Committee.