Kentucky House panel passes energy bill, entire House approval expected.

The House Energy Committee has passed House Bill 1 of the special session. The whole House is expected to approve of the measure, which will then go to the Senate where its prospects for approval appear certain.

Update: Whole House has passed the "Peabody" bill. It now goes to the Senate.

Alos, Gov. Fletcher's office just released the following press statement, posted here in its entirety:

"I am glad that the House is working with us to make Kentucky a leader in energy," said Governor Fletcher. "As we have said from the start, this legislation isn’t just important for a single company – it is important for the future of Kentucky. This legislation is a continuation of the energy strategy my administration initiated three years ago. I look forward to the passage of House Bill 1."