We've all heard about what a lackluster event this year's legislative session was - but there was one auspicious development that deserves notice.

On April 11, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 559 into law - a piece of legislation that opens the door for nuclear energy in the Bluegrass State. Similar legislation was shot down in previous sessions. Though the new law does not allow Kentucky utility companies to use nuclear power to produce electricity, it does allow them to use nuclear power for the conversion of coal and natural gas.

With the Environmental Protection Agency attempting to choke the economic vitality out of Kentucky coal, the Commonwealth cannot afford any cost-effective energy sources being banned by overzealous regulators. If Kentuckians want to continue to enjoy some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, a free market in energy production is the only way forward.