Kansas Governor Vetoes Bill to Revive 2 Coal-Fired Plants

[IDemo]

New York Times

By FELICITY BARRINGER
Published: March 22, 2008

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas vetoed a measure on Friday that would have forced the state to approve two coal-fired power plants producing large amounts of carbon dioxide.

The veto, which was expected, is unlikely to be overridden in the Kansas House of Representatives, two legislators said. The State Senate passed the measure with a veto-proof majority.

The two proposed plants, to be built by the Sunflower Electric Corporation in the southwest corner of the state, would generate 1,400 megawatts of electricity and produce up to 11 million tons of carbon-dioxide emissions. Because of the large production of greenhouse gases, the state’s secretary of health and the environment, Rod Bremby, withheld approval for the plants.

“We know that greenhouse gases contribute to climate change,” Governor Sebelius wrote in a news release. “As an agricultural state, Kansas is particularly vulnerable. Therefore, reducing pollutants benefits our state not only in the short term but also for generations of Kansans to come.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/22/us/22kansas.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

[Fovea]

1. Kathleen Sebelius, future Veep.

n/t

[patrice]

2. Have NO doubt about it. We're going after those senators who override.nt

[texastoast]

3. Go Kansas!

:yourock:

[diane in sf]

4. Good news! Leave that coal in the ground--lots of wind in Kansas.

[OKIsItJustMe]

5. Sebelius still proposing one plant to utility's skeptical backers

http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/109807.html

Sebelius still proposing one plant to utility's skeptical backers

(Published March 22, 2008)

TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is still offering a deal to allow one of two proposed coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

But the utility hoping to build them rejected her proposal nearly two months ago. And legislators who support the company remain skeptical.

Sebelius vetoed a bill Friday to allow Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the two plants in Finney County.

Supporters of the $3.6 billion project promised to keep working to save it. They don't know whether they'll try to override her veto or pass a new bill.

The governor says she'll accept construction of one plant if Sunflower commits to additional wind power and conservation programs.

Sunflower contends her proposal isn't financially feasible.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=115&topic_id=139747&mesg_id=139747

[OKIsItJustMe]

6. Salina delegation stays firm on coal

http://www.saljournal.com/rdnews/story/legislative-forum-3-22-08

Salina delegation stays firm on coal

By DUANE SCHRAG
Salina Journal

Salina's legislators dug in their heels Saturday morning, reiterating their support for the energy bill vetoed Friday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

"We have to guarantee that when you flip the switch, the light will come on," said Sen. Pete Brungardt.

The question of whether Kansas faces an electricity shortage -- less than 15 percent of the power from the proposed coal-fired plant in Holcomb would be for Kansas customers -- wasn't explored.

Brungardt and Reps. Charlie Roth, R-Salina, Deena Horst, R-Salina, and Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth, were at a legislative forum organized by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

...