Topeka — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' administration Thursday was in damage control mode over its decision to reject two massive coal-fired plants in western Kansas.
In a speech to a Rotary Club in Topeka, Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson repeatedly emphasized development of alternative energy projects in western Kansas, and the accompanying economic activity.
Later, Parkinson told reporters that western Kansas' glass was "overflowing."
He added, "The future of western Kansas in terms of energy is incredibly bright, but it's in alternative energy that we have in western Kansas. It's not in buying coal from Wyoming."
Officials from western Kansas have been in an uproar since last month when the Sebelius administration denied permits for the two 700-megawatt plants near Holcomb, which would have been powered by coal purchased in Wyoming.
Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Roderick Bremby rejected the permits, citing concerns about the proposed plants' carbon dioxide emissions and global warming.
Parkinson, in his speech Thursday, talked about the increase in wind-generated power and construction of ethanol plants as an alternative fuel. He said much of this development was suited for western Kansas, which produces the crops to make ethanol and has among the most viable wind farm locations in the country.
His comments came a day after Bremby used the approval of an ethanol plant in Dodge City to tout the benefits to western Kansas of the developing ethanol industry.
But Bob Kreutzer, of Garden City, who is a supporter of the Holcomb plants, said the assurances from Bremby and Parkinson rang hollow.
"I think they are trying to create a vision that things are all perfect," said Kreutzer, a plumbing and mechanical supply contractor.
But, he said, denial of the coal-fired plants has chased off a lot of potential development in the region.
And Sebelius' refusal to allow the plants to be constructed has produced a potential political standoff, he said.
"If she continues this way, it is going to tear this state apart by the time this litigation is over," he said.
The plant developer, Sunflower Electric Power Corp., has vowed to fight KDHE's decision in court. And western Kansas lawmakers, including House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, and Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, have said they are considering legislation aimed at reversing Bremby's ruling.
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lounger (anonymous) says…
We all breath the same air-thank you very much. The ruling was a great one for this state. One more time...thanks Mrs Sebelius!
hornhunter (anonymous) says…
That political ruling is going to cost the state big $$, so can you suck in that air too.
teacher4ku (anonymous) says…
The wind farms in western Kansas that were planned are now being put on hold because of the lack of transmission lines for the electricity. I think it's ridiculous for Bremby to say "the glass is overflowing" when the wind farms won't be built without the extra lines that would have been put in place with the coal plant expansion.
preebo (anonymous) says…
"That political ruling is going to cost the state big $$, so can you suck in that air too." - What big money? Tax revenue? The same could be achieved through renewable means. It is time to stop looking at the short-term fix to our energy policy. We, in Kansas, have a unique opportunity to lead this nation into a new era of energy production. Imagine an America where Kansas farmers can be the oil tycoons of tomorrow, either through biofuel production (biodiesel/ethonal) or through windturbine leasing.
dirkleisure (anonymous) says…
teacher4ku, I assume you base your comment on a recent AP story that was picked up from a report in the Wichita Eagle over the weekend.
I would direct you to today's Wichita Eagle. http://www.kansas.com/611/story/22805...
You will see, quite clearly, the earlier story was full of myths. The earlier story was based upon information from local eco devo representatives, not from the people actually building the wind farms and transmission lines.
Those wind farms are still going to be built. Any information to the contrary is a scare tactic by those who want to boondoggle the state and Sunflower's rate payers into a $3.6 billion albatross.
As for the ridiculous comment from the man responsible for the Putin ad about additional development, the federal government, in a report approved by the Bush administration, indicates wind power creates more economic opportunity for a region than carbon based power.
Stop spreading myths and half truths based on information that was accurate in 1998 but is not accurate today. Wake up and join the 21st century.
lounger (anonymous) says…
Hey hornhunter go on and move to the east coast if you dont care about air here in kansas. Then when you are wheezing for your next breath of fresh air you might reconsider your lame comment....
Marcus (anonymous) says…
I want Kansas to become the Saudia Arabia of renewable energy. The last thing we needs is to burn MORE coal. Way to go Gov. Kathleen Sebelius!
teacher4ku (anonymous) says…
While we are getting rid of CO2 emissions, I guess we need to have auto makers immediately stop making gasoline powered vehicles. Maybe they should build pedal cars, that way we could fight obesity while saving the earth!
toefungus (anonymous) says…
It was how she did it as much as what she did. Our governor is like a business consultant who comes in from out of town, destroys, and leaves.