Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Roderick Bremby will announce a decision Thursday on pending air-quality permits for two proposed 700 mega-watt coal-fired electricity plants in western Kansas.

The proposed $3.6 billion plants near Holcomb have been the subject of months of controversy.

Supporters say the plants will boost the Kansas economy and provide long-term inexpensive power. Opponents say the coal-produced carbon dioxide and other emissions will harm the environment and Kansans’ health.