Topeka ? Kansas legislative leaders will meet next week to consider appointing a special committee to investigate why it is taking the Kansas Department of Health and Environment so long to decide on a permit for a coal-fired power project in western Kansas.

Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, a supporter of the Sunflower Electric Power Corp. proposal, has called for a meeting Wednesday of the Legislative Coordinating Council, which is made up of legislative leaders.

Morris wants to form a committee that would look into the status of the proposed permit at KDHE. The agency has been considering the project since late last year after holding hearings and receiving public comment. KDHE has given no indication when it will make a decision.

Sunflower Electric has proposed construction of twin 700-megawatt plants near its existing facility in Holcomb.

The project has produced strong reaction on both sides. Environmentalists say pollution from the plant will add to global climate change and cause health problems. Supporters say the plants will be among the cleanest-burning coal facilities in the nation, and help the western Kansas economy.

Dozens of legislators are lobbying for approval of the permits, while recently Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has said she opposes the plant. The Lawrence City Commission also opposes the plant.