Sebelius rejects second bill on coal-fired plants

(AP) – Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed a second bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

Like a measure she rejected last month, the bill would permit Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the two plants in Finney County.

It also would strip the secretary of health and environment of some of his power.

In October, Secretary Rod Bremby denied an air-quality permit for Sunflower’s $3.6 billion project. He cited the plants’ potential carbon dioxide emissions.

But bipartisan majorities in both houses support the project.

In her veto message, Sebelius criticized the bill’s supporters for not working toward a compromise.

Supporters need two-thirds majorities in both chambers to override her veto.