Topeka — Kansas House Speaker Melvin Neufeld said the House will try this evening to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a bill that would authorize construction of two 700-megawatt coal-fired power plants.
Asked if he had the required two-thirds majority to override, Neufeld, R-Ingalls, said, "We believe so."
The House will re-convene at 6 p.m. to take up a companion energy bill and then the override
In the most contentious issue of the 2008 legislative session, Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and two out-of-state partners want to build the coal-burning plants in southwest Kansas.
Sebelius vetoed a bill clearing the way for the plants because of environmental, health and fiscal concerns.
The project would annually emit 11 million tons of carbon dioxide, which is linked to climate change. And most of the power would be sold to customers in Colorado and Texas. The bill also stripped the Kansas Department of Health and Environment of much of its regulatory authority in permitting power plants.
Supporters of the plants say they will be among the cleanest-burning in the country, and the $3.6 billion construction cost will boost the western Kansas economy.
On Wednesday, the Senate overrode Sebelius' veto 32-7, five votes more than the required two-thirds majority.
In the 125-member House, 84 votes are needed to override a veto.
In addition, the House will consider a bill that could increase the portion of the project for Kansas use, from 200 megawatts to 400 megawatts. The bill would also establish a 2-cent per month charge on every electric customer in the state. Those funds would go toward developing Sunflower Electric's bio-energy center - and statewide energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
Comments
LJWorld.com doesn’t necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy. Also, read about banned accounts and harassing comments.
jayhawklawrence (anonymous) says…
The Republicans just don't get it and it doesn't look like they ever will. In Missouri they are taking a good look now at Industrial farms and realizing they are a serious threat to humans.In Kansas, however, nobody cares. Very typical mentality. What people don't realize is how backward Kansas is on environmental issues. I don't see any light at the end of the tunnel either.
Yeoman2 (anonymous) says…
In Missouri they are taking a good look now at Industrial farms and realizing they are a serious threat to humansThe biggest "threat" to humans is other humans that fall hook, line and sinker for the environmentalist wackos that take an issue and blow it all out of proportion and seek to destroy our economy, our society, and our humanity with crazy, distended goofy notions that the left wing loons continue to produce and elaborate on.
toe (anonymous) says…
The Governor has decided to divide the state.
kugrad (anonymous) says…
Why is it justifiable to ask citizens across the state to fund a private companies research and development fund? Why should we pollute KS for energy sent elsewhere? The plant will produce few jobs, mostly short-term construction. This is government for sale, yet so-called conservatives line up to defend it with nothing more than the commercials funded by the coal industry to back up their thinking. Gov. Sebelius was right to veto this ridiculous proposal. She is the only one representing Kansans in this mess. All the talk about western vs eastern KS is just spurious bull. Bottom line; Republican votes bought and paid for, Republican sheep line up to bleat their approval because they can't stand having a compentent Democratic governor.
LiberalDude (anonymous) says…
Neufeld is corrupt. Don't give in to him Kansas Representatives. We're counting on you. Hold strong.
dorothyhr (Dorothy Hoyt-Reed) says…
"Speaker says House will override coal veto tonight"Guess not.
Keith (anonymous) says…
"Marion (Marion Lynn) says:Yes, it will and justifiably so."Wrong again.