Topeka ? The Senate has pushed a proposal for two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas a step closer to a promised veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Senators approved the measure Thursday on a 31-9 vote. It would allow Sunflower Electric Power Corp., based in Hays, to build the two plants near Holcomb in Finney County.

The House has already approved a version of the bill, and the final version will be worked out by House and Senate negotiators.

Senate President Steve Morris, a Hugoton Republican whose district includes Finney County, said a bill could be ready to send to the governor next week.

This is the second year of jousting between the Republican-controlled Legislature and the Democratic governor over the power plants. Last year, she vetoed three similar bills.

In October 2007, Health and Environment Secretary Rod Bremby denied an air-quality permit for Sunflower, citing concerns about potential carbon dioxide emissions, even though the utility met all state requirements.

Many legislators say he overstepped his authority because the state has no CO2 standards. They also say he created regulatory uncertainty that damaged the state’s business climate.

Sens. Marci Francisco, Lawrence; Tom Holland, Baldwin City; and Anthony Hensley, Topeka, all Democrats, voted against the bill.