To the editor:

March 19 is Clean Energy Day and I would like to impress upon all Kansans the importance of our state leading in policy that promotes clean energy and discourages air-polluting forms of energy.

Kansas is one of the top windiest states in the nation. It is our duty as a state to guide our country in clean wind energy technology. Several wind farms are in existence and many more are proposed. Westar and Electric Transmission America are in a joint venture to build an ultra-high capacity transmission line for wind energy across southwest Kansas. Policy that supports these and other clean energy endeavors can help Kansas lead in the coveted energy market.

Unfortunately, not all Kansas policymakers are on board with clean energy policy as indicated by the passing of House Bill 2014, which supports the construction of two coal-fired power plants in Holcomb. These coal plants will add 11 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This climate-changing gas will only harm Kansas, especially if the Obama administration caps the amount of carbon dioxide a state can produce, in which case, Kansas will have to backpedal to clean up the mess. Hopefully, Gov. Sebelius will veto the bill and Kansans will convince our representatives not to override her decision.

I am proud to be a Kansan and I would like to be able to brag about my state. Kansas needs to lead in clean energy development and move away from the dirty, shameful coal-burning power plants.

Linda Redding,
Lawrence