Governor encouraged with decision to deny two new coal plants

The following statement is from Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

“After careful and extended study and serious deliberation, this is the right decision for the health and well-being of the people of Kansas. I commend Secretary Bremby and his staff for their efforts in what has been an extremely complex process.

“As Governor, I am encouraged by this decision, because protecting the people of Kansas – in every corner of our state – has always mattered more to me than anything else.

“Kansas utility companies, including Sunflower Electric, have done a great job providing reliable energy to Kansans. What has become clear, however, is that Kansas must take advantage of renewable energy and conservation as we progress through this century.

“These additional coal plants would have moved us in the wrong direction and far exceed the critical power needs for Kansas homes and businesses.  In fact, eighty-five percent of the power proposed to be generated would be sold to customers, not in Kansas but in states like Colorado and Texas. These coal plants would have produced 11 million additional tons of carbon every year – 550 million tons of carbon over the lifetime of the project. Why should Kansans get one hundred percent of the pollution and threats to our health while only getting 15 percent of the energy? While there are some innovative technologies proposed as companions to these coal plants, none will significantly diminish the carbon impact of two new coal plants in our state.

“We will continue to work aggressively for jobs and economic opportunities for western Kansas. We are committed to achieving growth but we must make smart choices about the future. This project was sited in western Kansas but its impact was not confined to one part of our state; it’s a decision that affects our entire state and nation. It is critical that our efforts with energy production protect the safety and security of Kansans while pursuing economic opportunities, wherever they may be. This is a decision about all of us – today – and into the future.”

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