If you haven't been paying attention to environmental news over the past few months. Republicans (and some Democrats) are trying to force through a coal plant after Richard Bremby of the Kansas Dept of Health and Environment rejected the permit back in October. Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed two previous bills...follow over the fold
This plant, which would be built in Western Kansas, would emit 11 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year. Here is the kicker though, 85% would go to Colorado and Texas. Almost none of the power but all of the pollution.
I can sympathize with Western Kansans because it is a generally economically depressed region of the state but we are at a time when we MUST consider environmental impact in the generation of our power and our daily lives. This project was the FIRST in the United States rejected solely on the threat of CO2 and climate change concerns. Look at little old Kansas leading the way. We have one person to thank for this and that is our Governor, Kathleen Sebelius. She appointed Richard Bremby to this spot and has been throwing her huge political muscle behind this project. Sunflower Energy, (electric company wanting to build it) has spent nearly one million dollars on this issue this session alone. They've spent about what usually gets spent on lobbying during a normal session.
Governor Sebelius has vetoed two prior bills the legislature has tried to enact to strip the Secretary of the KDHE of his ability to reject permits without legislative approval. A clear cut intrusion into the executive branch.
RIGHT NOW: The Republican-led legislature has passed a bill 78-44 on a trailer bill to follow this current override attempt of the veto. That is 6 votes short of attaining a veto-proof majority. The House has now issued a "Call of the House" a procedural motion to stall and get a few more members to the floor. Intense lobbying is currently happening between supporters and opponents on the floor.
(http://cjonline.com/stories/050108/bre_coal.shtml)
I will update when I find out more, but if you want a rough and tumble VP candidate with proven executive creds...Sebelius is it. I know her SOTU response was boring but she is cracking skulls at the moment. UPDATES TO COME!
UPDATED: Governor Sebelius' veto has been sustained on a vote of 80-45, 4 votes shy of having a veto proof majority. Thanks to aimeeinkc!
http://primebuzz.kcstar.com/...
This isn't over because they will reconsider tomorrow.
HELL YEAH PEOPLE, Sebelius for VP (very excited)!!!