Parkinson vows continued fight against coal plants
Originally published 11:25 a.m., April 22, 2008
Updated 12:07 p.m., April 22, 2008
Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson is promising that the fight against two proposed coal-fired power plants will continue even if legislators approve them.
“You cannot say that you are an environmentalist, that you support the environment, that you are part of the green movement, and vote for coal-fired plants that are not needed for this state," he said.
Parkinson says an attempt to override a veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius won't end the debate over the plants because of litigation and possible upcoming federal regulation of carbon dioxide. Sebelius has vetoed two bills to allow Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the plants outside Holcomb in Finney County. She has also complained that the bill approved by the Legislature would strip the state of much of its environmental authority.
Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson
"Legal action is inevitable," he told reporters at an Earth Day event, though he wasn't more specific.
He also said the soaring price of building a coal plant could prevent the plants from being built.
The project is a partnership between Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and companies in Colorado and Texas. Approximately 85 percent of the energy will be used in Colorado and Texas.
Lawmakers who support the plants have vowed to push through legislation to have them built. They contend the plants will be among the cleanest burning coal-fired units in the nation, will boost the economy and provide the transmission lines needed to develop wind energy.
But Parkinson urged legislators to support Sebelius’ veto.
“Will we give away our water to Texas and Colorado? Will we give away our power to Texas and Colorado? Will we keep the carbon and continue to endanger the environment? That is what is at stake next week,” he said.
Lawmakers return for the wrap-up session on April 30.
Until then the governor's office is talking with lawmakers to explain all the facts and try to persuade them to change their minds, he said.
Sunflower's project has bipartisan legislative support and backers are close to having the two-thirds majorities in both houses that they need to override a veto. But Parkinson says the administration is considering steps to block the plants even if the Legislature overrides Sebelius.
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