Governor Vetoes Coal Plant Bill

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has followed through on her promise to veto a bill that would allow construction of two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

Yesterday’s action was the fourth coal plant bill the governor has rejected in the past two years.

The bill would have permitted construction of the plants near Holcomb. In 2007, Health and Environment Secretary Rod Bremby rejected a permit sought by Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the plants.

Legislators have had enough support to pass the previous three bills and override Sebelius in the Senate, but have fallen short in the House.

The Legislature is on break until late April, when it returns to finish its work, including an attempt to override Monday’s veto.