The Kansas official who was supposed to

decide the fate of a new coal-fired power plant is leaving his job

before the decision is made.

Gov. Mark Parkinson’s office confirmed Tuesday that Rod Bremby

is out as secretary of health and environment.

Parkinson spokeswoman Amy Jordan Wooden said that Parkinson

asked Bremby to help lead the transition to a new governor, but

Bremby declined. Parkinson leaves office in January.

Still pending is a decision on a proposed environmental permit

for Sunflower Electric Power Corp. The Hays-based utility wants to

build a new coal-fired power plant in Finney County.

The utility has hoped that a permit will be issued by the end of

the year, so the new plant can avoid federal greenhouse gas rules

taking effect Jan. 2.