A Response to Governor Kathleen Sebelius' February 26, 2008 Column, 'A Balanced Approach'

HAYS, Kan., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Prepared Statement by Brian J. Moline, Chairman, Alliance for Sound Energy Policy:

"Kansas is blessed with a diversity of energy resources that enable our state's citizens to enjoy some of the most affordable electricity rates in the country. At a time when crude oil has exceeded $100 a barrel, gas has surged over $3.00 a gallon, and record-high home heating costs have hit the Midwest, access to affordable electricity is imperative to families throughout our great state.

The Kansas Legislature should be commended, not condemned, for its overwhelming and bi-partisan support of legislation that embraces regulatory stability and helps address Kansas' long-term energy needs.

Decisions about 'filling voids from federal inaction' should be made within the bounds of a solid and reliable regulatory framework on which consumers, businesses, and industries can reasonably rely. Any changes to existing rules and regulations should be made by our Legislature or through a public notice and comment period. Such decisions should not be applied arbitrarily. This kind of uncertainty only imperils our state's prosperity by causing existing businesses, and the thousands of people they employ, to question whether their investments in our state's economy will unnecessarily be put at risk.

Kansas' industries and businesses have already begun to implement technologies to improve environmental performance beyond Federal requirements. Industry is proud to have responded to the Governor's challenge to generate ten-percent of our state's electricity from wind by 2010.

Speaking on behalf of our state's largest and most significant business, industry, agriculture, and labor organizations, the Alliance for Sound Energy Policy believes the Kansas House and Senate have worked well together to ensure a sustainable, more prosperous future for our state by passing well-balanced legislation that will help meet our growing energy needs while protecting the environment.

We will continue supporting this discussion on finding clean, affordable, and secure sources of energy to meet increased demand as long as it does not compromise the welfare of Kansas families or our economy."

The Alliance for Sound Energy Policy is a statewide, non-partisan organization committed to balancing our growing energy needs with environmental stewardship while encouraging the development of a comprehensive energy strategy that provides an affordable, reliable, and diverse energy portfolio for Kansas' future.

We can be found online at: http://www.soundenergypolicy.net/.

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Source: Alliance for Sound Energy Policy

CONTACT: Kathy Strunk of Alliance for Sound Energy Policy,
+1-785-224-3871

Web site: http://www.soundenergypolicy.net/

2008-02-26 19:26:12 0298971 PRNEWSWIRE