Alliance for Sound Energy Policy Commends Kansas Legislators

Alliance Chairman Brian Moline Issued the Following Statement

HAYS, Kan., March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- "This week, the Kansas Legislature reaffirmed its position in favor of regulatory certainty, economic growth, and individual prosperity by overwhelmingly supporting a conference report agreed to by members of both the House and Senate. The Alliance for Sound Energy Policy commends the compromise that was reached and the subsequent approval in both chambers of the legislature.

"This is a significant step towards a more balanced energy policy that protects public health and the environment. The compromise legislation creates energy efficiency standards and establishes a renewable portfolio standard for public utilities. It also sets clear and consistent standards for future decisions made by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

"Contrary to statements from the Governor's office, this legislation does preserve the emergency authority of the KDHE Secretary where there is an imminent threat to the health and safety of Kansans. This authority was never meant to be exercised in the routine review of air permit applications from utilities, manufacturers, the transportation sector, agriculture producers, or others that have followed well-established guidelines created by the Legislature and the people of Kansas.

"Members of both political parties demonstrated their eagerness to foster a more prosperous climate for Kansas businesses, to create jobs, and to ensure our state remains competitive in the global economy. Kansans should be proud of their elected representatives for restoring confidence in our state agency responsible for protecting public health and the environment and for insisting that regulatory decisions be based on existing rules and laws.

"We hope that the governor carefully studies this legislation and signs it into law as quickly as possible."

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 Patton Strunk of Alliance for Sound Energy Policy,
+1-785-224-3871

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

2008-03-06 17:38:14 0306875 PRNEWSWIRE