Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Kansas Blocks Plant Over CO2

First decision to forbid construction because of carbon emissions

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 19, 2007 3:03 PM CDT

(Newser) – Kansas' health department yesterday became the nation's first government agency to block a proposed coal-burning power plant on environmental grounds, saying it would be "irresponsible to ignore the contribution of carbon dioxide to climate change." The decision, particularly in a red state, cheered environmental groups, and it may not be the last, the Washington Post reports.

Critics of the decision note Kansas has a popular Democratic governor with an eye on national office. Health departments have previously blocked power plant construction for spewing mercury or sulfur dioxide, but in April the Supreme Court ruled that greenhouse gases are pollutants and thus subject to the Clean Air Act. Other states may follow suit.

Southern Co.'s coal-fired Plant Scherer is seen in operation at Juliette, Ga. in this July 10, 2007 file photo.
Southern Co.'s coal-fired Plant Scherer is seen in operation at Juliette, Ga. in this July 10, 2007 file photo.   (Associated Press)
Sunflower Electric Cooperative's coal-fired power plant churns out electricity in this Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 file photo in Holcomb, Kan. Twenty-five coal-fired power plant proposals have been scrapped or suspended and more than three dozen delayed as global warming pressures and rising construction costs prompt utilities to reconsider expansions, according...
Sunflower Electric Cooperative's coal-fired power plant churns out electricity in this Friday, Feb. 2, 2007 file photo in Holcomb, Kan. Twenty-five coal-fired power plant proposals have been scrapped...   (Associated Press)
The Omaha Public Power District's coal-fired power plant is seen in Nebraska City, Neb., Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007.
The Omaha Public Power District's coal-fired power plant is seen in Nebraska City, Neb., Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2007.   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Evangelical Preaches Gospel of Global Warming

Greenhouse Gases Surging: US Report

California OKs Cap-and-Trade

Burning Coal Slowed Climate Change: Study

2010 Saw Shock Rise in Carbon Emissions


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne