By SARAH KESSINGER

Harris News Service

TOPEKA -- Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this morning vetoed a bill to allow two new coal-burning power plants in Finney County.

She also established a task force of business executives to explore how Kansas can reduce carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming.

"This decision not only preserves Kansans' health and upholds our moral obligation to be good stewards of this beautiful land, but will also enhance our prospects for strong and sustainable economic growth throughout our state," Sebelius wrote in her veto message.

"Instead of building two new coal plants, which would produce 11 million new tons of carbon dioxide each year, I support pursuing other, more promising energy and economic development alternatives."

The action was no surprise to House and Senate leaders and other lawmakers supportive of Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp.'s plan to build the plants.

"We were hopeful that the governor would recognize the will of her constituency, and disappointed that she has chosen another more personally driven direction," said House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls.

Senate President Steve Morris, R-Hugoton, who represents the district where the plants would be built, pledged to work with Neufeld to override the veto.

"The proposed Holcomb project would be one of the most environmentally friendly and responsible in the world," Morris said, "and would result in $3.6 billion of much-needed economic development in western Kansas."

Sunflower is seeking to build the 1,400-megawatt generating complex next to an existing coal-fired plant. Other investors in the project are Colorado and Texas utilities, which will use most of its power.

A state regulator denied Sunflower's permit for the project last fall, citing a U.S. Supreme Court decision in April that called for regulation of CO2 emissions as an environmental pollutant in the country.

A company spokesman said Thursday they would urge lawmakers to continue trying to pass legislation to allow the plants. Sunflower also has asked the Kansas Supreme Court to reverse the permit decision.

Expecting the veto, House members who back the project might have a second bill in the wings.

"There's certainly a lot of discussion going on," said Rep. Kenny Wilk, R-Lansing, who voted for the original bill. "I think you'll see something."

An opponent of the original bill, which would allow Sunflower to build two plants, said it's doubtful a second one would fare any better.

"The last one they rolled out, which was done behind closed doors, was summarily dispatched by opponents," said Rep. Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth. "It works better sometimes when you have broad input."

To be successful, skeptics say, any new bill would have to require Sunflower to greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the new plants' smokestacks. But that's a costly endeavor with undeveloped technology.

The bill vetoed by Sebelius today has no carbon-cutting requirements and would strip her secretary of health and environment, Rod Bremby, of his power to regulate greenhouse gas unless the federal government decides to do so.

Sunflower spokesman Steve Miller acknowledged there's talk of another bill.

"That's where it is at this point," he said.

The company won't walk away if the governor vetoes the initial bill today, he said.

"We'll be here 'til this place closes down."