The Kansas Senate has passed a measure that requires lawmakers to approve a plan for complying with federal emissions standards. The bill would require the Kansas secretary of health and environment to draft new rules for greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s power plants. Democratic Senator Marci Francisco of Lawrence says she’s concerned the bill would establish benchmarks before the federal government sets a goal for the state.
The new EPA standards will mandate a sharp reduction in emissions of mercury, arsenic and other pollutants from power plants. State lawmakers say it would be too expensive to immediately enforce those regulations. They want to retain state control over emissions standards.
