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House approves "green" amendmentKansas The Kansas House of Representatives gave first round approval tonight of a bill that will provide a carbon dioxide mitigation incentive to Kansas electric utility companies that burn coal. Rep. Clay Aurand (R- Courtland) introduced the amendment during debate on Senate Bill 471. "My amendment rewards those companies who work to keep their carbon emissions the lowest in the state, while providing those who have the highest emissions an incentive to improve their performance," Rep. Aurand said. "It is time Kansans demand those who pollute our state the most change their ways or pay for their actions." Under Aurand's amendment, utility companies with carbon dioxide emissions greater than 110 percent of the state's average would pay $37 per ton of carbon above the 110 percent average. That money, in the form of a tradable tax credit, in turn would be available to the company with the lowest C02 emissions. Rep. Kenny Wilk (R-Lansing) said the measure provides companies with an incentive to lower their carbon output and avoid any penalties. "Utilities can reduce their carbon tax by improving the performances of their plants or developing renewable energy to offset the need to generate using coal. Everyone has an option with this." Rep. Tom Sloan (R-Lawrence) noted the importance of finding and encouraging new methods for coal fired technologies to reduce CO2 emissions as a part of an overall solution to Kansas energy requirements. "Kansans are divided on whether new, lower-polluting coal-fired electric generation plants should be part of the mix to meet our state's energy needs. As part of my commitment to finding a reasonable way for Kansas to meet these needs, I have advocated for renewable energy, energy conservation and improving the performance of our existing plants. I supported this amendment, encouraging responsible use of coal-fired technology which truly is a key in reducing carbon dioxide levels into the atmosphere." Speaker Melvin Neufeld applauded Rep. Aurand for his work to craft effective energy solutions. "Once again, House Republicans are leading the way to improve our environment," Speaker Neufeld said. "This amendment recognizes that pollution is a statewide issue and encourages all Kansas utility companies to become more responsible stewards of the environment and rewards those who are taking those steps." The amendment was approved on a vote of 78 to 42. A final vote on SB 471 will be taken April 1. 4/7/08 Date: 4/24/08
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