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Concerned Citizens of Platte County, Inc. (CCPC)

January, 2007 Newsletter

Gov. Sebelius not yet ready to take action against Kansas Coal
KCMO has a plan to fight Global Warming
Westar postpones decision on new coal plant - too expensive
KCPL Plant Costs Escalating
Missouri Legislature
Headlines
Does your group need a speaker?
Events

Gov. Sebelius not yet ready to take action against Kansas Coal Plants

The Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment (KDHE) is examining a permit request for a huge new source of global warming gas - the Sunflower Electric plant proposal in Holcomb, KS. The company is within current law and will eventually get the permits - unless we change the regulations or the governor intervenes.

Momentum against the plant is building:

Hundreds of people spoke out against the plant at a public hearing in Lawrence, KS.
The Lawrence city council passed a resolution against the plant.
Rally's were held in Salina and Topeka.
One of the member electric co-ops in Colorado stated they don't want the power from this plant, saying conservation and renewables would be less expensive.
New! The same co-op voted not to sign a 10-year contract extension for power that the wholesaler said is needed from all of its 44 member co-ops so that it can build the plants.
New! A group of 8 states submitted comments to KDHE expressing global warming concerns about the plants.
New! A Colorado conservation group expressed opposition saying the plants would cause wholesale electric rates to increase at least 64 percent in the next five years.

Unfortunately, Governor Sebelius has stated publicly that she will not stop the plant. "It's very difficult within the borders of Kansas to control greenhouse gases and global warming," Sebelius said. The governor's of states already taking action would disagree.

The official comment period has ended but you can still express your opinions:

KDHE - Rick Bolfing (info@kdhe.state.ks.us)

Governor Sebelius: (http://www.governor.ks.gov/comments/comment.htm)

KCMO Has a Plan to Fight Global Warming

As a result of Mayor Kay Barnes signing the US Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, Kansas City, Missouri has started the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions with the formation of the Kansas City Climate Protection Plan. The four Work Groups consist of Energy, Transportation, Policy and Outreach, and Carbon Offsets and Waste Management. Susan Brown of CCPC is on the Energy Work Group. A preliminary plan is due in April with adoption by the city council expected by the end of 2007. Read more about it at our website or for a limited time at http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/16367823.htm.

We have a new website! www.ccpcmo.org

Westar postpones decision on new coal plant - too expensive

Westar Energy Inc. postponed a decision on where to build a new coal-fired electricity plant in Kansas, saying that higher cost estimates mean it may not be the cheapest way to meet future demands for power. This is good news and signals possible recognition by the industry that renewable power and efficiency are the cheapest way to produce electricity.

KCP&L plant costs escalating

As a result, customers' electric rates also could go higher than had been expected. Originally planned to cost about 1.3 billion, the plan now is estimated to come in 28% higher at 1.6 billion. Customers have been told to expect a 20% rate increase over 5 years. The increased costs will be passed on to ratepayers. Again, more evidence that renewables and efficiency are better options since the price of both is cheaper than new coal and is declining further as technology improves.

Headlines (visit our website for full articles - www.ccpcmo.org)

Pacific Gas & Electric lets customers fight Global Warming - Mercury News - 12/14/06

Global Warming trend continues in 2006, Climate agencies say - NY Times - 12/15/06

Businessmen form a PAC for clean air - Dallas Morning News - 12/17/06

12 states sue EPA to cut soot levels, save lives - AP - 12/18/06

Boston looks to 'go green' to curb global warming - CBS News - 12/20/06

Power sipping bulbs get backing from Wal-Mart - New York Times - 1/2/07

Exxon/Mobil paid to mislead public [about global warming] - AP - 1/3/07

Missouri Legislature

The Missouri General Assembly has filed numerous bills worth watching. The two most interesting items relate to a Renewable Portfolio Standard. This would require utilities to obtain a certain percentage of power from renewable sources like wind. SB 54 - sponsored by Sen. Koster - would make this a goal, while SB 154 - by Sen. Graham - would make this a requirement. SB 154 deserves support since it provides the certainty that the financial markets require when making investments. The legislature has shown that it is willing to require renewable power with the passage of the ethanol mandate last year. Visit the legislative section of our website for other bills.

Does your group need a speaker?

Let us know if your group needs a speaker on the issue of coal-burning power plants, global warming, and what can be done. We have a 30 minute power point presentation that hits all the issues - the problems, the alternatives and a plan to make change happen. Contact us at s.brown@netzero.net for a request.

Events

Tour an Energy Efficient Home in Platte County. CCPC Jan. 21 Meeting - 6pm. Contact s.brown@netzero.net for more info.

The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold a local public hearing in St. Joseph on January 24, 2007, to receive customer comment on a proposed 22% rate increase filed by Aquila, Inc. at Hillyard Technical Center, ITV Room, 3434 Faraon, 5:30 pm.

Clean Energy Fair. March 31, 2007. Zona Rosa Food Court. 8640 N. Dixson Ave., Kansas City, Mo 64153. Have you ever wondered where you can get your own wind turbine? How much you would save with Energy Star appliances? Who can help you make your home more energy efficient? Join us at this one-of-a-kind event in Platte County. Contact me at s.brown@netzero.net for more information on exhibiting your clean energy product or service.

I hope you enjoyed this newsletter - e-mail me if you have comments - s.brown@netzero.net.

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