Lobbyist spending in Kansas doubles amid coal fight

subscribe

Spending by lobbyists doubled in Kansas in the last year due to the dispute over a proposal for two coal-fired power plants.

A report from the state ethics commission said that lobbyist spending totaled more than $1,276,357 from January through August. During the same period in 2007, lobbyist expenditures were $570,038.

The added money was largely spent on efforts to get Kansas residents to pressure lawmakers over Sunflower Electric Power Corp.'s plan to build coal-fired plants in Finney County, the Lawrence Journal-World reported.

The biggest difference was in the areas of communications and mass media, such as television, radio and newspaper ads. Advertising increased more than 11-fold, from $49,577 to $553,356, and communications such as newsletters and mailings increased nearly ninefold, from $31,062 to $260,061. The bulk of those ads and mailings came from groups fighting over the coal project.

Last year, Department of Health and Environment Secretary Rod Bremby denied an air-quality permit for Sunflower's project, citing concerns about global warming, which many scientists link to man-made greenhouse gases.

The Legislature passed three bills allowing the plants, but Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed each one. Supporters of the plants were unable to get the two-thirds majorities to overturn the vetoes.

Both sides expect to continue their efforts — and spending — when the Legislature convenes in January.

According to the ethics commission report, Hays-based Sunflower has spent $176,370 on mass media urging the public to support the project. The company also spent several thousand dollars more on meals for lawmakers.

"It's a matter of trying to get our story out," said Sunflower spokesman Steve Miller.

Sunflower was helped along by several groups backed by coal interests, such as the Alliance for Sound Energy Policy, which spent $106,403 on ads through August; Center for Energy and Economic Development, $44,298; the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity, $44,297; and Kansans for Affordable Energy, $11,845. It also received help from some businesses.

On the other side of the issue, Great Plains Alliance for Clean Energy was the group that spent the most, with $128,812 going toward communications and advertising.

"We came into existence because a lot of Kansans felt the need to tell the more broad story," said Scott Allegrucci, the group's executive director.

Related News

offshore wind turbines

U.S. Electricity and natural gas prices explained

ALBANY - There are a lot of factors that affect the price of energy. What’s included in the price to heat homes and supply them with electricity may be a lot more than some people may think.

Electricity
Generating electricity is the largest component of its price, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Generation accounts for 56% of the price of electricity, while distribution and transmission account for 31% and 13% respectively.

Homeowners and businesses pay more for electricity than industrial companies. This is because industrial companies can take electricity at higher voltages, reducing transmission costs for energy companies.

“Industrial consumers…

READ MORE

Bruce Power cranking out more electricity after upgrade

READ MORE

france ireland connection

Ireland and France will connect their electricity grids - here's how

READ MORE

alberta-leads-the-way-in-agrivoltaics

Alberta Leads the Way in Agrivoltaics

READ MORE

texas powerlines

Website Providing Electricity Purchase Options Offered Fewer Choices For Spanish-speakers

READ MORE