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In The News
January 3, 2008
New Poll Results: Kansans Support Denial of Coal Plants, Support Development of Wind Power
Salina, KS – By a 2:1 margin, Kansans agree with the recent decision to deny air quality permits for two proposed 700-megawatt coal burning plants in their state.

In an independent statewide poll, a majority of Kansans agree with the decision, with overall support rising to fully 70% in the Johnson County region. In western Kansas – the proposed location of the plants – only two in five citizens oppose the decision while 51% favor it.

In another of the survey’s striking findings, an overwhelming majority of Kansans – fully 75% – favor a more aggressive pursuit of wind energy in this, the third windiest state in the nation.

The KDHE decision presents an opportunity to create quality and lasting jobs in Kansas with investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy – opportunities that will save consumers money and stimulate long-term economic resilience and security.

Absent prompt action by Kansas public officials, Kansas will struggle to make good on public support for investments in wind energy – investments other states have aggressively pursued in recent years.

Neighboring states already reap benefits from growing renewable energy investments. Little Rock, Arkansas just broke ground on a new wind turbine factory that will employ 1,000 people within five years. Windsor, Colorado will be home to a Vestas factory that will employ 400. Keokuk, Iowa, will host a turbine tower manufacturing plant that employs 350.

In the past eighteen months, 20 proposed coal-fired projects in 12 states have either failed to gain the needed permits or have been voluntarily cancelled by utilities due to public concerns about air pollution, increases in greenhouse gases, rapidly climbing economic costs, and future liability. In July, Citigroup downgraded its financial outlook for coal stocks in 2008 after warning of “grim” future earnings.

 “In the wake of the KDHE decision, Kansans have the opportunity to engage in a broad, healthy and constructive discussion about our energy future at a critical time,” said Nancy Jackson, spokesperson for the Climate & Energy Project of The Land Institute.

“Kansans are eager to participate in the clean energy economy of the 21st century. We are counting on our elected and appointed officials to lead the way.”

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This poll was conducted by Cooper & Secrest for The Land Institute. The sample was random and scientific, and over 1,000 surveys were completed by phone. For a detailed .pdf memo from Cooper & Secrest regarding polling methods, click here.

For a .pdf version of this press release, click here.

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The Climate & Energy Project (CEP) is a distinct program of The Land Institute, a Salina-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the future of food and farmers by developing perennial cropping systems.

CEP facilitates lively, informed conversations about our energy future. We support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing energy efficiency and developing renewable energy in the Midwest. For more information, please go to www.climateandenergy.org.
Contact Name: Nancy Jackson
Contact Email: jackson@climateandenergy.org
Contact Phone: 785-331-8743
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