Before we move forward, it’s important to examine where we’ve been.

Let’s go back to October 2007. In a historic decision, Sec. of Health and Environment in Kansas, Rod Bremby, denied air-quality permits for the construction of two 700 megawatt coal plants in Holcomb, KS citing health and environmental impacts of the plants possible annual emission of 11 million tons of carbon dioxide. The decision inspired reaction from all sides. Fast forward 3 months.

Legislative leadership and special interests from across the state and beyond vowed to overturn the ruling by legislative means, strip the KDHE of its authority, and force the construction of the plants. To them, it was a partisan battle that meant slapping the KDHE and getting what they wanted along the way. Advocates of a clean energy future, allied health and business organizations and thousands of Kansans saw it as an opportunity. To us, it was a moment to examine our current energy model, and move the state forward towards a real, comprehensive, energy policy that maximized our efficiency measures while investing first and foremost in our vast renewable energy potential.

What we realized at GPACE, and now know with certainty, is that Kansans are tired of politics as usual. We’re tired of being the state that misses the boat, and we’re exhausted from partisan bickering that moves us no closer to a better future. Together, for a year and a half, we’ve called for better.

In the wake of Governor Parkinson’s agreement with Sunflower Electric, we must keep in mind that political compromise means both sides making concessions. However what we have gained from an honest, open, and well-informed debate are measurable components of a renewable energy policy.

To be sure, there are flaws in the compromise. Significant flaws. For a full analysis of the Governor’s compromise click here.

But what we must keep in mind is where we began. Last year, legislators mocked climate change. They called wind power in Kansas a “Pipe Dream”. They scoffed at grassroots opposition to politics as usual. Well, after 7 failed attempts to override the Governor’s veto – they realized compromise is a necessary part of political reality and changing times.

We would not be where we are today without your help. Your work spreading our message. Your work knocking on doors, writing letters, traveling to the capitol, and contributing time and money to our work for a cleaner, safer Kansas. On behalf of the GPACE team, thank you.

All sides are claiming a victory today. In all honesty, it’s hard to determine who’s right. Politics done well, with best intentions of the governed in mind – should probably result in that feeling, and no side claiming victory but rather all looking forward to the next challenge we face.

What we must take from this, however, is the strength and impact of thousands of Kansans organizing together. At the current Governor’s personal request, GPACE sought to build a coalition of clean energy advocates. What came of it could not have been expected.

Thank you for your work so far. We would not be here without you. Our work is not done. Now, in the spirit of post-partisanship and compromise, we must see to it that no decision impacting our energy future, our health, or our environment takes place without our voices being heard.

Thank you for all your work. I look forward to continuing our work in promoting a clean, secure energy future in Kansas.
James Roberts