Tag Archives: EarthJustice
Where’s the Outrage Over Coal Boondogles?
Back in 1980, Sunflower Generation Corporation in Kansas received $543 million in federal loans and loan guarantees (taxpayer money). Like Solyndra, they were not able to pay that money back. So they arranged deals with the federal government to “restructure” the loans, multiple times. Sunflower was unable to repay taxpayers due to financial strain related to over-built Holcomb I, the existing coal plant Sunflower owns. Continue reading
Clean Air Advocates Cheer Court Decision on Kansas Coal Plant Expansion
Much of Sunflower’s financial struggles stem from overbuilding capacity at their existing unit, Holcomb I, which is a scenario that could be repeated if Holcomb II is constructed since neither Sunflower nor Tri-State, the Colorado partner, has demonstrated the project is needed. Continue reading
Industry Wields Sway Over Air Pollution Rules, Enforcement
Sunflower Electric’s Kansas permit success (to date) is a telling snapshot of how, when industry flexes its muscles over Clean Air Act issues, it often wins. From Kansas to Louisiana to Texas, Wisconsin and Ohio, community groups have fought new plants, expansions and chronic emissions – only to see industry score victories with regulators and politicians. Continue reading
EPA Says KDHE Not Honest About Permit Objections
An Environmental Protection Agency official has accused lawyers representing a Kansas agency of lying to the state Supreme Court about support for a permit that would allow a $2.8 billion coal-fired power plant to be built in southwest Kansas. Continue reading
Let’s Unplug Dirty, Old Coal Plants
Across the nation, old coal-fired power plants are gasping for their last breath, having survived long past their prime because of political favors and weak government regulations. The nation is at an energy crossroads. One path cuts old ties and moves on to a clean energy future powered by a mix of next generation power sources. The other path prolongs our dependence on an energy source that is cooking the planet and making us sick. Continue reading
Leaks from Ameren Toxic Waste Pond in Labadie Stir Fears
One of the coal plant’s two ponds storing toxic coal waste has been hemorrhaging up to 35 gallons a minute for two decades. Leaks were allowed to exist for almost two decades without testing for contamination. Continue reading
Coal Ash: Ask the Kansas Congressional Delegation to Put People Ahead of Polluters
Topic: Congressional vote on HR 2273 and the House Appropriations Bill for the Department of the Interior, legislation that would block attempts to regulate coal combustion waste disposal, protect polluters, and put Americans at significant risk from hazardous pollution. Action: … Continue reading
KDHE Caves to Sunflower Again
From the Kansas Chapter of the Sierra Club KDHE Gives Sunflower Coal Plant another Free Pass to Pollute. Waiver favors Colorado special interests over Kansas health and environment. TOPEKA , KS —Thursday, KDHE quietly issued Sunflower and Tri-State another free pass … Continue reading
Collusion in Kansas Force-Feeds Coal Power
By Brian Smith for Earthjustice “This is not how government is supposed to work” Americans are worried about their government.We imagine backroom deals are cut, fates are foretold and the little guy always gets shafted because powerful interests own the … Continue reading
The Coal Plant Boondoggle Goes to Washington
With Rep. Huelskamp in the lead, the Kansas Congressional delegation released an inaccurate public statement about the case, and sent a letter to USDA and the Department of Justice (DOJ) attempting to put political pressure on the administration. Even as they publicly attack environmentalists for delaying the coal plant, the Kansas Congressional delegation is asking RUS to engage in actions to delay the coal plant. Delay, it seems, is now the desperate tactic of Sunflower, Tri-State, and their political allies. Continue reading
