Kansas Studying EPA Greenhouse Gas Rule

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – Kansas officials are studying the federal government’s plans for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions only days after the state approved a $2.8 billion coal-fired power plant.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s administrator announced the new regulation Monday in Washington. It gives states goals for reducing emissions but allows flexibility in meeting them.

According to the EPA, the Kansas’ goal would be to cut emissions 23 percent by 2030.

Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman Sara Belfry said the agency is reviewing the EPA rule.

Kansas doesn’t regulate such emissions, but a state law taking effect in July will allow the KDHE secretary to set state rules.

Secretary Robert Moser gave the go-ahead Friday for Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the new coal plant in southwest Kansas.