Great news out of Kansas! Just one day after the Kansas Senate voted to repeal the state’s renewable electricity standard (RES), the House of Representatives sent the measure packing by an overwhelming 77-44 vote margin. This is a victory for renewable energy in Kansas and across the nation. It is also yet another direct rebuke to the shady tactics and misleading cost analysis put forth by clean energy opponents like Americans for Prosperity, Heartland Institute, and ALEC; all of which are funded by the Kansas-based Koch brothers.
This wind project in Greensburg, Kansas is just one of many supplying nearly 3,000 megawatts of clean and affordable power to Kansas consumers, while also delivering substantial economic benefits.
Photo Source: Native Energy, Inc.
Despite falling on deaf ears in the Kansas Senate, it is clear that House members heard the call from the 75 percent of Kansans who support the current RES policy. They recognize the substantial economic and environmental benefits to local communities that the RES has already delivered, and want to keep the momentum going.
There is no doubt that opponents will keep up their attacks in Kansas and in other states that are making the transition to a clean energy economy. The fossil fuel industry has deep pockets, after all. In the meantime though, it’s full steam ahead for renewable energy development in the Sunflower State.