The Kansas Sierra Club isn’t endorsing either Gov. Kathleen Sebelius or Republican challenger Jim Barnett in the upcoming election, our editorial today reported. Neither has exhibited “environmental leadership,” according to the group’s latest Planet Kansas newsletter.
The group is especially disappointed in Sebelius’ lack of action in developing Kansas’ wind power potential, which is rated among the highest in the nation. Among other things, it would like to see her push for a renewable energy portfolio, which would require utility companies to develop a percentage of their energy from renewables such as wind and solar by a target date.
The governor recently told The Eagle editorial board that she is a big supporter of renewable energy, including wind, but what has she actually done during her term? Nothing bold. Her efforts to moderate the controversy over siting wind power in the Flint Hills by setting up a regional buffer zone is a modest accomplishment at best.
“She needs to lead the way,” said Sierra Club spokesman Craig Wolfe.
Barnett met with the group and expressed support for renewables as an economic development opportunity for Kansas, but his record wasn’t impressive enough to warrant support.
Would the club — often associated with liberals and Democrats — be comfortable endorsing a Republican? Absolutely, said Wolfe. It would and has in other state races.
Posted by Randy Scholfield
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