By DUANE SCHRAG

Salina Journal

LINDSBORG -- Kansas' energy problems cannot be solved by simply finding new energy sources to replace the old ones, a Land Institute scientist said Tuesday night.

"It's difficult to get very far that way," said Jerry Glover, who has degrees in soil science as well as philosophy. "We're not getting very far that way."

Glover was one of three panelists who discussed and fielded questions on energy policy at Bethany College Tuesday. Joining him on stage were Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, and Rep. Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth. About 100 people attended.

Glover, who works for The Land Institute, 2440 E. Water Well., said that a sustainable lifestyle demands change.

"Maybe we need to look at not traveling so much," said Glover in response to one person who wondered whether more mass transportation is a viable solution for Kansans.

One subject that cropped up throughout the 90-minute meeting was the proposed coal-fired power plant expansion in Holcomb. Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, roiled the political landscape three months ago when he denied a permit needed for the twin, 700-megawatt generators.

The generators would have emitted about 1 million tons of carbon dioxide every month. Even though carbon dioxide is not regulated, Bremby said concerns over accumulating carbon dioxide and its role in global warming justified the decision.

Most of the power from the plant -- about three-fourths of it -- was to be sold to people living outside Kansas. But critics of Bremby's decision argue that Kansas will soon need additional power for its own residents.

Emler, one of the critics of Bremby's decision, said that Kansas needs a comprehensive energy policy, and that it should take into account greenhouse gas emissions.

One audience member, who said his granddaughter suffers from asthma, drew applause from the audience when he called on legislators to stand up for ordinary citizens, not just utilities.

"I would like you to consider the human side of that," he said.

Svaty noted that Americans are starting to recognize the "externalities" associated with energy production -- that burning fossil fuel carries a price tag that previously wasn't acknowledged.

"What is the cost of more people having asthma?" he asked. "What is the cost of depleting the water? At some point in time, we're going to have to get some answers."

Svaty noted that in the wake of Bremby's decision, outraged House leaders had vowed to derail the legislative process if his decision wasn't overturned. But in recent weeks there have been signs that both sides may be willing to work together, he said.

The Land Institute's Climate and Energy Project said a statewide poll it commissioned found that twice as many Kansans support Bremby's decision as oppose it. The poll even concluded that in the 1st Congressional

District, which covers Salina most of western Kansas, a slim majority agreed with the decision to deny the permit.

Glover was one of three panelists who discussed and fielded questions on energy policy at Bethany College Tuesday. Joining him on stage were Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, and Rep. Josh Svaty, D-Ellsworth. About 100 people attended.

Glover, who works for The Land Institute, 2440 E. Water Well., said that a sustainable lifestyle demands change.

"Maybe we need to look at not traveling so much," said Glover in response to one person who wondered whether more mass transportation is a viable solution for Kansans.

One subject that cropped up throughout the 90-minute meeting was the proposed coal-fired power plant expansion in Holcomb. Rod Bremby, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, roiled the political landscape three months ago when he denied a permit needed for the twin, 700-megawatt generators.

The generators would have emitted about 1 million tons of carbon dioxide every month. Even though carbon dioxide is not regulated, Bremby said concerns over accumulating carbon dioxide and its role in global warming justified the decision.

Most of the power from the plant -- about three-fourths of it -- was to be sold to people living outside Kansas. But critics of Bremby's decision argue that Kansas will soon need additional power for its own residents.

Emler, one of the critics of Bremby's decision, said that Kansas needs a comprehensive energy policy, and that it should take into account greenhouse gas emissions.

One audience member, who said his granddaughter suffers from asthma, drew applause from the audience when he called on legislators to stand up for ordinary citizens, not just utilities.

"I would like you to consider the human side of that," he said.

Svaty noted that Americans are starting to recognize the "externalities" associated with energy production -- that burning fossil fuel carries a price tag that previously wasn't acknowledged.

"What is the cost of more people having asthma?" he asked. "What is the cost of depleting the water? At some point in time, we're going to have to get some answers."

Svaty noted that in the wake of Bremby's decision, outraged House leaders had vowed to derail the legislative process if his decision wasn't overturned. But in recent weeks there have been signs that both sides may be willing to work together, he said.

The Land Institute's Climate and Energy Project said a statewide poll it commissioned found that twice as many Kansans support Bremby's decision as oppose it. The poll even concluded that in the 1st Congressional

District, which covers Salina most of western Kansas, a slim majority agreed with the decision to deny the permit.