Charles Benjamin's presentation on our state's connection to global warming made a lot of sense (See Page 1). The energy needs in our nation and state are enormous, and the solutions-even the best of them are complicated. The most practical and economical strategy is energy conservation. Something as simple as switching to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs is one way an individual citizen can make a positive difference-and it helps the personal bottom line, too.
Because energy rates have been relatively low in Kansas, our legislators have been cautious about challenging the ambitious plans of the electric utilities in our state. But unless citizens make their voices heard, plans will proceed to build at least five new five coal-burning plants in our state. Those plants may produce sufficient electricity to meet the growing need, but they also will produce higher rates, more greenhouse gasses and myriad other pollutants that carry an enormous cost. -DR
