Topeka – House Majority Leader Ray Merrick (R-Stilwell) distributed excerpts from Former Congressman Jim Slattery’s March testimony before the U.S. House Energy and Air Quality Subcommittee. Merrick believes the remarks demonstrate the complexity of the coal plant debate and the long term impacts the deal will have on the local and national economy.

“Despite the nature of our current debate, this is not a partisan, simple or one-dimensional issue. Governor Sebelius and those who align themselves with her continue to fight the Holcomb-plant expansion on the premise of environmental concern and without regard for the other ancillary effects of denying the plant expansion,” said Merrick. “This over-simplified argument doesn’t credit Kansans with much sense. Certainly we know that whether the plant is built here, in Colorado or another neighboring state, the environmental impact will be the same. But by denying this plant expansion we are setting a national precedent for changing environmental policy for political gain and increasing the regulatory uncertainty of our business climate. This issue does not just affect Republicans or western Kansans. As evidenced by Former Congressman Jim Slattery’s testimony, this issue impacts Americans, Republicans and Democrats alike, both here and nationwide.”

The complete testimony as well as a separate sheet highlighting pertinent excerpts is attached for your use.