After the Senate passed the controversial energy bill last week- House Sub for 2014- the proposal went to a joint conference committee on Monday to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. In short, the bill allows for the construction of two coal-fired power plants in Holcomb, Kansas, overturning a decision last year to deny the air permits necessary for the project to move forward. Also, the bill would strip the Kansas Secretary of Health and Human Services of his authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
There are a few differences between the two versions of the bill, but nothing that is expected to prevent a hasty negotiation. Once the conference committee finishes the reconciliation process, the bill will go back to both chambers for an up or down vote. If approved, it will go to the governor for signature or veto, who is expected to veto the measure. Governor Sebelius vetoed three similar proposals in 2008.