Jan 29 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Scott Rothschild Journal-World, Lawrence, Kan.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Monday said "no deal" has resulted from ongoing talks related to her administration's rejection of coal-burning power plants in western Kansas.

In October, Sebelius' administration denied permits for two 700-megawatt plants, citing concerns with carbon dioxide emissions and global warming.

Recently, supporters of the $3.6 billion plants said they hoped to reach a compromise with Sebelius that would allow the project to go forward.

Sebelius said "conversations" are occurring about energy needs in Kansas but didn't elaborate.

She said that states were trying to find a way to deal with climate change but that Congress should implement national standards for CO2 emissions.

Her comments came during a teleconference with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., just hours before President Bush's State of the Union address and Sebelius' Democratic response.

Following Sebelius' comments on the coal plants, Reid was highly critical of coal interests, saying they were spending tens of millions of dollars to try to mislead the public about the effects of coal.

"Coal is one of the things that is ruining our world," Reid said.

Pelosi said more research is needed to develop ways to mitigate the environmental impact of coal-burning plants.

Meanwhile, back in the Kansas Legislature, several key lawmakers said they expect legislation will be introduced Wednesday by supporters of the coal plants.

And on Thursday, the Senate Natural Resources Committee has scheduled a hearing on the state's power plant permitting process.

The western Kansas plants were rejected by Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Roderick Bremby. Supporters of the plants said Bremby had no authority to deny the plants because the proposal complied with all existing state regulations.

But Bremby has said he had wide authority to rule on issues affecting the health of Kansans.

While the decision has been hailed by environmentalists, it has drawn heat from both Republicans and Democrats.

House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, said he hoped some kind of compromise could be reached to allow construction of the plants, saying they "offer good opportunities to grow the economy."