A Kansas newspaper has parodied a pro-coal attack ad
The state of Kansas recently denied a licence for a coal-fired power plant on the basis of its carbon dioxide emissions. The state's Democratic governor Kathleen Sebelius supported the decision. Power companies responded with an attack ad from a front group called Kansas for Affordable Energy (read on for the full advert).
Instead of a dry editorial taking the ads to task, one Kansas newspaper made a video parodying the power companies with a mock attack ad. (Thanks to Grist and dot Earth for the links.) Fighting global warming with withering satire. Watch the parody ad here.
This is the ad the parody was responding to.
That's just a taste. You can see the full advert here, which says:
Unfortunately, the Sebelius Administration rejected a plan to build a much-needed, coal-fueled power plant near Holcomb. The implications of this decision--higher electric bills, lost economic activity, and reduced energy security--will affect Kansas for years to come. ... The choice is simple...clearn coal from Middle America versus expensive gas from the Middle East.
As David Roberts at Grist said:
Lovely. Nothing like a little overt xenophobia to liven up the energy debate.
The ads were paid for by a group called "Kansans for Affordable Energy," partially funded by one of the utilities behind one of the coal-fired power plants.
But the debate rumbles on, with some state legislators saying that plants are vital to the state's economy.
