The governor of Kansas, Kathleen Sebelius, vetoed legislation last week that would have allowed two new coal-fired power plants, citing concerns about global warming.

The bill was a response to an earlier block by the state secretary of health and environment, Roderick Bremby. In October, he rejected an air-quality permit sought by Sunflower Electric Power Corporation for the pair of 700-megawatt plants, the first time a power plant has been blocked strictly to protect the climate (see Nature 449, 953 ; 2007).

Backers of the bill do not have enough votes to override the veto, but the legislative battle is expected to continue. Sunflower has filed lawsuits challenging the state's decision.

Sebelius says she would be willing to sign legislation authorizing one power plant, as long as it is capable of capturing carbon emissions for future storage. It should also address renewable energy and energy efficiency, she says.