It's not often that Americans are leading on the environment. But in Kansas, USA some of the state's politicians are blazing a trail: they've refused to build any more coal-fired power stations.
Critically, the decision was made on climate change grounds.
What's more, the decision by the Sunflower State's leaders has the support of the population, with polling showing that voters agree by two against one that new coal shouldn't go ahead. Of course, not everyone agrees. The local energy company is fighting the decision hard and they might have some support in the state legislature. But overall it's good news.
And the decision seems to be part of a bigger movement in the US. According to Associated Press, there are now nearly 50 plants being challenged by environmental groups in 29 states; with claims that 59 plants have been stopped or delayed so far. The coal debate is even affecting the US presidential race. John Edwards - albeit an outsider in the democratic race - is adamant that new coal plants must be stopped.
Every candidate is being asked their view on coal, but unfortunately the others still refuse to rule them out. Even Barack Obama, who is calling for an 80 per cent reduction in US CO2 emissions, won't say no. He must hope that if he gets inside the West Wing he'll be able to cut emissions while burning unabated coal for electricity. If he can work that out, he probably deserves to be president.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that dirty coal has to fight harder than ever to get permits in the US, and that there is a growing awareness amongst the general public that coal will ruin any hope that America can tackle climate change.
In the UK, meanwhile, the government has its own decision to make on the proposals for a new coal plant at Kingsnorth in Kent, the first for 30 years. Apparently Gordon Brown is a huge admirer of the US. If so, he should pay attention to what is happening there. Public opinion is moving against this outdated and dirty technology, and it's moving the same way here. If Gordon Brown wants to be on the right side of the climate debate, he needs to say no to Kingsnorth.
