TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) _ Legislative leaders hope to pass a new bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas.

The latest version ties the plants to legislation for other projects, including a transportation hub in Johnson County.

The measure also would restrict the power of the secretary of health and environment.

Secretary Rod Bremby denied an air-quality permit in October to allow Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to build the two coal plants in Finney County.

The Senate must take up the latest legislation first. It planned to convene Tuesday afternoon to consider it.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed two previous bills to clear the way for the plants, and lawmakers have failed to override her.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)