News that an environmental group would be key in discussions on ways to reduce carbon emissions in Kansas raised more than a few eyebrows, and for good reason.

The Center for Climate Strategies, called on to help a state advisory panel set up by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, has been accused in other states of trying to manipulate the process to satisfy its own environmentalist agenda.

Sebelius established a 25-member Kansas Energy and Environmental Policy (KEEP) advisory group to address how Kansas can meet future energy needs, and at what cost to consumers and the environment. The panel includes business leaders, legislators, and representatives from the education and energy sectors.

The plan puts Kansas in line with other states addressing ways to reduce carbon emissions many scientists link to climate change -- a burning topic well known locally.

The proposed addition of two coal-fired power plants at the Sunflower Electric Power Corp. facility at Holcomb was blocked last year when a state regulator denied a request for an air-quality permit amid concern over an estimated 11 million tons of CO2 emissions each year from the new plants.

The denial sparked three bills in the Legislature that would have cleared the way for the expansion, all of which were vetoed by Sebelius.

As a result, Sebelius' decision to call on the Center for Climate Strategies to work with KEEP has generated fear that the environmental group would steer the discussion toward its interests.

While that's an understandable concern, especially when the center is funded by groups with a specific agenda, the balance of the Kansas panel should ensure the necessary objectivity and comprehensive dialogue that addresses not only environmental concerns, but also the true impact of future energy policy on Kansas residents and businesses that need affordable energy.

Besides, it's also easy to argue that every voice at the table has an agenda.

That's why it's most important that the panel has a diverse group of participants representing all interests, each with a chance to engage in the discussion on possible policy options best for this state -- a process that, if findings are to be considered viable, also must be transparent to all Kansans.