(AP)--A Kansas legislative committee leader is pursing a bill that would impose regulations on wind turbines.

State Senate Utilities Committee Chairman Mike Thompson, a Shawnee Republican, said Wednesday that he is trying to protect landowners who fear that a proliferation of large turbines in their rural areas will drop property values and lessen their quality of life.

Critics say the proposal would end investments in wind energy.

His proposal has split fellow Republicans and inspired a strong backlash from both environmentalists and economic development officials who see wind energy as a jobs creator. Wind farms provide 41% of the state's electricity.