In the waning days of the race for governor, an environmental issue is on the front burner. Opponents of Governor Rick Perry are hammering him on his efforts to help Dallas-based TXU get permits to build new coal-burning power plants.

Perry has argued the state needs the plants to meet growing demand.

"We are a growing state. People are moving into this state," Perry said.

In October, the governor signed an executive order to fast-track the permitting process for 16 new Texas coal plants. It shortened the time it usually takes to go through approval.

"That decision needs to be rolled back and undone," said Karen Hadden, who heads a coalition that opposes the plants.

Hadden and others are protesting across the state. On Friday, the group rolled in a float featuring the face of Rick Perry, puckering up to a smoke stack.

The people running for Perry's job also oppose the plants. In a new campaign commercial, Chris Bell attacks the governor on the coal plants, saying they pollute the air and give children asthma.

"If we're going to have coal burning plants, we need to make sure they're using the cleanest technology available," Bell said.

Even if the cleanest technology isn't used, Perry insists the plants will meet state environmental standards.

"If those plants, regardless of who applies for them or where they're gonna be, do not meet the environmental standards of this state, they won't get a permit," Perry said.

Opponents say that's not enough.

"They're going to operate for 50 years, so it's incredibly important that we get this right," Hadden said.