INDUSTRY DEALS MAY PRESSURE REGULATORS ON CLEAN-COAL TECHNOLOGY

Environmentalists and industry officials say two recent industry agreements on advanced coal gasification technology may pressure regulators to embrace the technology as an alternative to traditional coal-fired power generation. Environmentalists say the agreements could bolster their pleas that air quality regulators and utility commissions must consider requiring the technology -- integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology -- while some industry officials say the agreements could make it easier for banks and utilities to back the emerging technology. At issue is...