OFFICIALS URGE GOVERNOR TO LAUNCH BIOENERGY REGULATORY INITIATIVE

Energy consultants hired by the state are urging the governor to sign an executive order establishing statewide goals for biomass-based energy production, including a transportation renewable fuels standard and a mandate for minimum state purchases of "biopower." Some of the recommendations are raising concerns among clean-energy groups and environmentalists, who fear that increasing the use of some biofuels -- such as ethanol -- may worsen air pollution if not tightly regulated. It remains unclear whether state officials will support the...