Coal-to-gas plan drawing fire (Mass.)

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http://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2008/01/03/coal_to_gas_plan_drawing_fire/

The Massachusetts Senate is considering incentives worth tens of millions of dollars to boost controversial technology that converts coal to cleaner burning synthetic gas, but would still spew greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, environmental advocates said.

The proposal is under consideration as Senate bill writers put finishing touches on comprehensive energy legislation, scheduled for debate next week.

A recent draft of the bill would require utilities to purchase an unspecified percentage of power from coal gasification and other alternative energy sources, potentially generating a windfall of $50 million to $100 million a year for power producers using the technologies, according to Environment Northeast, an advocacy group in Boston.

The alternative-energy requirements would be separate and in addition to mandates requiring utilities to buy electricity from so-called renewable sources, such as wind and solar power.

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