BIPARTISAN GROUP INTRODUCES CLEAN COAL LEGISLATION

Washington- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) was joined by a bipartisan group of House members today in introducing the Clean Coal Power Act of 2003. The bill authorizes the Department of Energy to accelerate the development of advanced clean coal technologies. It also provides tax credits to demonstrate the commercial applications of this research, as well as to retrofit existing coal power plants to operate more efficiently.

"As we stand on the verge of war in the Middle East, our dependence on foreign sources of oil is particularly clear," said Costello. "Illinois' coal reserves contain more BTU's than the oil reserves of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Our national security will be drastically improved when we can maximize coal as an energy resource. This legislation will achieve that goal."

Costello led negotiations last Congress that resulted in sections of this legislation being included in the House-passed energy bill. Costello will again lead this effort when the Science Committee marks up its version of a national energy policy next week.

"I am taking an active role in developing our national energy policy because I believe it is essential that coal play a major part in it," stated Costello. "It not only will help us meet our energy goals, but it will help revive the economy of southwestern and southern Illinois. Coal accounts for over half of all electricity generated in the United States and we have a 250-year supply in the ground. We have no ready replacement for coal, so we must burn it as cleanly as possible."

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