For Release: Wednesday, July 18, 2001
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO LEGISLATION ADDED TO NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT REVISION OF THE CLEAN COAL PROGRAM IN YEARS

SIU eligible to be a "Center of Excellence" for coal research

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today was successful in adding clean coal legislation to the House Science Committee version of the national energy policy. The legislation represents the most significant revision of the clean coal program in years. It authorizes over $2 billion over 10 years for research and demonstration projects in advanced clean coal technologies with the goal of reaching emission levels comparable with natural gas. Costello led intense negotiations over the past week to reach an agreement on the language. He also acknowledged the efforts of Congressman Todd Akin (R-MO), a fellow member of the Science Committee. Costello and Akin introduced the legislation last month.

"This bill represents a tremendous federal commitment to burning coal as cleanly as possible. It is great news for the coal industry of Illinois," said Costello. "The bottom line is we have no energy source that can replace coal today. Coal accounts for over half of all electricity production in the U.S., and we have at least a 250-year supply of coal in the ground. New technologies allow for high-sulfur coal to be burned cleanly and efficiently, and this legislation will further reduce emissions, which is good for the environment."

Costello also authored a provision in the bill that is intended to create a national center for coal research at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Costello added the language which could devote millions of dollars to the university for coal research beginning as soon as next year. The bill calls for the creation of four "United States Centers of Excellence for Energy Systems of the Future" at universities with a proven record of demonstrating clean coal technologies.

"This concept was designed with Southern Illinois University in mind. The Coal Research Center at SIU is an established leader in this field and the enhanced status that such a designation would bring can only help the development of the most advanced technologies," stated Costello.

The full House of Representatives is expected to consider a national energy policy bill as early as next week. The Senate is also developing legislation.

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