advertisement

---

Association of American Railroads recently commended the Bush Administration for prompting two initiatives aimed at "improving the environment while ensuring ample energy supplies."


The White House promised to back a $1 billion, 10-year plan to create the world's first coal-based, zero-emissions electricity and hydrogen power plant.


"This project will be one of the boldest steps our nation has ever taken toward improving our environment by developing a pollution-free energy resource," said AAR President and Chief Executive Officer Edward Hamberger in a prepared statement. "The fact that it is coal-based means America can continue to rely on its most abundant, least expensive fuel source far into the future."


The president also helped introduce the Clear Skies bill, which railroads support because the legislation recognizes that carbon dioxide is not a pollutant, Hamberger said.


"We look forward to working with the administration and Congress to develop a measure that provides certainty in the regulatory process, improves air quality and enables America to fully use all of its fuel resources, such as coal," he said.