Develop new clean coal facilities to ensure a continued supply of reasonably priced and reliable electricity. Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technology has been proven in Europe and select facilities in the U.S. for significantly reducing certain harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, mercury, and particulates, while using a more flexible fuel mix including lower quality coal. As demand for high-quality coal used in traditional boilers increases worldwide, having IGCC or "Clean Coal" technology as part of North Carolina's energy mix could help prevent ratepayers from being subjected to price spikes in higher-quality coal in addition to offering a cleaner option for our environment.
Bob Orr, candidate for the Republican nomination for governor - North Carolina