New Group To Promote Energy Projects In Miss.

"Our focus will be on issues education ... about the challenges we face from an energy standpoint, including the need for base load power and a diversified state energy portfolio," Cochran said in a statement.

One pending energy project is Mississippi Power Co.'s proposed 582-megawatt integrated gasification combined cycle plant for Kemper County. It would convert locally mined lignite, or "brown coal," into a gas to generate lower-emission electricity.

Last month, Mississippi Power gave state regulators more details on the need for the planned $2.2 billion power plant that it says will create 260 new permanent jobs.

Mississippi Power, which is part of the Southern Company that includes Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Gulf Power, called for quick approval for the project to avoid placing federal incentives in jeopardy.

The company has received a $270 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and a $133 million in investment tax credits under the National Energy Policy Act of 2005.

Entegra Power Group and Magnolia Energy, two independent power producers, and the Sierra Club have challenged the need for the new power plant.