New Group To Promote Energy Projects In Miss.

McCullough contends projects like Mississippi Power's should pass regulatory muster and are necessary because the state's electricity consumption exceeds the national average and has for the last 20 years.

"Let's be businesslike about it," he said. "The state needs more energy. There's a process you go through to get the permits. Mississippi Power and all utilities ... ought to play by those rules, but let's not delay bringing energy online."

A first report from McCullough's group contends Mississippi has a "wealth of natural energy resources, existing clean and reliable sources of generation, robust natural gas pipelines, and two deep water ports that can facilitate the efficient distribution and use of energy."

That, the report says, puts more responsibility on the state's leaders to pursue "smart, effective energy policies."

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