Governors Warn Energy Plan Could Stifle Growth

Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, said his state was pushing solar development, along with power conservation, as a start while looking at long-term economic benefits.

David Ratcliffe, chief executive of the Southern Co., a major power provider, said planning must include all available sources, including renewable energy and nuclear. Southern plans two new nuclear units in Georgia by 2016 and to generate more electricity using wood chips.

Much of the South's power is generated by coal, a main target of demands for carbon reductions. Ratcliffe said technology that burns coal cleaner will be needed as part of an overall energy policy.

"The Chinese have been to my company to study this technology because they want to deploy it in their country," Ratcliffe said. "Shame on us if we don't."