"Michigan regulators dealt a setback Tuesday to proposals for new coal-fired power plants near Rogers City and Bay City, questioning the need for both projects at a time of growing emphasis on cleaner fuels.

Public Service Commission staff members presented their negative reviews in separate reports to the Department of Environmental Quality, which is considering whether to grant air emissions permits that are required before either plant could be built.

The environmental agency had requested the commission's help in evaluating technical issues raised by the permit applications, such as whether the companies adequately considered methods of producing electricity other than burning coal. "

John Flesher reports for the Associated Press September 9, 2009. [2]