More Use of Oil Eyed for Power Plants

Massachusetts environmental officials, hoping to stave off natural gas shortages and blackouts, are weighing whether to let four gas-powered plants switch to dirtier oil up to 50 percent more often this winter in a move that could sharply increase pollution.

State regulations restrict the number of days the four gas-powered plants are allowed to burn oil. The plan under consideration would allow air-pollution emissions to rise to higher federal limits. That means the four plants could burn oil anywhere from 6 to 32 more days — or 20 to 50 percent more — this winter if their owners choose.

ENN