But as a step towards reducing greenhouse gases, states in the initiative are working to get permission to implement their own vehicle emission standards.

Michael Gibbs, representing California, said his state also is setting emission standards for new coal-fired power plants and for new contracts for the delivery of power from existing plants. Among plants affected is the Intermountain Power Project, which has two units near Lynndyl, Millard County, in Utah. Plans for a third unit there are on hold because of concerns over the California regulations.

According to Gibbs, the new California standards would prohibit using conventional coal technology in power plants.

Steve Owens, director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, said the traditional burning of pulverized coal in power plants "is really becoming outdated technology."

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