BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) _ Backers of a coal-to-liquid fuel plant proposed for western North Dakota say they will ask for more time to study the project.
North American Coal Corporation spokesman David Straley tells The Associated Press that developers will ask for a fifth extension before year's end. He says developers still need favorable coal legislation and a clear U.S. energy policy for the $4 billion project to move forward.
The North Dakota Industrial Commission in 2007 committed up to $10 million in state aid from coal tax collections to help determine the project's potential. Backers have sought an extension on weighing the project's potential every year since.
More than $1.3 million of state aid has been used studying the project to date.
