Political Scene

New rules for carbon dioxide storage proposed

The Obama administration is proposing new rules to protect drinking water and track the amount of carbon dioxide stored by so-called “clean coal” technology.

The rules, announced Monday, cover an experimental technique to store carbon dioxide emissions from coal plants and other sources underground. The technique is designed to reduce greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Lisa Jackson, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, said the rules clarify standards for carbon storage, so industry knows what is required as it develops the technology.

The administration wants to encourage carbon storage while overcoming liability obstacles that could hinder the development of the technology.

SARAH PALIN

Barbara Bush: Palin should stay in Alaska

Former first lady Barbara Bush doesn’t appear to think much of Sarah Palin’s White House aspirations, saying the former Alaska governor should stick to her home state.

In an interview with CNN’s Larry King scheduled for airing Monday, Mrs. Bush says she sat next to Mrs. Palin once and “thought she was beautiful.”

The outspoken wife of former President George H.W. Bush says Mrs. Palin, who is considering a presidential run in 2012, seems “very happy in Alaska” but then adds, “I hope she’ll stay there.”

TEXAS

Deliberations begin in DeLay’s trial

AUSTIN | The fate of former U.S. House Majority Leader Tom DeLay is now in the hands of a jury.

Jurors in Mr. DeLay’s money-laundering trial in Austin began deliberating Monday after more than three hours of closing arguments.

In their final pitch to jurors, prosecutors said the former Republican lawmaker gave his blessing to a scheme to use his political action committee to illegally channel $190,000 in corporate donations into 2002 Texas legislative races through a money swap.

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