I've looked briefly at this article. Overall it looks like which technology that is winning/losing is unclear, but is open to coal! They keep talking about ideals, but the fact is:

Last week, the California Energy Commission took a major step toward that goal as it relates to electricity production. The commission approved a new rule that will require new power obtained by California utilities to be produced by plants at least as clean as current natural gas-fueled power plants.

Joe Desmond, chairman of the commission and Schwarzenegger's top energy adviser, called the rule "the most aggressive standard in the nation'' and argued that it would spark more investment both in renewable energy and ***in technologies that can make burning coal to create electricity much more environmentally friendly.*** (?)

Desmond argued that because natural gas prices are rising, coal is an option that California must consider to keep energy affordable.

Schwarzenegger must still sign off on the rule before it goes into effect.

*****WHEN IS HE SIGNING OFF? And Metric where are we on geothermal? The CEC study is a monster to read... Bottom line is there is more energy available thru geothermal than what is proposed with the coal plant.

It may cost more in the short term, but how much? I think the cost curves would be fascinating.... Can the payback time be compared with the technologies in addition to comparing environmental impact? If we have data like that... let's do another email campaign based on this to the CEC and Sacramento!!