LONGVIEW, Wash. (AP) -- Longview Fibre Paper and Packaging officials say a new federal rule to curb greenhouse gas emissions could unintentionally delay their plan to produce clean, renewable power.

The Environmental Protection Agency rule, which takes effect in January, requires large industries such as power plants and refineries nationwide to start obtaining permits for emissions that contribute to global warming.

Longview Fibre tells The Daily News that the rule could derail the company's plans to build a $100 million biomass boiler, which would help power the mill using wood waste. The company was hoping to have the boiler online by 2013, but that could be delayed a year if Longview Fibre has to reapply for permits.

EPA officials say they are aware of the concerns of the biomass industry and plan to issue guides next month to steer biomass investors through the permitting process.

___

Information from: The Daily News, http://www.tdn.com

Copyright 2010 The AP.