Barack Obama hedges position on "green" coal

In a move bound to gladden the hearts of Sen. Barack Obama's green support, an email sent to environmental groups clarified his position on liquid coal.

The email stated that "Senator Obama will not support the development of any coal-to-liquid fuels unless they emit at least 20% less life-cycle carbon than conventional fuels."

Obama aides said that the media had misconstrued the senator's position on liquid coal as a part of a solution toward energy independence. "Senator Obama supports research into all technologies to help solve our climate change and energy dependence problems, including shifting our energy use to renewable fuels and investing in technology that could make coal a clean-burning source of energy."

In addition, Obama supports stricter fuel efficiency standards and increased use of biofuels as part of his energy policy.