Virginia officials are exploring whether Dominion Virginia Power could use different technology or another type of coal at a plant proposed in southwest Virginia that would lower air pollution.

The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board voted Friday in Alexandria to seek more information from the state Department of Environmental Quality, the utility and the public about other options for the plant proposed for Wise County.

A DEQ spokesman says the board was not satisfied with Dominion's assertion that its plan to burn waste coal and wood products was the best option.

A National Park Service environmental engineer told the board that use of a coal-gasification process would result in lower emissions.