QUOTE BOX-Power execs discuss carbon emission regulation

PHOENIX, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Power industry executives met this week to talk about the future of their industry as it faces potential political upheaval under a new U.S. president committed to limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Here are some of the comments made at the annual EEI Financial Conference in Phoenix.

WILLIAM JOHNSON, chief executive of Progress Energy Inc (PGN.N):

"This CO2 issue is the biggest issue for the industry since Edison lit the light bulb."

JIM MILLER, chief executive of PPL Corp (PPL.N):

"We hope that from a worldwide basis, that we can bring the developing countries along, because if that does not occur, then this is really all for nothing."

RICHARD SANDOR, chief executive of the Chicago Climate Exchange, worrying about "internecine warfare" in the industry over carbon emissions legislation:

"I think the industry needs to be united. Every part of the power sector should have a glide path that's easy.

"I would say as a friend to the power sector, I hope that there will be unanimity and one could deliver a program that all could stand by.

"Don't be a Calvinist. You don't have to suffer to do good."

MICHAEL MORRIS, chief executive of leading coal consumer American Electric Power Co Inc (AEP.N):

"Of all of the major utilities who burn coal in the United States, I don't think any of them don't want to address this issue. But we really don't have the technology. It's about, you could argue, a half a decade to a decade away."

REP. RICK BOUCHER, a Virginia Democrat and chairman of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality, who has jointly proposed a draft bill for a cap and trade scheme for carbon emissions:

"If we don't continue to use coal, then we're going to have economic devastation.

"Coal is the fuel we have. And we don't have sufficient alternatives to replace coal, so we have to use it." (Reporting by Braden Reddall; Editing by Andre Grenon)