Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) officials and environmentalists are asking lawmakers to delay the sale of KeySpan until the buyer makes a commitment to improve power plants.

Advocates say aging power plants pollute the air and water and pose a serious health threat to Long Islanders. LIPA Chairman Richard Kessel says British utility company National Grid should put their plans for upgrading plants in writing before the sale can happen. Kessel also emphasized that a recently negotiated long-term contract with KeySpan to operate the power system could be in jeopardy.

Officials from LIPA and National Grid will meet to discuss these issues on Friday.

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