Associated Press: The federal government is suspending a major loan program for coal-fired power plants in rural communities, saying the uncertainties of climate change and rising construction costs make the loans too risky. After issuing $1.3 billion in loans for new plant construction since 2001, none will be issued this year and likely none in 2009, said James Newby, assistant administrator for the Rural Utilities Service, a branch of the Department of Agriculture. The program’s suspension …