EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY HAS ANNOUNCED TODAY KEY ROLES IT WILL PLAY IN THEY TWO INDUSTRIAL GASIFICATION PROJECTS IN THE U.S. GULF COAST. THE COMPANY WILL BE THE DEVELOPER, CO-INVESTOR AND CUSTOMER OF A NEW 1.6 BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT SLATED FOR BEAUMONT TEXAS AS WELL AS A PROJECT IN ST. JAMES PARISH LOUISIANA. THE TWO FACILITIES WILL USE PETROLEUM COKE INSTEAD OF NATURAL GAS TO PRODUCE INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS USED IN A VARIETY OF CONSUMER END PRODUCTS. EASTMAN HAS HAD A COAL GASIFICATION PLANT IN KINGSPORT FOR SEVERAL YEARS.