  We present spectroscopic observations with Keck/LRIS of LBQS 0015+0239, a
pair of quasars at z = 2.45 with a separation of $\Delta\theta = 2.2$ arcsec
(projected linear distance of 17.8 $h_{70}^{-1}$ kpc, for $\Omega_m = 0.3$,
$\Lambda = 0.7$). Lensing is an unlikely interpretation for the images, since
the spectra show significant differences in the NV and CIV emission line
profiles, and there is no luminous galaxy at the anticipated lens position.
Rather, we interpret this pair as the highest redshift known example of a
binary quasar. The redshift difference of 661+/-173 km/s between the two
components is inconsistent with the lensing expectation, but is consistent with
the line of sight velocity difference of a bound pair of galaxies. The spectra
show associated, narrow metal absorption in highly ionized species of C and N,
with a systemic velocity difference of 492+/-6 km/s. It is likely that this
absorption arises in a group or cluster of galaxies surrounding the quasar
pair. After a thorough search, the Large Bright Quasar Survey (LBQS) is known
to contain one gravitational lens and four probable binary pairs. The existence
of close binaries is evidence that quasar activity can be triggered by galaxy
interactions. We speculate that the close pair LBQS 0015+0239 is a rare example
of the pre-merger state of two supermassive black holes.
