March 2023 Update
Greetings MBEF Members:
We are finally moving past the cold gray months and heading into Spring, which means warmer temperatures, outdoor activities, and for those that work the land, time to start planting.
Missouri Legislative Spring Break
For the Missouri General Assembly, lawmakers have reached the midway point of their legislative session. Our energy industry is watching a number of bills that, if passed, could improve our energy economy and create new jobs.
One bill that seems to have bipartisan support, is SB 140, sponsored by Senator Jason Bean (R-Holcomb). A pressing issue in Missouri continues to be workforce development. SB 140 will allow our electric and gas corporations to recover some costs related to workforce development investments as determined by the Public Service Commission. It’s no secret that Missouri’s workforce is aging into retirement and training new workers that will upgrade our energy infrastructure will only benefit our state and the economy.
This bill and a similar bill in the House are moving through the process and could end up on the Governor’s desk. THe Missouri Chamber of Commerce & Industry has this breakdown of the bill.
Missouri Solar Energy
Last year, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that large-scale solar projects are no longer tax exempt, which leaves it up to the locale to determine proper taxation. This has caused some uncertainty in the industry, however, solar is one of the fastest growing sectors of our nation’s economy.
We’ve previously reported that a Task Force was formed to address the issue. No resolution took place and there are now multiple bills before the General Assembly that suggest solutions. We’ll keep monitoring these measures to see if a resolution is likely.
Meanwhile, solar development in Missouri, like the rest of the world, continues to grow at a rapid pace. Ameren Missouri recently announced their plans to acquire the Huck Finn Solar Project, which is located between Audrain and Ralls counties. To date, this will be the largest solar project installed in Missouri, creating 250 construction jobs, pouring millions into our economy. It will generate energy to power approximately 40,000 homes.
We know our state will never run solely on the wind and the sun, but generating more homegrown, renewable energy can only support our economy and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels.
Transmission Lines, Property Rights, and the Grid
Missourians continue to struggle to find the right balance between, building out a stronger, reliable, power grid, while preserving property rights for landowners. The Missouri Public Service Commission held three public hearings on the Grain Belt Express, a renewable energy transmission project, which would carry wind energy across the state. It is a sensitive subject as demand for more renewable energy expands nationwide, but protecting private property rights is a key concern for Missouri landowners and lawmakers alike.
This delicate balance impacts everyone from small communities in rural areas, to densely populated cities. Keeping energy rates low, maintaining a reliable, weather-resistant power grid, while preserving the rights of private property owners are all key components to a successful economy, but they are also core principles for Missourians. The energy grid of tomorrow must address the concerns of today.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the Missouri General Assembly’s progress as they address these issues head-on.
