Missouri needs reliable, affordable energy to encourage economic growth
According to a recent economic report, Missouri is one of six states in the nation that experienced significant job losses over the past year. While the national average unemployment rate continues to drop, now at 8.8%, Missouri’s rate remains drastically high at 9.4%. Even more unsettling is that the Missouri General Assembly’s session is rapidly coming to an end and not one piece of legislation has been passed that will create jobs in Missouri. This is sobering news for our state – and it reminds us that we must continue to act to get Missouri’s economy back on track.
Senate Bill 321 and House Bill 124 lay the groundwork for long-term economic prosperity in Missouri. The construction of a second nuclear plant in Callaway County would create approximately 3,000 new construction jobs and an additional 8,000 indirect jobs during the six-year construction period — with a positive impact on Missouri’s economy of more than $1.2 billion per year. And, it would create nearly 400 new permanent jobs with an annual payroll of $37 million. After construction — with two nuclear power plants online — direct and indirect jobs would total more than 4,200.
Nuclear site permit legislation presents a critical first step to make our vision for an affordable and clean energy future a reality. That’s why MBEF joined forces with AREVA this week to discuss the huge economic impact a second nuclear power plant would have on our state. Areva executives addressed over 100 Missouri business owners on ways their businesses could manufacture and supply materials for a future nuclear plant.
During yesterday’s session, attendees received updates on exciting new build projects in the U.S. and spoke with legislators about the job opportunities, increased energy security and the economic benefits of a robust, safe, clean nuclear energy sector in Missouri.
If you are a Missouri business owner interested in future opportunities at a potential second nuclear plant, go to www.areva.com to learn more.
I encourage you to share the economic benefits of a new nuclear plant with your friends, family and neighbors. Missouri can’t afford more uncertainty.
And please contact your legislator and tell them to urge President Pro Tem Mayer and Speaker Tilley to listen to the people of Missouri and pass the nuclear site permit bill, Senate Bill 321/House Bill 124.
