LETTER: Legislation could provide clean energy, lower electricity prices and jobs
On Feb. 18, the Columbia Missourian ran a letter to the editor, “Legislature seems intent to overturn the people’s decision.” The author failed to mention one of the biggest challenges Missouri is facing today: securing our energy future.
Right now, 80 percent of Missouri’s electricity comes from aging coal plants. In the coming years, these plants will need to be retired or replaced. In addition, federal regulations under consideration could make coal-generated electricity more expensive even as demand increases significantly. Without proper planning, we may be unable to meet our future electricity demand at affordable prices. We need to leave open the option of nuclear power, which may be our best option for keeping rates low in the long-term.
Senate Bill 50/House Bill 124, legislation currently under review in the General Assembly, would leave open the option of nuclear power — and the jobs, clean energy and affordable electricity that come with it.
Senate Bill 50/House Bill 124 provides a clear way forward to replace our aging coal plants while continuing to meet our electricity needs in the most affordable way possible.
-Irl Scissors
