LTE: Missouri Legislature should pass bill to attract energy jobs
It’s been a great few weeks for those of us who support a proactive energy policy for Missouri.
The Missouri Legislature has taken wise first steps toward passage of energy jobs legislation called Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining. The bill has overwhelmingly passed House and Senate committees. And the Missouri Public Service Commission recently released a report stating that the bill would not increase overall costs for consumers. When the Legislature returns from its weeklong break, I hope our legislators will move quickly to final passage of this jobs bill.
Last week, our state got a signal that we need this legislation more than ever. The United States Department of Energy announced its grant program for planning the next generation of energy: small modular reactors. Missouri has designated SMRs as a major economic development opportunity, and we have many positive factors in place. Our state’s SMR plan has the backing of all our utilities, and they have a great partner in Westinghouse.
We need to make sure we do all we can to attract this great opportunity. ISRS legislation will ensure that Missouri has the reliable infrastructure in place to serve the high-tech manufacturing required. I’m glad to see that, with ISRS, the Missouri Legislature is on its way to creating an environment that attracts business, strengthens our systems and makes our state competitive. Now is the time to take advantage of this major economic development opportunity. ISRS legislation is the right next step.
Liz Lahm • St. Louis County
