MBEF Supports Bipartisan ISRS Legislation to Attract Jobs and Economic Growth
JEFFERSON CITY, January 24, 2013 Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future (MBEF) today announced its support of Sen. Mike Kehoe’s (R-Jefferson City) Senate Bill 207, for Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS). The bipartisan legislation introduced today by Sen. Kehoe has bipartisan support upon filing from 16 co-sponsors. SB207 will help secure Missouri’s energy future, promoting much needed investments in electric infrastructure and creating high-paying jobs for the state.
Today’s electric regulations are more than a century old. This legislation will introduce a 21st century energy policy, enabling much needed investment in infrastructure, creating new jobs, improving reliability, reducing outages and assuring cost savings for consumers.
“Our neighboring states are already making headway on these crucial infrastructure and regulatory changes,” said Sen. Kehoe. “Missouri cannot be left behind. The ISRS legislation will not only make us competitive, but also will promote economic development in our state a move that will bring well-paying jobs for Missourians.”
ISRS legislation would eliminate unnecessary government regulation while keeping strong consumer protections. The Missouri Public Service Commission will continue to provide comprehensive oversight and approval of all utility filings to protect consumers.
“This legislation’s call for upgraded electric infrastructure will better position Missouri as a hub for Small Modular Reactor (SMR) development and manufacturing, especially in the high-tech energy industry,” said Irl L. Scissors, executive director of MBEF. “ISRS legislation is the best thing the Missouri state government can do to position us for this $25 billion opportunity. The SMR opportunity could become a reality if we take action now to improve Missouri’s energy infrastructure.”
Scissors continued: “For nearly a decade, our state’s gas and water utilities have used ISRS to directly benefit consumers, stabilize rates and improve their infrastructure. ISRS will modernize the current regulatory barrier for electric utilities across the state and allow for necessary upgrades to power generation facilities, substations and distribution systems. This legislation is a positive step in bringing the cost savings and benefits consumers deserve.”
SB207 will extend to electric utilities the same opportunity as water and gas utilities to recover costs from infrastructure investments. The legislation would allow Missouri’s regulated electric utilities to invest another $1 billion in infrastructure over the next ten years, creating thousands of jobs while building our energy economy.
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Newsrooms:
To schedule an interview with Irl Scissors,
call (314) 368-4330
or email irl@moenergyfuture.org
