Nixon Encourages Greater Lawmaker Support of Renewables
(Jefferson City, MO) — In a letter sent Wednesday to House Minority Leader Mike Talboy, D-Kansas City, Gov. Jay Nixon asked to see more legislative action in support of the state’s nascent renewable energy industry.
“Failure to act this session will increase the very real risk that Missouri misses out on this opportunity to take advantage of this growing sector of the economy,” Nixon wrote.
Lawmakers have yet to advance any renewable energy efforts for floor debate this session, though a Wednesday hearing on House Bill 124, which seeks to allow utilities to recoup permitting fees for a new nuclear plant before construction is complete, generated significant reaction in a hearing room stuffed beyond capacity.
House Bill 82, which is seeking approval to use small nuclear reactors to help meet utilities meet the state’s renewable energy standards, has yet to receive a hearing. Other efforts include enacting a tax credit for biomass fuel production and increasing energy efficiency in buildings.
