PRESS RELEASE: MBEF: We must act now to seize the opportunity on SMRs
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced another competitive funding opportunity to jump start investment in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This funding opportunity is important for Missouri, where SMR manufacturing is a priority economic development opportunity.
Irl L. Scissors, Executive Director of Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future (MBEF), released the following statement in response to the DOE announcement:
“The Department of Energy’s latest funding opportunity on Small Modular Reactors is more evidence of why our state needs to proactively invest in energy infrastructure. Missouri is a perfect location for SMR development. We are home to an unprecedented alliance of electricity providers, a university system with cutting-edge research programs, a well-trained, highly educated workforce, a strong transportation network including rail and rivers, affordable energy rates and the Callaway Energy Center already in place – some of the factors DOE expressly outlined in its competitive funding announcement.
“With all this in place, Missouri should be a clear choice for the SMR industry. Unfortunately, one critical element is slowing the state’s progress: our outdated and burdensome electric regulatory structure. We can’t make the electric infrastructure investments we need to support new high tech manufacturing. According to a recent study, 44 out of 50 states have more supportive regulatory climates than Missouri. That’s why we need to support Senate Bill 207, Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS).
“SMRs could provide our state with a clear path to a stronger economic and energy future. We face dramatic challenges in the form of federal regulation, increasing demand and an aging infrastructure. The SMR opportunity represents strong solution – a solution that also could support thousands of new jobs and create a $25 billion global export for the state.
“This latest DOE funding opportunity represents all we stand to lose if we don’t take action now to streamline our outdated regulations and make needed electric infrastructure investments. Missouri needs ISRS legislation to make sure we can attract opportunities that will grow our economy and create jobs.”
###
