PRESS RELEASE: Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future 2014 Agenda
January 2, 2014
A Blueprint for Success
Jefferson City, MO – Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future’s goals for 2014 focus on realistic and necessary improvements to how we receive and produce energy. Renewable and clean energy options, electric infrastructure improvements, energy sector job creation and educating Missourians about various levels of reduced energy consumption are the top goals for 2014.
“We have an aggressive agenda for 2014 focused on economic development, job creation, and saving consumers money. Setting up our state to attract new energy opportunities and educating consumers will ensure these goals are feasible,” said MBEF Executive Director Irl Scissors.
Energy Infrastructure
A major concern for courting new energy opportunities as well as the economic development and job creation they bring, is the aging energy infrastructure of the state. MBEF is committed to working with Missouri electric companies, businesses, and public officials to find a legislative path forward.
Beyond potential energy project development that is on the line, waiting to make improvements in Missouri’s electric grid could cost consumers exponentially in the future through emergency repair costs, untimely outages for local businesses, and the loss of cost procurement opportunities.
“Improvements to our energy infrastructure are critical. Not only is this the lynchpin of courting the energy industry and new jobs, but the simple enjoyment of reliable and affordable electricity is threatened if nothing is done,” Scissors said.
Clean and Renewable Energy
Missouri’s colleges and universities are on the forefront of clean and renewable energy research as evidenced in the University of Missouri’s receipt of a $1.8 million Economic Development Administration and Employment and Training Administration grant to study Small Modular Reactors (SMR).
Despite the setback in being passed over for the 2013 Department of Energy SMR grant, MBEF will continue to urge Missouri utilities and elected officials to bring SMRs to Missouri. The project creates jobs and brings new technology and manufacturing to our state. With an aging fleet of coal-fired power plants and the enforcement of tougher EPA emission standards, SMRs will go far to support future clean energy generation.
An additional goal for 2014 is to work with Missouri utilities to encourage the development of renewable energy projects. Not only do these projects provide additional, energy options for consumers, but they also indicate Missouri’s commitment to energy as a diverse economic engine for the state.
Missouri residents are doing their part by taking advantage of solar subsidies, which further enables the solar industry to create jobs and bring new talent to the region. Larger solar plans are also underway for entities like City Utilities of Springfield where an industrial scale solar project has been announced.
Biogas and landfill gas projects are also helping to diversify Missouri’s energy portfolio. In 2014, MBEF will encourage utilities to focus on these and other projects to further comply with the renewable energy standards set with the public’s 2008 passage of Prop C.
Job Creation
While we continue to court the energy industry in an effort to attract new projects and developments, Missouri has multiple job creation opportunities right here at home. Focusing on the improvement of Missouri’s electric infrastructure and developing local renewable energy projects will create thousands of jobs. Missouri has a highly skilled, well-trained workforce ready at the helm to address Missouri’s aging infrastructure needs.
“From engineers to researchers to thousands of trade and construction jobs, simply getting Missouri’s energy house in order with improved infrastructure and renewable energy options will put so many Missourians back to work,” Scissors said. “As those workers are trained, our workforce as a whole becomes part of what makes this state attractive for additional energy development down the line.”
Reduced Energy Consumption
Rounding out 2013, MBEF began to put out practical steps Missourians could take around the holidays to reduce energy consumption. From saving energy around heating, lighting, and the powering of electronics to appliances used for cooking and cleaning, tips shared with consumers were focused on energy and cost savings. Missourians enjoy some of the cheapest electric rates in the country, but there are always ways to reduce our electric costs even further.
2014 provides additional opportunities to share home solutions for energy reduction, including major and minor home improvements, informing consumers making appliance purchases, and every day routines that provide opportunities to cut down on energy use.
Contact: Adrianne Marsh (314) 827-6141
Missourians For A Balanced Energy Future | moenergyfuture.org |
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