Support House Bill 613 and Missouri’s Energy Future
Monday is an important day in the effort to secure Missouri’s clean energy future.
House Bill 613, House Renewable Energy Chairman Jason Holsman’s legislation clarifying the renewable energy standard passed originally in 2008, will be debated on the House floor. We expect that amendments will be offered to add the provisions of the nuclear site permit bill, including the robust consumer protections. The nuclear site permit bill language is important because it keeps open the option to build a second nuclear plant in our state, and doing so may be Missouri’s best bet for keeping electricity rates low in the future.
A comprehensive plan that combines renewables and nuclear energy – like the one expected in HB 613 – marks a positive turning point for Missouri energy policy and would allow us to generate reliable, clean energy in our state. As aging coal plants become less efficient and it becomes more expensive to meet more stringent federal environmental regulations on carbon and other emissions, Missouri must keep all energy options open to meet increasing electricity demands. Chairman Holsman and Rep. Jeanie Riddle are working diligently, negotiating with all parties involved to move Missouri in a positive direction expanding the state’s energy portfolio to newer, cleaner sources – including nuclear power.
If this bill does not pass, Missouri will lose job prospects, potential economic growth and the ability to generate this energy inside our borders. At the same time, nearby states like Iowa and Indiana continue to push forward legislation allowing the development of new renewable and nuclear power generation. In fact, legislative committees in both of those states have taken action to move their bills forward in the past two weeks. If our legislature does not take action, instead of producing the electricity we need in our state, Missouri will be forced to buy energy from other states, driving costs higher for our residents.
The nuclear site permit legislation is a critical first step. The cost of this vital planning is less than $2 a year on the average residential electric bill. That’s why a our statewide coalition of small and large businesses, labor organizations, farmers, associations, trade groups and Missouri citizens support this legislation. Along with a steady addition of renewables to the energy grid, Missouri could be well on its way to maintaining a more balanced and secure energy portfolio.
Chairman Holsman’s legislation cannot proceed without your help. We must remain vigilant in our efforts so please click here to contact your legislators right now and tell them to pass HB613 and include include the nuclear site permit legislation as part of the package.
Thank you as always for your support.
