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Nixon wants lawmakers to focus on renewable energy

By   /   February 17, 2011  /   3 Comments

Citing a shared vision of a cleaner, greener, healthier and more prosperous state with the people of the Show-Me State, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon wants lawmakers to pass renewable energy legislation this year.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon in St. Louis last month

“Clean, abundant, renewable energy is critical to the health of our state’s economy and environment,” according to a letter sent by Nixon earlier this week to the leaders of the Missouri General Assembly.

“It is vital to creating jobs, to helping existing businesses expand, and to attracting new businesses to our state,” Nixon writes, referencing Proposition C passed by voters in 2008.

Prop C, also known as the Clean Energy Initiative, created a renewable electricity standard in Missouri, requiring utilities to gradually increase their usage of renewable energy annually until 15 percent of the energy used across the state is renewable by 2021.

The Missouri Public Service Commission drew up regulations regarding renewable energy, but later withdrew the proposals. Nixon writes to lawmakers that it is important to note that even after the withdrawal of the rules by the PSC, “Missouri’s renewable energy standards and goals remain in place as mandated by the voters.”

At the time of the initiative, the estimated direct cost to state governmental entities was $395,183, according to the state auditor, with the initiative stating indirect costs may be incurred if the proposal increases electricity rates. There was no estimate provided on what the ballot initiative would cost utilities or ratepayers in Missouri.

“This is a decisive moment for Missouri; we are poised to realize our potential to become a leader in the development, production, use and export of renewable energy,” Nixon concludes in his letter to lawmakers.

“It is imperative that we pass legislation now that moves renewable energy forward in Missouri.”

By Brian R. Hook, brhook@missouriwatchdog.org, (314) 482-7944

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Brian Hook

  • http://danny6114.posterous.com/ danny6114

    I’m sure the oil company buddies in the GOP will get right on that!

  • MajorMike

    As long as the renewable energy is nuclear, natural gas, or clean coal then I’d consider going along with a clean energy initiative. However, if we’re talking solar or wind then forget it. They are not a viable option economically and must be subsidized even to reach a profit.

    I’m also against the ethanol mandate too. I can understand how the mandate and subsidies help corn farmers, but not at the expense of taxpayers. We pay more for the subsidies, increased wear & tear to my vehicle by burning hotter, and higher food prices. Especially when you consider how many places corn is actually used, from feed for livestock to corn syrup as sweetener.

  • http://www.greenpoweredhome.net DIY Solar Panels

    Thanks for posting this, I sent it to my brother and he loves it too.