Sen. Chris Koster introduces green power initiative to legislators

Thursday, January 26, 2006

JEFFERSON CITY-- Sen. Chris Koster, R-Harrisonville, led a bi-partisan effort this week to move the state of Missouri toward a more environmentally sound energy policy.

Senate Bill 915 develops a Renewable Energy Standard for regulated utilities in Missouri. It sets a goal of 7 percent of the electrical energy provided to Missouri consumers to be generated by renewable energy sources by 2015, and 10 percent of the output to be reached by 2020. Sources of energy that qualify as renewable include: solar, wind or hydroelectric power, hydrogen from non-fossil fuel feedstock, and biomass.

The need for a more environmentally sound energy policy has been called for by Governor Matt Blunt and Senate President Pro Tem Michael Gibbons. Each called on the legislature to encourage new technologies and bring Missouri's energy production into the 21st century.

"Missouri currently has no policies in place that recognize the role environmentally conscience, renewable fuels should play in our state's future energy supply," Koster said. "This measure is a significant step forward in putting Missouri on the right path to protecting the integrity of our environment and the long-term interests of consumers."

The participating corporations are required to report biannually to the Public Service Commission regarding their plans, activities and progress in achieving the energy-output goal.

A consumer-protection clause is included in the legislation allowing the PSC to terminate the corporations' efforts if they are having an adverse effect on consumer prices.

"The Green Power Initiative is a great first step in our efforts to create a responsible mix of traditional and renewable fuels in our state," Koster said. "Passage of this legislation recognizes our commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable energy supply for Missouri."

Koster added, "I am pleased and excited by the willingness of Senator Michael Gibbons (President Pro-Tem) and Senator David Klindt (Chairman of the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee) to co-sponsor this bill.

Their participation indicates the seriousness with which Senate Republicans take the issue of responsible energy production. I also want to thank Senator Chuck Graham (D-Boone County) for his leadership on environmental issues in the Senate and his co-sponsorship of this project. His courage on this issue has provided a bi-partisan cornerstone to our effort."

The bill will soon be referred to the appropriate Senate committee, where it will be put before a public hearing. Committee approval sends the bill back to the Senate floor for debate by the full body.

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