By Wallace McMullen
Energy Center Creating Wind Work Group
The DNR Energy Center is organizing a work group to advance wind power in Missouri. The group will meet, at least at first, by conference call. The plan is to have at least 10 locations around the state where interested activists may congregate and join in the conference call. Locations presently arranged include the Energy Center office Jefferson City, the Discovery Center in Kansas City, and the Choutou building in St. Louis. The first call is tentatively set for October 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rick Anderson is the contact person at DNR for this initiative.
Kansas City Power and Light Wants More From Ratepayers; Adverse Health and Environmental Consequences
KCPL has petitioned the Public Service Commission for a proceeding, which has been titled an ”Electricity Working Group.” Although it was presented as a collaborative process, what the utility appears to expect is that the process will lead to an agreement from a number of stakeholders that they should get approval from the PSC to allow them to have higher rates for the purpose of building the new coal burning power plant they have been seeking. A number of Sierra Club activists have been participating with the intent of advancing the case for reducing the amount of coal burned through implementing energy efficiency and use of clean renewable sources. The results may have considerable impact on the future of energy policy in Missouri.
Springfield Voters Reject an Additional Coal Burning Power Plant
In a referendum on August 3, Springfield voters rejected a bond issue to build another coal burning power plant which Springfield City Utilities sought. The bond issue would have meant a rate increase of approximately 16%. City Utilities refuses to consider efficiency as a strategy for reducing the need for a new powerplant, and seems to be planning to resubmit the bond proposal at a later date.
Photo 1: Wallace McMullen touching the nose of a 65,000 watt wind generating turbine.
Photo 2: Wallace McMullen discovers a mini-car used by Fair staff which is solar powered.