by Carla Klein, Chapter Program Director
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The Sierra Club has worked with Representative Jenee Lowe (D, Kansas City) and Senator Chuck Graham (D, Columbia) to introduce statewide renewable energy standards. We believe Missouri Renewable Energy Standards (RES) legislation is essential to stimulate the development of clean renewable energy in Missouri.
The legislation, HB 1384 and the companion bill SB 843, would require all retail sellers of electricity, including municipal and rural electric cooperatives, to supply a certain amount of their power from renewable energy sources. The minimum percentage requirement grows from one percent in 2008 to ten percent in 2020.
Missouri currently imports nearly all of the fuel to produce electricity; billions of dollars exit the state annually. RES legislation would provide the impetus for the development of Missouri’s renewable resources and keep more energy dollars working within the local communities, thus creating new job opportunities.
Development of clean domestic energy choices would diversify the state’s energy supply and increase energy security and reliability while protecting Missouri consumers from volatile energy prices. Without a RES, Missouri will continue to lag behind other states in renewable energy production. A survey of 175 Missouri utilities in 2002 by DNR’s Energy Center found that only three percent planned to offer an alternative energy program or service.
Adoption of a RES assures potential renewable energy investors a reliable and steadily growing market, enabling long-term contracts and financing. This kind of market-based solution harnesses the private sector to achieve energy independence and a cleaner environment. In other states wind energy developers are paying farmers $2,000 to $5,000 per year for each turbine installed. Each turbine uses less than a half acre, so farmers can plant crops and graze livestock right up to the turbine’s base. Some farmers have formed their own wind power cooperatives.
Most of Missouri’s electricity is generated by coal-fired power plants, producing emissions that cause acid rain, mercury contamination and contribute to global warming. These air pollutants are linked to asthma, lung diseases, developmental delays and birth defects. Moving Missouri toward a clean, renewable energy future will protect human health and the environment.
Missouri’s renewable electricity potential is virtually untapped. Renewable energy is increasingly available and affordable. Many states have realized that diversifying their energy sources benefits their economy and environment. It is time for Missouri to join the twenty-one other states that have already adopted Renewable Energy Standards.
Another version of a renewable energy bill has been introduced by Senator Koster (R, Harrisonville). Senate Bill 915 titled the “Green Power Initiative.” The Sierra Club views this bill as a symbolic gesture that will do nothing to accomplish the renewable energy goals necessary to really drive the introduction of renewable energy in Missouri. Although the bill can be viewed as a first step, requiring utilities to send in a bi-annual report on which renewable energy options they have considered. SB 915 only requires a “good faith effort,” no mandatory requirements. We appreciate letting the market set prices. In fact, we believe that if the full impact of energy use was considered, then clean renewable energy would already be the clear choice in the market place. However, coal production is heavily subsidized from mining to transportation. Regulated utilities also enjoy a monopoly status; therefore, market place competition does not really apply here. In order to level the playing field or market status, requirements mandating renewable energy are necessary to move the industries in the right direction.
Utility providers are accustomed to building huge, dirty coal plants that cost billions of dollars, tying them to the technology for several decades. Without mandatory renewable energy standards, clean renewable energy will not be viewed as a viable option for several more years.
We have an opportunity to join the 21 other states that have already taken this important step. Missouri should choose to build a cleaner, safer, stronger energy future. Supporting mandatory renewable energy standards will get us there.