Missouri Clean Energy Coalition Launched

By Sara Edgar, Beyond Coal Campaign

In honor of the 45th Earth Day, on April 22 the Missouri Sierra Club partnered with approximately 30 other organizations and supportive political leaders to launch the Missouri Clean Energy Coalition in our state capitol.

For over 6 months the Missouri Sierra Club has been working with coalition partners to develop a strategy to achieve a strong Clean Power Plan in our state and transition Missouri to be fossil fuel free by 2050. After months of planning, training, outreach, and coordination, the public launch of the coalition in Jefferson City was an exciting first step to building a more  unified force in our state in support of clean energy and climate action.

Over 130 people attended, with many Sierra Club members attending from all parts of the state. By all accounts the day was a great success. We met with 86 legislators and staff, dropped off literature to all 196 legislative offices, secured support for the solar bill of rights from 25 legislators, 23 vowed to support the Clean Power Plan, 16 took group photos with us, and 7 joined the coalition.

The day culminated with a rally, with speeches from Osage Chair, Carolyn Amparan, and member Dr. John Kissel. Two great environmental champions and coalition partners, Representative Judy Morgan from Kansas City and Representative Clem Smith from St. Louis both spoke as well. After the rally, THB member and Kansas City Music Hall of Fame inductee Winston Apple led the group in a hearty round of “Power to the People” and “This Land is Your Land”.

The press took great interest in our efforts with nearly 10 tv, radio, and print pieces across the state covering our efforts. A special thanks to all our members and supporters that helped ensure the event was a success - from posting flyers, making phone calls, collecting petitions, and spending a long day marching through the halls of the capitol.