Kansas City, MO -- Less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump announced his intentions to back out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Kansas City Power & Light Co. (KCP&L) announced that it was finalizing plans to retire three coal-fired power plants -- Montrose, Lake Road, and Sibley power plants. KCP&L cited its commitment to clean energy, releasing a statement saying , “Wind energy sources have become a much more economic generation resource for the region.” Though much of that coal generation was previously slated for retirement, today’s announcement included new coal generation retirements at the power plant near Sibley, MO. Today’s news from KCP&L shows that companies and municipalities are turning to clean, renewable energy like wind and solar instead of doubling down on aging fossil fuel generators.
Kansas City Mayor, Sly James, also reaffirmed his commitment to sustainability by joining 86 Mayors across the country to uphold the commitments of the Paris Agreement. Mayor Lyda Krewson of St. Louis also made the commitment, though that city’s utility, Ameren Missouri, still generates 66 percent (2016) of its electricity from coal and has been resistant to a shift towards renewable energy.
In response, Andy Knott, Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, released the following statement:
"KCP&L’s decision to phase out coal generation shows a commitment to looking forward despite a lack of federal leadership on clean energy. Even in Missouri, a heartland state that Trump won, utilities like KCP&L and mayors like Sly James and Lynda Krewson recognize that clean energy is not only the best investment for our climate, but also the best investment for our state’s families. Clean energy can create thousands of jobs, lower electricity bills, and ensure that the air Missourians breath and the water we drink isn’t poisoning us with fossil fuel pollution.
“Missouri is home to Sun Solar, one of the fastest growing solar companies in the nation. It’s not some west coast giant like Trump wants people to think, it’s a family owned business that goes out of it’s way to hire and train vets and former coal miners. Trump said he loved American workers, but Missouri is showing it by investing in growing industries that will give our communities jobs for generations to come.”