Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
St. Louis, MO -- Tonight, Missourians from throughout the state held a virtual rally to demand that the state’s largest coal polluting utilities quickly transition to clean energy. The rally builds on the The Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges report released by Sierra Club in January.
“We need bold action from these utilities in order to address environmental justice and avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis,” said Ashton Kuehnel, St. Louis Grassroots Organizer for Sierra Club’s Missouri Chapter. “Ameren Missouri needs to admit that pollution from its unscrubbed coal plants are disproportionately impacting people who lack reliable access to healthcare. Ameren’s CEO, Warner Baxter, could save lives if his utility accelerated the closure of its coal plants.”
“It’s discouraging that Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. has zero coal plants scheduled for retirement before 2030,” said Kane Sheek, Springfield Community Organizer for Sierra Club’s Missouri Chapter. “The dirty truth is that AECI needs to clean up its energy portfolio by investing in clean, safe, and affordable renewable energy.”
Sierra Club will use the Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges to engage Missourians throughout the year. The report will be updated annually to demonstrate whether utilities are making progress in their transition to clean energy.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.