Massive Rate Increases on Residents and Small Business – Not what Missouri can afford.
In 2008, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that would increase our use of renewable energy in Missouri. A key component of that measure was a 1 percent cost cap, which was put in place to preserve Missouri’s already low electric rates.
Missouri can learn from this week's energy progress in Georgia
Major news out of Washington, D. C. as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved the licenses for construction of the first new nuclear reactors since 1978. The state of Georgia will see an influx of over 5,000 new jobs and billions in economic activity as construction begins. (AP report)
Kehoe: ESP is the first step to thousands of long-term jobs
"I have been asked repeatedly this year why, if it is such a high priority, I have not filed Early Site Permit legislation that is the critical first step toward building additional nuclear capacity at the current Callaway site. My first response is that the need for additional nuclear power production at the current Callaway site increases every day. Missourian’s electric bills continue to rise because we are far too dependent upon an old coal fleet that the federal government has put directly in their cross-hairs. Beyond that, securing an early site permit is the first step toward thousands of good, high-paying, long-term jobs. Secondly, I respond that there has been legislation filed by Representative Riddle in the House, legislation that was overwhelmingly supported last year and legislation that will receive tremendous bi-partisan support when it comes over to the Senate. Thirdly, I respond that there is still a great deal of time left to file bills in the Senate. I talk about ESP legislation with my fellow Senators daily and I am confident that the great support I had last year has only grown. However, I still have no indications that the roadblocks, half-truths, and political games that sabotaged the process in the Senate last year can be avoided until next year. As you may have seen, the Southern Company in Georgia was just granted licensure for the construction of the first two nuclear reactors in the United States in more than 30 years. Had our ESP legislation passed last year, it might have been Missouri leading the way in the nuclear renaissance in the United States. I am hopeful that the coming weeks will provide opportunity for a caucus meeting in the Senate where legislation that will lead to thousands of ‘boots on the ground’ jobs can be discussed, so that we can take the next step forward in securing Missouri’s energy future and putting Missourians to work in the long-term, high-paying jobs that building additional nuclear capacity will create."
Help Missouri small businesses keep the lights on
As Missouri struggles to advance statewide economic development and energy policies, small businesses are feeling the pressure. When it comes to energy, a perfect storm is brewing that could threaten our states low energy rates, ultimately harming small businesses.
More Benefits of the Consumer Protections in the Site Permit Bill
According to an article in January 26th’s Tampa Bay Times, ratepayers in Florida are now on the hook for more than a billion dollars in costs for the construction of a nuclear plant – even though the plant may not be constructed.
Exciting progress this week in Jefferson City
Good news from Jefferson City this week as Representative Jeanie Riddle filed early site permit legislation, HB1316, in an effort to preserve Missouri’s option to build a second nuclear power plant.
MBEF Statement on the Filing of Early Site Permit Legislation
We applaud Rep. Riddle for her determination and effort to file and pass this important piece of legislation. In the wake of stricter EPA emissions standards and the rising demand for electricity, MBEF believes the passage of this bill is needed now more than ever in Missouri. Its passage could lead to thousands of new jobs and billions of dollars into Missouri’s sagging economy. Furthermore, the construction of a new nuclear plant would secure a cleaner, more efficient power supply for Missouri while preserving long-term affordable electric rates for our future.
Guest commentary: Used nuclear fuel is a good energy source
Ever since the government banned its use in the recycling of used nuclear fuel nearly 35 years ago, “reprocessing” has been a dirty word. Many nuclear scientists and engineers, however, believe a new commitment to reprocessing is the key to solving the nuclear waste problem and ushering in a new generation of advanced power reactors. Hundreds of nuclear professionals recently sent a joint letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu and White House science adviser John Holdren urging such action.
Guest commentary: Labor must get creative in negotiating to survive
It's been four years since the economy went on life support in a recession that still saps the lifeblood of business today. In the St. Louis construction industry, unemployment remains at a Depression-level 30 percent to 40 percent. The union sector has frozen or cut wages and modified work rules to stimulate work. But it is all too clear that this is a market without money, frozen by credit gridlock. It's a watershed moment for labor, requiring a more creative approach to negotiating with the market.
Guest commentary: An uncertain future for power plants
The near-term future of our nation's and Missouri's economies is filled with uncertainty. Our struggle back from one of the largest economic downturns in U.S. history is extremely challenging.
