Missouri can learn from this week's energy progress in Georgia

Posted on February 10, 2012

Tags: site permit legislation, nuclear energy, clean energy, affordable energy, Missouri

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)

Here in Missouri, large industrial corporations and their allies continue their efforts to block additional clean, affordable and reliable nuclear power in our state.

As you know, H.B. 1316, the nuclear site permit bill currently pending in Missouri’s House of Representatives would keep open the option for a second nuclear power plant.

Representative Jeanie Riddle’s bill contains strict consumer protections that all parties demanded. A strong cost recovery mechanism is in place so that Missouri residents and small business owners enjoy affordable electric rates for the long-term.

Georgians will see the economic benefits of increased nuclear power as early as 2016. But until Missouri’s legislators stand up to big businesses, Missouri’s energy future remains cloudy.