Governor Jay Nixon (D) has launched the development of a comprehensive State Energy Plan. He has written an executive order that will have the Economic Development Department’s Division of Energy take public opinions for a report due at the end of May, 2015. Nixon says the goal is to make sure Missourians have access to “clean, reliable, affordable and abundant energy,” while attracting high-paying energy jobs to the state.

In a statement from Nixon’s office, he writes, “How we produce and consume energy will have profound and lasting impact on our economy, our security and our quality of life,” Gov. Nixon said. “With so much at stake, we need to have a clear vision for what our energy future should look like, and how to get there. That is why I am charging our Division of Energy with gathering input from stakeholders around the state and developing a detailed and comprehensive plan for meeting Missouri’s needs for clean, reliable, affordable and abundant energy now and in the future.”

Nixon’s office says in public meetings across the state, the initiative will solicit input from the public and energy stakeholders including consumers, businesses, public utilities, renewable energy companies, academic researchers and environmental advocates.

Nixon announced the executive order during a speech to Midcontinent Independent Service Operator (MISO) stakeholders in St. Louis. Read the full text of his address here.