Committee Hears Renewable Energy Use Bill

A Senate committee is considering a bill that sets goals for electric utilities for the use of renewable energy. The bill sets goals for the use of renewable energy to at least seven percent by 2015 and at least ten percent by 2020. Senator Chris Koster of Harrisonville, the sponsor, points out this would set targets without mandating them. Chyanne Lockhart, President of the League of Women Voters of Kansas City, told the panel she supports the goals, but opposes the bill because there is no mandate. Koster says he chose the goals, rather than the mandate, because he doubts a mandate would pass the Legislature. The legislation would require electric utilities to submit a biannual report to the Public Service Commission detailing plans, activities, and progress with regard to those renewable energy goals.