Missouri is preparing its first statewide energy plan. Representative Rocky Miller (R-Lake Ozark) will chair three Energy and Environment Committee hearings around the state in between now and October to weigh in on Governor Jay Nixon’s proposals.
Miller says Missouri needs an “all of the above” energy plan.
“Here in Missouri, our energy profile is about 80% coal. That allows us to have relatively inexpensive electric rates, but that particular profile becomes harder and harder to do. We’re going to have to look at allowing other methods of producing power to be used in Missouri.”
Miller says the state is behind the rest of the nation in having a real energy policy. Miller says an energy strategy would be useful on many levels.
“Apparently we had something in 1992, but it was put on the shelf. I’ve never seen it and I’m the Chairman of the Energy and Environment Committee. We want something that’s out there and that our economic development people our energy people and our utility people use all the time. We want something that’s a little more useful rather than just something to apply a check mark for a government official.”
He says legislation should be ready in the new session in January.
The hearings will begin Tuesday, July 27. The first stop is St. Charles Community College, in St. Charles. The August 13 hearing will be in Independence then at Lake of the Ozarks on September 17.