Brad Lager Supports Nuclear Power Bill Moving in Senate

In a positive step for energy and the economy in Missouri, the nuclear site permit bill, the legislation to keep nuclear power an option for Missouri, passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee April 5 as an amendment to Senate Bill 48, with a 7-2 vote. Chairman Brad Lager and Sens. Mike Kehoe, Jim Lembke, Michael Parson, Kurt Schaefer, Bill Stouffer and Timothy Green all voted in favor. 

"Thousands of people from across the state have made their voices heard and demonstrated to our lawmakers just how serious Missouri is about keeping nuclear power - and the jobs, economic investment and clean, affordable energy that come with it - an option for our state," says Barry Hart, CEO of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. "And today, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Lager and six other members of the Senate Commerce Committee - who we thank for their leadership - acted in response to that overwhelming public support when they voted in favor of this important legislation." 

A group that includes all of Missouri's electric utilities - investor-owned utilities, municipal systems and electric cooperatives - has been pushing for passage of this measure, which would keep alive the nuclear power option without committing to actually building a new plant. The utilities cite the need for a future source of baseload power and the limited options for new power plants to meet the anticipated increase in demand for electricity in supporting this measure. 

While this legislation has been delayed, the committee's action represents a fresh start toward moving it to a full vote on the Senate floor and eventual passage. "Without action from the Senate, nuclear power would no longer be an option in Missouri," Hart says. "This is about whether Missouri can continue to attract jobs through low rates and reliable power. We urge the Senate move quickly on this critical legislation."