Brad Lager's Capitol Report -- Powering Missouri’s Future

Although the 2011 legislative session has come to an end, the issues and challenges facing Missouri’s lawmakers have not. One of the important issues left unresolved: how does Missouri plan on meeting its energy demands of the future? More specifically, are we going to produce enough energy within our state’s borders to power our homes and businesses or will Missouri follow the path of states like California and become beholden on others to meet its energy generation needs?

Although other areas of the country have experienced energy shortages, Missouri’s fleet of coal-fired power plants have provided a reliable and relatively affordable source of electricity. As the demand for electricity within our state continues to grow, most projections estimate that energy demand will outpace our supply capabilities by the year 2020. Because many of the coal plants currently meeting our energy needs were built in the 1970’s, costly upgrades will be required to meet the new environmental restrictions and regulations be imposed by the EPA.

For the last two years, the General Assembly has grappled with the future of nuclear power and whether or not we should be expanding additional nuclear production facilities in our state. When managed effectively, nuclear power can generate large amounts of energy in a clean, safe, and reliable manner. It can be a central component of a comprehensive energy plan that incorporates both fossil fuels and emerging renewable sources. The process to build nuclear generation is lengthy and complex. The upfront costs are enormous, but must be incurred in order to continue moving the process along.

While there is no easy solution to this issue, we can certainly all agree that reliable and affordable energy is essential to the economic viability of our state. Through reason and cooperation, I believe we can find the appropriate balance between protecting Missouri’s ratepayers from unnecessary costs, while continuing to advance a reasonable and responsible energy plan. Most importantly, I hope everyone will understand that it is time to stop debating and start advancing a comprehensive energy plan that supports a robust, dynamic and growing economy.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.