April 2008 Since the Missouri State Legislature began its 2008 Session in early January, many bills dealing with energy issues have been filed. Many of them are supported by the Sierra Club. However, most have made little progress through the legislative process because of the slow pace of activity. High gasoline prices and increasing public concern about global warming have to date caused little movement to pass these energy bills. 2008 being an election year may be one factor. Passage of the Easy Connection Act, which combined net metering with renewable energy targets, was a significant victory in 2007. There is still adequate time to achieve additional victories on the energy front in 2008 despite the slow start. The last day of the 2008 Session is Friday May 16. Read more...
Energy
Bills Draw Attention of Legislators in 2008 General Assembly
February 2008 Passage of the Easy Connection
Act, which combined net metering with renewable energy targets (SB 54),
was a significant victory in 2007, and one that may lead to other, more
progressive energy bills being introduced in 2008. (Net
Metering was a component of Sierra Club’s March 2007 agreement with
Kansas City Power & Light (KCPL). Shortly after the agreement was
reached, KCPL worked with the business and environmental communities to
support the passage of Net Metering legislation.)
This year KCPL will be seeking Energy Efficiency enabling legislation that will enable utilities to implement cost-effective energy efficiency and demand response resources in order to benefit consumers and the economy, avoid or defer the need for new generation, transmission and distribution facilities, improve the quality of the air and water and the people’s health, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation is important to KCPL to facilitate the investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in energy efficiency to fully implement the March 2007 agreement that includes significant investments in wind and efficiency. Read more...