1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

I am in strong opposition to SB838 (Ceirpiot), HB2578 (Banderman), SB1398 (Henderson), HB2475 (Lewis), HB2657 (Costlow), and HB2807 (Hurlbert). While these bills are presented under the guise of updating our energy policy, they represent a profound step backward for Missouri’s environment, economy, and working families. We must reject these attempts to undermine the promise of a clean energy future. These bills sabotage Missouri’s commitment to renewable energy. HB2578, HB2475, and SB1398 attempt a deceptive bait-and-switch by replacing the term “renewable energy resources” with “alternative energy resources” and adding nuclear energy to the definition. SB838, HB2657, and HB2807 cement this by creating a new “nuclear energy credit” and slashing the renewable portfolio standard in half, from 15 percent to just 7.5 percent. This is a direct attack on the voter-approved goals to grow our clean energy economy. Diluting the standard with nuclear power, a source fraught with safety risks, massive taxpayer subsidies, and unresolved waste problems, diverts investment away from truly renewable sources like wind and solar. These are the industries creating jobs and economic opportunity in Missouri right now. In addition, adding nuclear energy does nothing to address the climate crisis in a timely manner. New nuclear facilities take decades to build and cost billions, while solar and wind can be deployed rapidly and at a fraction of the cost. We should be investing in a decentralized, resilient grid powered by homegrown renewable energy, not propping up an outdated and dangerous technology. The changes also harm ratepayers. By creating a market for nuclear energy credits, utilities can pass the exorbitant costs of new nuclear construction onto consumers, all while receiving a guaranteed return on investment. This is a corporate giveaway that will raise bills for working families and small businesses, with no guarantee that these expensive projects will ever come online. Finally, these bills prioritize the profits of large utility corporations over the health of our communities. True renewable energy reduces harmful air pollution that causes asthma and other illnesses, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. By backtracking on our clean energy goals, we are prolonging the life of polluting facilities and choosing corporate profits over the well-being of Missourians. We must not let the utilities and their allies in the legislature dismantle our progress. We urge you to oppose these bills and instead focus on policies that truly support the growth of renewable energy, protect consumers, and build a just and sustainable future for all Missourians.