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Home > Issues & Actions: Air Quality

Unfortunately, Missouri is behind the curve on renewable energy and climate change policy. Missouri's inaction on climate change and renewables is especially devastating given Missouri’s heavy reliance on coal.

  • 85% of Missouri's electricity comes from coal while only 0.01% comes from renewable sources.

  • Coal burning power plants are the largest contributor to global warming, and mercury from coal plants has led to consumption warnings on fish in every water body in the state. Emissions from coal plants intensify asthma and heart disease.
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  • Missouri has 21 coal-fired power plants and is considering permitting another plant in Norborne, Missouri.


  • From 1990 to 2003, Missouri's per-person carbon dioxide emissions was the fifth highest in the country, rising 15% while the national average remained fairly constant.

    • MCE's clean energy and climate change program combines advocacy and education to influence change. MCE promotes state policies that helps Missouri transition from an over reliance on highly polluting coal to clean, renewable energy. MCE also combats climate change by promoting local action to decrease carbon dioxide emissions.
    photo by Tyler Harris


    MCE Priorities:

    Promoting Renewable Energy:

    Twenty-six states have passed a policy known as a Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), while Missouri instead has a voluntary standard that does not hold utilities accountable to use clean energy. Recognizing the need to secure a clean energy future, volunteers and petitioners gathered 163,000 signatures to put the Clean Energy Initiative on Missouri's November 2008 ballot.

    Click here to read more about the project and how to get involved.

    Reducing lead pollution in Herculaneum:

    The Coalition works with the Washington University Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic to reduce the public's exposure to lead. Currently, the Clinic provides assistance to Coalition members that are working to reduce lead pollution from the Doe Run smelter in Herculaneum, Missouri.



    Green Homes & Renewable Energy Festival:

    Two major events, the Ozark Renewable Energy Expo and the EarthWays Green Homes Festival, have merged! On Saturday, September 27, 2008, Grandel Square will become an exciting Green Street Promenade of exhibitors, green vendors, and kid's activities. Festival admission and parking is free! On Sunday, September 28, the Green House Tour features several homes throughout St. Louis pursuing certification through LEED-Homes and/or the Green Building Initiative. Read More


    Recent MCE Accomplishments:

    Passage of the Easy Connection Act for Small Renewable Energy Systems:

    With the Help of the Coalition, Renew Missouri has served as a catalyst for the passage of the Easy Connection Act. In May 2007, as a part of the "Green Power Initiative Bill", the act passed unanimously in the Senate. If it is signed by the Governor, the act will establish "true net metering" and will facilitate the connection of small renewable energy systems to the larger power grid. Read more

    Additional Air Pollution, Climate Change, and Energy Issues:
     
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