Missouri's Energy Future

MCE has been working to bring about a more environmentally sound energy policy in Missouri. Missourians currently rely on fossil fuels for 93 percent of their energy needs even though the state has very few of these resources. Almost all of the coal, oil and natural gas must be imported from other states or foreign countries. A large portion of the remaining energy consumed is generated by nuclear plants.

Nationwide, electric utilities emit enormous amounts of air pollution. Utilities are responsible for roughly two-thirds of sulfur dioxide emissions, one-third of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions, and one-quarter of mercury emissions. Moreover, about one-third of the nation's carbon dioxide emissions come from utilities, making them a significant contributor to global warming. Nuclear power presents its own set of threats to health and safety, and has proven to be very uneconomical.

One key step to a cleaner energy future is to diversify the sources of energy used in our state. All over the country, state policy makers are looking for ways to encourage the development of wind, solar and other clean energy sources. Through legislation that promotes "net-metering" or that requires a portion of all electricity to come from renewable sources, states are slowly diversifying their energy base. This brings about greater energy security, as well as significant environmental improvements.