A Clean Energy Economy for Missouri

In this time of global economic adversity, the state of Missouri is facing an unprecedented set of economic and energy challenges. Missouri, however, is also one of the most fertile states for the production of clean energy. Within its borders, dispersed across the state, are vast resources of wind, land, and water—all the ingredients needed for Missouri to become a national leader in new energy development, creating tens of thousands of good jobs and substantial new sources of income for farmers. This June 2009 issue paper examines the potential for renewable energy resource development in Missouri and its benefits to rural communities.

Because of the inextricable link between our energy future and economic future, Congress is considering policies to support the development of a new domestic energy industry based on renewable resources. As part of the 2009 economic stimulus package, Congress extended existing support for renewable electricity sources like wind and solar energy, but that is just the start of what needs to be done.

With the right policies in place, Missouri can be at the heart of a new energy future for America. The development of homegrown renewable energy is the keystone of such policy.