{"id":108568,"date":"2025-02-13T15:26:56","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T20:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/\/?p=108568"},"modified":"2025-02-13T15:26:56","modified_gmt":"2025-02-13T20:26:56","slug":"missouri-republicans-introduce-community-solar-pilot-program-legislation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/\/2025\/02\/missouri-republicans-introduce-community-solar-pilot-program-legislation\/","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Republicans introduce community solar pilot program legislation"},"content":{"rendered":"
Missouri\u00a0Rep. Ben Keathley<\/a>, R-Chesterfield, and\u00a0Sen. Curtis Trent<\/a>, R-Springfield, have both announced the introduction of legislation establishing a three-year community solar pilot program in Missouri.\u00a0HB 662<\/a>\u00a0and its companion bill in the Senate,\u00a0SB 386<\/a>, will provide access to affordable energy throughout the state and serve as a launch pad for growing a strong community solar sector in Missouri. HB 662 was referred to the Emerging Issues Committee.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m proud to be sponsoring community solar legislation that will protect Missourians from rising utility rates, making energy costs more predictable and manageable for working class families,\u201d said\u00a0Rep. Ben Keathley. \u201cIn addition to lowering electric bills, this program will spur economic development, create good paying jobs, support family farms, and help build a homegrown energy industry that will have a real impact on our local economies.\u201d<\/p>\n As a net importer of energy, the legislation would boost the amount of homegrown energy produced within Missouri, reducing how much energy must be imported from neighboring states. It also allows local property owners, farmers, and small businesses to benefit directly, generating income and supporting local economic growth.<\/p>\n \u201cCurrent law is stifling innovation in Missouri\u2019s energy markets. With community solar, legislators have an opportunity to cut through the red tape and introduce another tool in the state\u2019s all-of-the above approach to energy,\u201d said\u00a0Matthew Hargarten, Vice President of Government and Public Affairs at the Coalition for Community Solar Access\u00a0(CCSA)<\/a>. \u201cThis legislation will get shovels in the ground and bring more energy choices, more competition, and more opportunities for Missouri families.\u201d<\/p>\n