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HCS/SCS/SB 54 - This act allows yard waste to be disposed of in a municipal solid waste disposal area when the Department of Natural Resources approves the operation of the disposal area as a bioreactor and when the landfill gas produced will be used for electricity generation. The act creates the Green Power Initiative. Electric companies shall make good-faith efforts toward meeting the following renewable energy targets: • 4% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2012; • 8% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2015; and • 11% of total retail electric sales come from certain renewable energy technologies by 2020. Electricity generation from renewable sources prior to August 28, 2007 may be counted toward the targets, provided they continue to be used. The act directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop standards for measuring electric companies' progress in meeting the targets. The standards must protect against adverse economic impacts on the companies and reliability of service, as well as consider environmental compliance costs and technical feasibility. The PSC shall also develop a weighted scale that gives more credit to renewable energy technologies the PSC determines to be in the public's best interest. The act establishes reporting requirements until 2022. Electric companies are required to report every two years on their progress toward meeting the targets. The PSC is required to report every two years on the progress made by electric companies and give recommendations for legislative action. The director of the Department of Economic Development shall report every two years on the impact of this progress on the state economy and the director of the Department of Natural Resources shall report every two years on the environmental impact of this progress. The act renames the Missouri Ethanol and Other Renewable Fuel Sources Commission to the Missouri Alternative Fuels Commission and expands its membership from seven to nine members. The two additional members shall be appointed by the Governor, which brings the total number of Governor-appointed members to five. The Governor-appointed members shall be engaged in the production or sale of alternative fuels. The act directs the Commission to: 1) make recommendations on legislation to facilitate the sale and distribution of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles; 2) promote the production and use of alternative fuels; 3)promote the development and use of alternative fuel vehicles and other related technology; 4)educate consumers about alternative fuels; 5) develop a long-range plan to reduce petroleum fuel use; and 6) report annually to the Governor and General Assembly. Under current law, the Air Conservation Commission must establish the air pollution emission fees each year that are required to be paid by permitted air pollution sources. This act requires the Commission to set such fees every three years rather than annually but allows for annual adjustments to be made if needed. The Commissioner of the Office of Administration shall ensure that at least 70% of new state fleet vehicles are flexible fuel vehicles. The provisions of the act become effective January 1, 2008. This act is similar to SCS/SB 328 (2007), HCS/SCS/SB 156 (2007), SB 223 (2007), and SCS/SB 915 (2006). ERIKA JAQUES
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