Missouri sets renewable energy targets

Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt signed HB54 today, putting the state on the list of non-federal entities taking the lead in diversifying our energy portfolio. The signing ceremony was held at KCP&L’s Iatan II “clean” coal power plant, but the focus of the legislation is setting targets for utilities to use renewable (non-fossilized) sources — 4% by 2012, 8% by 2015, and 11% by 2020. Not very aggressive and not actually required, but at least it’s something. The bill also lets municipalities generate power from yard waste and requires utilities to credit customers who generate their own (such as from roof-mounted solar panels, biomass, or personal wind turbines).