Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Signs Executive Order Targeting Energy Efficiency
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today signed an executive order creating the Missouri Energy Task Force.
"Energy conservation is imperative in the face of rising energy prices and limited supplies. We must work towards energy efficiency in all we do and continue our commitment to ethanol and bio-diesel production," Blunt said. "New opportunities for renewable fuels must also be explored in Missouri to ensure adequate and affordable energy is available for all Missourians."
Executive order 05-46 establishes the Missouri Energy Task Force. The task force will consist of nine members, and the chair of the Public Service Commission will serve as the chairman of the task force. Other members will include the Lieutenant Governor, in his capacity as Senior Advocate for Missouri; the Public Counsel; the Speaker of the House; the President Pro Tem; a member of the House of Representatives’ Utilities Committee, as designated by the Speaker; one member of the Senate’s Commerce and Environment Committee, as designated by the President Pro Tem; the Director of the Department of Agriculture, or his designee; and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, or his designee.
The task force will be responsible for providing the governor with a report that makes recommendations for lessening Missouri’s dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, provides assistance for low income Missourians who need assistance paying winter heating bills, promotes new opportunities for the use of renewable fuels, and encourages Missouri utilities to develop and operate electric power generation resources that will result in low-cost electricity for the future. The Missouri Energy Task Force report is due by Aug. 31, 2006.
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