Clean energy initiative submits signatures for 2008 ballot

Press Release, May 4, 2008
By Jim Kottmeyer

May 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jim Kottmeyer 314.898.2051

CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE SUBMITS SIGNATURES FOR 2008 BALLOT
Successful volunteer effort shows Missourians are ready for clean energy

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missourians for Cleaner Cheaper Energy today turned in approximately 170,000 signatures for the Clean Energy Initiative to the Secretary of State’s office.

More than 400 Missouri volunteers statewide circulated petition pages for the initiative, which would require investor-owned utilities to generate or purchase 15% of their electricity from clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Approximately 170,000 signatures were turned in from six US Congressional districts.

"We are pleased that so many Missourians have gathered signatures to put this clean energy measure on the ballot. Using clean, renewable energy works for everyone in Missouri, and voters will now get the chance to vote on the future of energy in Missouri," said P.J. Wilson, a spokesperson for the campaign.

Twenty-five other states have already enacted similar renewable energy standards to increase production of clean energy and promote energy independence.
Renewable energy sources are often local, such as a wind turbine on a local farm. Using smarter power sources is good for the environment and is great for the economy. Because renewable energy is local, consumer prices won’t be affected by foreign markets and risks. With the Clean Energy Initiative, Missourians will see the difference in the air, in the river, and in the local economy — but they will not see an increase in their utility bills.

Missourians for Cleaner Cheaper Energy enjoys broad-based support statewide from community, labor, business, environmental and religious organizations.