Ameren Missouri submitted a proposed long-range energy plan to the Missouri Public Service Commission that would substantially expand the utility’s dependence on fossil fuels. The plan includes substantial new investments in natural gas-burning power plants and extended operations at coal facilities, specifically the Labadie and Sioux plants.
Notably, Ameren removed carbon dioxide emissions reduction targets from the promotional materials accompanying its latest energy plan. The utility justified its fossil fuel-heavy approach by referencing recent extreme weather events and reliability concerns, though environmental advocates note this rationale contradicts the plan’s climate impact. The proposal comes as natural gas prices have historically spiked during severe weather conditions, including Winter Storm Uri.
The Sierra Club, which regularly participates in regulatory proceedings related to Ameren’s filings before the Public Service Commission, has raised concerns about the utility’s approach. According to previous statements from the utility, Ameren does not factor public health consequences into its generation investment decisions, nor does it account for climate impacts from methane emissions associated with natural gas extraction and transportation.
The filing occurs amid broader policy developments, including the Trump administration’s stated intention to repeal the Endangerment Finding, which provides the regulatory foundation for controlling greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. Environmental advocates have criticized the plan as prioritizing commercial interests, particularly data center operations, while imposing costs on residential and small business consumers.
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