Energy: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

AUTHOR: Crystal Fontaine

As gas prices hit an all time high at $3.50 per gallon in Mid-Missouri, Missourians are grappling with the very same issue afflicting the rest of the nation: The Energy Brawl. People are consuming more energy than ever while suppliers scramble to meet demand. How is Missouri tackling current energy issues? Perhaps we should take a look at SB1181, which is a combination of the previous bills SCS/SBs 1100, 1262, and 1263.

The bill proposes that any new construction or renovation design documents of particular state buildings must include energy savings projections. These energy savings should be in compliance with the modification of the minimum energy efficiency standards that will be adopted or at least as severe as those of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). These standards and procedures are to take affect by July 1, 2009. These modifications will be only the first step. By July of 2016, state government must use renewable sources for at least 10% of electricity and hopefully by July of 2026, the state government will be using renewable sources for at least 20% of electricity.

The bill SB1181 also provides incentives for consumers to become energy savvy by incorporating the “Show Me Green Sales Tax Holiday”. Starting in 2009, the sales of all Energy Star certified appliances will be exempt from state sales tax from April 19th through April 25th. While this may not sound like much of an enticement, your children may be pushing you to become more economical as well. Due to another provision in the act, Missouri High Schools will be required to educate students in certain environmental-related topics. With this in mind, representatives ranging from the Economic Department to Elementary and Secondary Education must convene to secure grants that would fund: green jobs, production of renewable fuels, increasing green research and development, and so forth.

Do you remember the commercials of recycle and reuse from the 90s which had the catchy tune of “recycle, reuse, reduce”? At the time, recycle and reuse was all about paper and glass among other items. The bill offers advancement into e-cycling, the recycling of electronics. According to this bill, the Department of Natural resources is to educate consumers on recycling computers and televisions by providing a website. This website will provide information on how to recycle these electronics, such as locations for collection opportunities. No more piling up the Dells and Sony’s into the local landfill, where our decedents would have been able to pluck out vintage parts for their vintage computers a hundred years from now.

Missouri may be slow rolling hills and Mizzou Tiger addiction with a dab of KC barbeque sauce, but we are still in the ring when it comes to energy concerns.