Missouri

Food and farms

Missouri Senate considers bills to halt solar development on farmland

Proposals to stop or rein in large-scale solar projects drew emotional testimony and highlighted growing conflicts over land use and property rights.

By Rudi Keller .

5 February 2026

Traditional-style state capitol building with plantings in front and a blue sky behind — Hearings were held at the Missouri Capitol, in Jefferson City, on two bills that would halt large-scale solar and one bill that would establish new regulations for it. (F. McGady, CC-BY-SA-4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

Carbon-free buildings

Big buildings are a climate problem. These policies aim to fix that.

In New York City and St. Louis, innovative laws meant to curb emissions from buildings are kicking in this year. More states and cities will soon follow.

By Akielly Hu . 7 January 2025
ENN

Kansas City won't penalize energy use violators

For eight years, Kansas City has been trying to track energy consumption in the city’s biggest buildings. But without enforcement, building owners aren’t cooperating.

By Josh Merchant . 9 June 2023
ENN

Missouri, Kansas utilities back bills to reestablish monopoly on transmission projects

Ameren opposed the legislation in Kansas in 2016 when it stood to lose financially. Now that it stands to earn cash, it’s in favor.

By Allison Kite . 22 March 2023
ENN

Missouri Senate committee takes up bill targeting Grain Belt Express transmission line

The bill faces opposition from those who argue the line shouldn’t be able to use eminent domain to build on unwilling landowners' properties.

By Allison Kite . 5 April 2022
ENN

Spire pipeline flap in Missouri reveals deeper questions about natural gas

A utility's push for a pipeline that a court ruled isn't needed reflects a broader effort to fend off electrification efforts, experts say.

By Kari Lydersen . 22 November 2021
ENN

Environmental group demands Spire halt ‘false and defamatory’ messaging about pipeline

The Environmental Defense Fund says it has received threatening messages because of Spire’s warnings about the potential fate of the pipeline.

By Allison Kite . 16 November 2021
ENN

Kansas City hopes its vision for airport solar will be ready for takeoff soon

After a consultant last year advised the city against allowing solar on an airport parking ramp because of the potential for glare problems, city leaders are pitching a new approach that would put panels along runways.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 2 November 2021
ENN

In Missouri, your utility might pay for your next big energy efficiency project

The state's utilities are launching Pay As You Save, providing up-front financing for efficiency upgrades that will pay for themselves

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 18 October 2021
ENN

In Missouri, resource hubs aim to help building owners improve efficiency

Nonprofit groups have established resource centers in St. Louis and the Kansas City metro to help building owners upgrade properties as advocates press cities to adopt more stringent energy efficiency standards.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 7 October 2021
ENN

As Kansas City updates climate plan, stakeholders push for inclusion and accountability

After a delayed start, a process to update the city’s largely ignored 2008 climate action plan is underway. Stakeholders hope the revision will be more inclusive, better funded, and hold leaders more accountable.

By Karen Uhlenhuth . 17 September 2021