Environment in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2622: Repeals the state prohibition of local governments regulating paper and plastic bags

This bill repeals a Missouri state law (Section 260.283, RSMo) that prohibited local governments from regulating plastic or paper bags. It allows cities and counties to impose fees, bans, or taxes on these bags for the first time. The change directly affects local governments, which can now create their own bag policies, and businesses, which must follow local rules instead of the state's uniform requirement. This removes a statewide restriction, enabling communities to address plastic waste through local decision-making.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1884: Creates new provisions for wind energy conversion systems

HB 1884 requires developers, owners, or operators of wind energy conversion systems (facilities with five or more 50-foot-tall turbines or taller) in Missouri to install FAA-approved light-mitigating technology systems to reduce aviation obstruction lighting impacts. New projects must comply after August 28, 2026, while existing systems must install by August 28, 2034, with both having 24 months after FAA approval to complete installation. Non-compliance incurs daily fines of $5,000 per turbine until installation is complete. The bill places all installation costs and compliance responsibilities on the wind energy facility operators.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Wind

in committee · Missouri · Senate Feb 19, 2026

SB 1009: Modifies provisions relating to the Clean Water Commission

SB 1009 creates Missouri's "Clean Water Commission" to oversee water quality regulations, replacing the previous structure. The commission will consist of seven governor-appointed members (with Senate approval), requiring balanced political representation (max four from one party), expertise in conservation/water contaminants, and specific knowledge of agriculture, industry, mining, or wastewater treatment needs. Members must avoid conflicts of interest with permit holders and demonstrate water quality expertise. The commission must hold public meetings, maintain a four-member quorum, and operate under defined rules for conflicts of interest. This bill directly affects state water pollution regulation and the entities subject to its oversight.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 1632: Modifies provisions relating to the biodiesel blend fuel seller tax credits

HB 1632 creates tax credits for Missouri retailers and distributors selling biodiesel blends (5-20% biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel). It provides a 2-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 5-10% biodiesel and a 5-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 10-20% biodiesel sold at retail service stations or to final users within Missouri. The credits apply to tax years beginning in 2023 or later, with a total annual cap of $16 million and a sunset provision ending the program on December 31, 2028, unless reauthorized. This bill directly affects fuel sellers who meet the blend specifications defined in the law.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

failed · Missouri · House Apr 20, 2026

HB 1734: Creates a revolving loan program to assist homeowners' associations with erosion control

HB 1734 creates a revolving loan program to help Missouri homeowners' associations finance natural erosion control projects that protect waterways and drainage systems. The program, funded by state appropriations and loan repayments, covers projects like restoring natural waterways, stabilizing banks with vegetation, and adding flood capacity, but excludes projects using impermeable surfaces. Eligible associations must be nonprofit, secure homeowner approval through documented meetings, and provide property liens as collateral, with loans covering up to 80% of project costs and repayable over a maximum of ten years.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2578: Modifies the definition of renewable energy resources

HB 2578 modifies Missouri's renewable energy definitions and sets new requirements for electric utilities. It redefines "renewable energy resources" to exclude nuclear energy (previously included under "alternative energy resources") and limits hydropower to small-scale systems (≤10MW without new water projects). The bill establishes a phased renewable energy portfolio standard requiring utilities to supply 2% (2011-2013), 5% (2014-2017), 10% (2018-2020), and 15% (2021+) of electricity from renewable sources, with at least 2% from solar. Utilities can meet requirements by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or contracting directly with "accelerated renewable buyers" for certain projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · Missouri · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 2119: Modifies provisions of the "Property Assessment Clean Energy Act"

HB 2119 modifies Missouri's "Property Assessment Clean Energy Act" to establish a program financing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for non-residential properties. It creates "clean energy development boards" (formed by municipalities) that can offer long-term property assessments (up to 30 years) to fund projects like solar installations or building retrofits, with these assessments recorded as liens on the property. The bill excludes residential properties, requires annual reporting to municipalities and the Department of Natural Resources, and defines key terms like "energy efficiency improvement" (e.g., insulation, efficient lighting) and "renewable energy improvement" (e.g., solar, wind systems). These boards gain authority to issue bonds, collect fees, and administer the financing program under state oversight.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2389: Makes it unlawful to use weather modifications and authorizes DNR to bring a civil action for violations relating to weather modification

HB 2389 prohibits weather modification activities in Missouri, including cloud seeding and dispersing substances into the atmosphere to alter weather patterns. It directly affects individuals or entities conducting such activities, such as agricultural operations using cloud seeding. The law authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate reports via an online form, pursue civil lawsuits for violations, and seek damages or injunctions. It explicitly excludes standard pesticide use on farms and requires DNR to report violations to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2270: Creates new provisions regarding the discharge of foam fire suppressants

HB 2270 prohibits the manufacture, sale, or distribution of firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) in Missouri after January 1, 2028, with limited exceptions for airport use (if federally required) and military applications. It requires manufacturers to notify recipients and recall PFAS-containing foam sold before the ban, and mandates immediate reporting of any discharge of such foam to the Department of Natural Resources within 24 hours. The bill directly affects foam manufacturers, fire departments, airports, and military facilities that use or distribute these products. Key provisions include new environmental regulations for PFAS-containing foam and a transition period for manufacturers to phase out sales. The law aims to protect Missouri's water and soil from PFAS contamination by restricting the use of these persistent chemicals.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

signed · Missouri · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 953: Modifies provisions relating to environmental programs within the Department of Natural Resources

SB 953 creates a "Natural Resources Protection Fund" to manage environmental fees, including a new "Missouri Air Emission Reduction Fund" for emissions inspection fees. It changes rules so unspent funds won’t revert to general revenue after 2027 (previously they did), and requires 5% of electric power tax revenue to fund air pollution programs. The Department of Natural Resources will use these funds for environmental programs, while emissions inspection stations must collect and remit fees to the state treasurer. The bill directly affects state environmental agencies, inspection stations, and public programs focused on air/water quality.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Energy Storage Air Quality Drinking Water Water Quality

All environment bills