Environment (Conservation) in Missouri

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3390: Creates new provisions related to the construction of data centers

HB 3390 establishes new regulations for hyperscale data centers in Missouri, defined as facilities using at least 25 megawatts of energy. It prohibits these centers on agricultural, conservation, and residential land categories after August 28, 2026, and requires a 500-foot setback using native plants. The bill mandates noise control measures during construction, compliance with federal noise standards, and a public hearing process for local approvals. A new state Siting Board must review projects after local government approval, and developers cannot charge residential or commercial customers impact fees tied to the data center's energy use.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3386: Modifies provisions relating to the expenditure of moneys in certain funds by the Department of Natural Resources

HB 3386 creates the "Natural Resources Protection Fund" in the state treasury to hold pollution-related fees, including air and water permit fees, and new 5% of electric power sales tax revenue. It designates specific subaccounts for air pollution control (funded permanently by the tax transfer starting July 2027) and water pollution administration. The bill changes how unspent funds are handled: balances exceeding prior collections no longer revert to general revenue after 2027, and all interest accrues to the fund. These funds, subject to legislative appropriation, directly support the Department of Natural Resources' pollution control programs and enforcement under relevant statutes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Appropriations Revenue Sales Tax Air Quality Conservation Water Quality

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 3267: Grants the air conservation commission the authority to create standards and guidelines

HB 3267 prohibits releasing chemicals or apparatus into Missouri's atmosphere with the purpose of altering weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity. It grants Missouri's Air Conservation Commission the authority to establish enforcement standards and guidelines for this prohibition. The Department of Natural Resources would then develop specific rules and regulations to implement the law, subject to state rulemaking procedures. The bill directly affects any entity or individual conducting activities that could modify weather conditions within Missouri.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2849: Requires newly purchased or contracted school buses of a school district to be zero-emission vehicles, beginning January 1, 2037

HB 2849 requires Missouri school districts to purchase or contract for zero-emission school buses (electric or fuel-cell) for all new vehicles starting January 1, 2037. This directly affects all public school districts in Missouri, with limited exceptions allowed if a district demonstrates terrain or route constraints prevent feasible use of zero-emission technology, requiring approval from the Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Air Conservation Commission. Small districts (average daily attendance ≤350 students) may request annual extensions until 2047 under the same feasibility conditions. The law mandates a full transition to zero-emission school buses for new purchases, while acknowledging practical limitations through a structured exception process.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Conservation Electric Vehicles

introduced · Missouri · House Nov 25, 2025

HB 6: Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of Conservation

HB 6 is a funding bill that allocates $24.4 million for Missouri's Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Department of Conservation for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It covers operational expenses, staff salaries, equipment, and maintenance projects for state buildings and facilities under these departments. The bill specifies exact funding amounts from multiple state funds (like General Revenue and Agriculture Protection Fund) to cover salaries, equipment, and one-time capital improvements. It does not create new policies but ensures these departments have budgeted resources for their existing programs and infrastructure needs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Conservation

signed · Missouri · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 2019: Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of the several departments and offices of state government

HB 2019 is the 2026-2027 state budget bill allocating $94.7 million in funding for specific Missouri state agency projects. It directly affects the Department of Natural Resources (funding $6.75 million for park infrastructure and historic properties), the Department of Conservation ($40.2 million for land acquisition and wildlife projects), the Missouri State Highway Patrol ($17.6 million for facility upgrades), the National Guard ($35 million for facilities), and the Department of Social Services ($680,040 for Camp Avery improvements). The bill provides concrete funding for capital improvements, maintenance, and construction projects as described in the appropriations sections, with all funds designated for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. This is a procedural budget bill, not a policy change, solely authorizing state spending for existing programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife Roads & Highways

in committee · Missouri · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 1368: Creates provisions relating to weather modification

SB 1368 prohibits all weather modification activities in Missouri, defined as releasing chemicals or devices into the atmosphere to alter weather, climate, or sunlight. It makes violations a class E felony and imposes civil penalties up to $200,000. The bill requires airports to report aircraft equipped for potential weather modification starting in 2027 and establishes a public reporting system for violations. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources enforces the law, collects penalties into a conservation fund, and can seek court orders for violations.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Conservation Airports

in committee · Missouri · House May 15, 2026

HB 2486: Modifies provisions relating to soil and water practices

HB 2486 reorganizes Missouri's soil and water conservation program by establishing the State Soil and Water Districts Commission to administer conservation efforts. The commission, composed of six farmer members (appointed by the governor with geographic and expertise requirements) and four agency directors, will oversee the state's soil and water conservation cost-share program. The bill defines key terms like "healthy soils practices" (including cover cropping, no-till farming, and integrated grazing) and clarifies roles for landowners, district supervisors, and watershed management. It directly affects Missouri farmers participating in conservation programs and agricultural agencies managing soil/water resources. The legislation focuses on administrative structure and program definitions, not new funding or mandatory practices.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands Water Quality

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

All environment bills