WHEREAS, every Missouri citizen has the right to live in a properly-heated home for a reasonable cost; and
WHEREAS, although federal funding in the amount of 19.6 million dollars is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help thousands of Missouri families heat their homes, the State of Missouri needs to find other ways to assist families struggling to keep up with higher heating costs; and
WHEREAS, accurate answers concerning the cause or causes of the recent rise in Missouri heating costs are needed quickly; and
WHEREAS, all Missourians will benefit from the formulation of a long-term energy policy that considers issues such as how to enhance Missouri's supply of energy, how to increase energy efficiency in Missouri, and how to increase voluntary compliance with rules regarding consumer protection, among others.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BOB HOLDEN, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Missouri, hereby create and establish the Missouri Energy Policy Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the Task Force).
The Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Economic Development, and the Department of Social Services shall jointly provide staff support for the Task Force.
The Task Force shall consist of no more than 15 individuals appointed by the Governor, who shall serve without compensation, except that Task Force members may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses arising from the Task Force's activity or business.
The Task Force may, when it deems necessary, conduct a public hearing on a matter or maters under consideration. Such hearing shall be held at a time and place determined by the Task Force members, after due public notice has been given.
The Task Force shall prepare a report on the current heating cost crisis that determines whether the energy industry in Missouri, knowingly or not, contributed to the rise in heating costs. This report shall be sent to the Governor no later than March 1, 2001.
In addition, the Task Force shall prepare an action plan for energy policy. The plan shall include, among other issues deemed important by the Task Force, practical recommendations concerning long-term energy policy and means for enhancing Missouri's supply of energy, a survey of the best practices utilized by other states, and an impact statement concerning the effect of energy policy on Missouri environmental conditions. In addition, the action plan focuses on Missouri-specific research, development, and economic opportunities related to energy technology. This action plan shall be sent to the Governor no later than August 1, 2001.
Task Force members shall serve until both the report on the current heating crisis and the action plan for energy policy is submitted to the Governor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this ___ day of February, 2001.
[Bob Holden's signature]