Nixon came to Brauer Hall Friday, along with energy executives and industrial consumers, to speak of the importance of academic institutions like Washington University and the research they do in forming the pathway to energy independence.

Nixon emphasized the importance of cost efficient, clean and secure energy and its importance to the economy, environment and national security.

“Clean, affordable and abundant energy is critical to creating jobs, to helping existing businesses expand and to attracting new businesses to our state,” Nixon said. “Affordable power helps maintain our low cost of living in Missouri, which is not only attractive to businesses, but also eases the strain on the household budgets of the hard-working people of this state.”

According to Nixon, some of the lowest-priced energy is found in Missouri. The state is ranked seventh among all states in affordable electricity prices.

Nixon cited similar statistics to highlight the fact that Missouri has an advantage when compared to other states and to urge Missourians to make sure that the advantage is not lost.

“Our low energy costs give Missouri a competitive advantage that we cannot afford to lose,” he said. “We must make sure we have adequate supplies to serve the demands of Missouri’s consumers first.”

Nixon also echoed the need for Missouri to embrace science and technology. He highlighted research efforts taking place in the state.

“It is critical to Missouri’s energy future that academia, industry and government maintain a strong, working partnership that is focused on innovation,” Nixon said.

One example he used was a project taking place at Washington University’s Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, where scientists are researching the possibility of creating biofuels from algae. Nixon hopes that eventually biofuels will be able to be offered as a competitor to fossil fuels.

The third subject that Nixon spoke about was conservation and energy efficiency. In 2009, Nixon signed an executive order forcing state governmental agencies to cut energy consumption by two percent a year for the next ten years.

“As one of the largest employers and energy consumers in the state, state government itself must become a leader in conservation,” he said. “We have a responsibility to set the example for state employees, businesses and citizens across the state.”

Nixon also noted that the state has a prerogative to incentivize conservation efforts and make it positive for the taxpayers and for the environment.

He stressed the importance of shifting to renewable energy, citing the passage of Proposition C in November 2008 as evidence for public support. The 2008 proposition mandated the use of renewable energy in Missouri.

He also thinks that the shift to renewable energy will help create jobs.

Nixon noted that while renewable energy is important, the change to it will be gradual.

“Missouri’s energy future is not an either/or proposition. It does not rest just with fossil fuels or biofuels; it rests with both fossil fuels and biofuels,” Nixon said.

Nixon hopes that by investing in renewable energy, jobs will be created and energy prices can be kept low. He has a lot of hope for Missouri’s future.

“We all can agree that Missouri’s future is inextricably tied to energy policy. We all know each other’s starting positions: Consumers want costs to be as low as possible; utilities want to maximize the return on their investments. That said, I think we all share the vision of a cleaner, greener, healthier and more prosperous Missouri.”

With additional reporting by Michelle Merlin.