In the waning hours of the last day of the 2010 legislative session, the Missouri General Assembly passed the Property Assessment Clean Energy Act, which will allow voluntary, up-front financing of energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for residents and businesses.
The PACE legislation garnered widespread and bi-partisan support throughout the session, led by Renew Missouri and earning the endorsements of the RCGA, Missouri Energy Development Association, Missouri Public Utilities Alliance, and the cities of St. Louis, Ferguson, Creve Couer.
The bill will allow municipalities to levy and collect special property assessments to fund energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements. Residential and commercial property owners are eligible for PACE, and the voluntary assessment would stay with the property for up to 20 years and be considered senior to all other assessments. This legislation will encourage energy efficiency investments in St. Louis area communities and stimulate new jobs for home energy auditors, solar panel installers, heating and ventilation workers and building and construction professionals.
The bill is currently under review by Governor Nixon. RCGA members are encouraged to call the Governor's office in support of the PACE legislation and urge him to sign the measure into law. Following his signature, the next step will be for area municipalities to adopt PACE in their communities. |
