Ameren

Ameren Missouri plans to buy a solar power plant in Bowling Green, Missouri, that could produce energy by 2024. The announcement comes days after it shared plans to open a natural gas plant. Both facilities need approval from Missouri’s Public Service Commission.

A group of local educators are seeing some of the jobs that are in demand in the region so they can share the information with students looking for options after high school.

Missouri environmental groups are decrying proposed state rules that would allow power plants to discharge contaminants like coal ash into groundwater through a general permit for multiple facilities. Power plants currently have individual, site-specific permits.

The nonprofit center opened its doors late last year with the goal to help transform communities north of Delmar. Now, part of that effort will also include generating clean energy.

The coal ash basins at Labadie Energy Center contain 15 million cubic yards of waste, the largest volume of Ameren’s four coal-fired power plants in Missouri.

The move was part of a series of steps the agency said it would take to protect communities from harmful coal ash contamination.

Of the nation's 10 coal-fired power plants that produce the most sulfur dioxide, four are located in the Midwest. And yet, none violate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

Ameren and Spire don't expect any disruptions for customers in the St. Louis region, who could face higher gas bills.

The Sierra Club released a report Monday that gave top utilities a letter grade based on climate actions. The environmental group gave Ameren a D, citing its lack of action on retiring coal.

Ameren Missouri has purchased a northwestern Missouri wind energy facility that’s expected to provide clean energy to about 90,000 customers.