According to reports, Missouri State Senator Cindy O’Laughlin (Republican, District 18) introduced Senate Bill 849 (SB 849), which would suspend all ongoing and new utility-scale solar construction in the state until environmental regulations governing construction, siting, and operations are established.
The bill immediately suspends all “new and existing” solar projects statewide. The bill stipulates:
“This bill provides that a statewide suspension of the construction of new and existing solar projects begins on the effective date of the act. The Department of Natural Resources shall develop environmental regulations regarding the construction, siting, and operation of solar projects. The suspension shall end on December 31, 2027. However, if the Department of Natural Resources has not developed regulations by this date, the suspension shall continue until such regulations are promulgated.”
If passed, the bill would directly impact the solar industry in Missouri. Currently, only about 1.4% of the state’s electricity comes from utility-scale solar, with a major project under construction aimed at doubling the existing capacity. Meanwhile, the legislature is also considering other regulatory approaches, such as SB 213, which does not require a blanket suspension but would add new county-level permitting procedures, taxes, and land-use caps.
