The Missouri House Utilities Committee heard a bill Tuesday that would allow Ameren Missouri and its partners to charge customers for the costs of the permit needed to build the state’s second nuclear power plant.

The group of power companies will seek the permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Ameren Chief Executive Warren Baxter said bringing another nuclear plant to Missouri would keep energy rates low in the state.

“[It will] preserve an important future generation option for the state,” he said.

Missouri companies, including Monsanto, Ford Motor Company and Anheuser-Busch testified against the bill in the public hearing.

Steve Spinner, director of energy & utilities procurement at Anheuser-Busch, said proper oversight was needed to keep the costs low.

“Each step of the process needs to be monitored and controlled to make sure the consumers’ money is spent well,” he said.

The House Utilities Committee is scheduled to vote on the bill next week.

– Missouri Digital News