GUEST COMMENTARY: MU leading the way in alternative energy

The nation meets 44 percent of its energy needs by burning coal. The University of Missouri and the state of Missouri receive approximately 80 percent of their energy from this fossil fuel. Society has become increasingly aware of the deleterious effects of burning coal on human health and the natural environment. Recognizing these effects, MU has taken extraordinary steps for short-run, technical adjustments to reduce harmful effects and is developing and implementing longer-run modifications of its power plant to reduce and eliminate the need to burn coal to supply our energy needs. The university also is devoting resources to stimulate exploration of alternative energy sources to move society toward a more sustainable energy future.