Kansas City, Missouri, October 8, 2025
News Summary
A misleading narrative about an energy crisis is jeopardizing public health across Missouri and Kansas, prioritizing corporate interests over community well-being. Despite claims of an electricity crisis, the U.S. produces more energy than it consumes. Pollution from coal plants poses severe health risks, particularly in ‘sacrifice zones’. However, advancements in energy efficiency show promise for a transition to cleaner energy sources, offering potential economic and health benefits.
Kansas City, MO: Clean Energy Captivity Amid Deceptive Energy Crisis Narratives
Public health and well-being are being compromised across Missouri, Kansas, and the American heartland due to a misleading narrative about an ongoing energy crisis. This deceptive claim prioritizes corporate interests, primarily targeting artificial intelligence data centers while promoting continued reliance on fossil fuels and coal.
Contrary to claims of a national energy emergency, there is no electricity capacity crisis in the United States. In fact, America produces more energy than it consumes and is the largest producer of oil and natural gas, as well as the top exporter of gasoline and natural gas. This reality starkly contrasts the politically charged slogans like “Drill baby, drill” and “beautiful, clean coal,” which fail to reflect the current state of America’s energy production and needs.
This narrative of an energy emergency has been leveraged to weaken federal clean air and water regulations, adversely impacting pollution tracking and climate data. The result has been the creation of “sacrifice zones” in America’s heartland, particularly affecting communities in Missouri and Kansas, where toxic pollution from coal power plants is heavily concentrated.
Coal plants are significant contributors to hazardous substance emissions, which have led to increased health risks such as higher rates of asthma, developmental problems in children, and greater cancer risks. Notable local polluters include Evergy’s Iatan plant in Missouri and La Cygne Generating Station in Kansas, both of which significantly contribute to annual health issues in the Kansas City region. From 1999 to 2020, pollution from coal-fired power plants is linked to roughly 460,000 premature deaths nationwide, accumulating a societal cost of nearly $500 billion each year.
As the region grapples with severe climate events including flash floods, heat domes, and storms worsened by climate change, the situation is compounded by the retirement of the Billion-Dollar Disasters database, which has documented $3 trillion in damages. Alongside this, federal scientists are being laid off, creating barriers to vital scientific data during critical times of climate threats and public health impacts.
In a positive shift, the U.S. building sector has made significant strides in energy efficiency, reducing electricity use by 10.7% since 2005 while still accommodating growth. More specifically, Kansas has reported a 22% decrease in energy consumption in buildings, while Missouri has seen a 12% decline between 2005 and 2023. Moreover, the Kansas City area is striving to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2040, despite the lack of state-level clean energy mandates.
The aging coal plants in the region present opportunities for transitioning into renewable energy hubs that could foster both economic and environmental benefits for the community. Innovations in the building sector have facilitated incredible advancements in energy efficiency through improved architecture, planning, and smart technology applications. Embracing renewable energy sources could result in job creation, lower energy costs, and cleaner air, thereby transforming ‘sacrifice zones’ into thriving productive areas.
The narrative surrounding the energy crisis can either cling to fear or shift towards innovation and facts for a healthier future for communities across the heartland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of energy production in the U.S.?
Contrary to claims of a national energy emergency, there is no electricity capacity crisis in the United States. In fact, America produces more energy than it consumes.
How has coal pollution impacted public health?
Coal plants are significant contributors to hazardous substance emissions, leading to increased health risks such as higher rates of asthma, developmental problems in children, and greater cancer risks.
What are ‘sacrifice zones’ in America’s heartland?
‘Sacrifice zones’ are areas, particularly in Missouri and Kansas, where toxic pollution from coal power plants is heavily concentrated, adversely affecting communities’ health and well-being.
What advancements have been made in energy efficiency in the U.S.?
The U.S. building sector has reduced electricity use by 10.7% since 2005 while adding significant new space. Kansas and Missouri both saw drops in energy consumption in buildings of 22% and 12%, respectively, from 2005 to 2023.
What does the future hold for energy production in Kansas City?
The Kansas City area aims to be carbon-neutral by 2040, focusing on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements, despite the absence of state-level clean energy mandates.
Key Features of Energy Production and Consumption
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Energy Production | America produces more energy than it consumes, being the largest producer of oil and natural gas. |
| Coal Pollution | Coal pollution is linked to increased health risks and costs the nation nearly $500 billion annually. |
| Building Sector Efficiency | The U.S. building sector has reduced electricity use by 10.7% since 2005. |
| Sacrifice Zones | Communities in Missouri and Kansas suffer from high pollution levels and health risks from coal plants. |
| Future Goals | Kansas City aims for carbon neutrality by 2040, promoting renewable energy sources. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- PR Newswire: Ameren Missouri Customers May Qualify for Payment Assistance
- Columbia Tribune: Ameren Missouri Energy Assistance Avenues
- KTVO: Missouri Residents Reminded of LIHEAP Deadline
- Google Search: Energy Assistance Missouri
- Wikipedia: Energy in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
