Senate approves bill to shore up DNR air‑pollution fund amid concerns over revenue shifts

The Missouri Senate passed Senate Bill 953 on third reading after lawmakers debated how to address a predicted revenue shortfall for the Department of Natural Resources' air pollution control program.

Senator from Dunklin, who moved the bill to third reading, said the program’s traditional funding — permit fees tied to business emissions — has declined as emissions fall while operating costs have risen. He argued the result is a structural funding gap and said the bill aims to prevent businesses that reduce emissions from being "punished" by fee rules that leave the air pollution program short of funds.

The bill drew at least one vocal reservation. A senator who asked to speak said they "would love to vote yes" and praised the DNR’s work but would vote no because of concerns that the measure would permit transfers that amount to "well over $4,000,000" out of general revenue and could affect services for disabled constituents. That senator said prior tax cuts and executive decisions factored into their decision to oppose the measure.

After debate the Senate ordered final passage, the secretary read the bill caption, and a roll call produced a tally announced in the chamber as 25 ayes and 8 nays. The presiding officer declared the bill passed, noting it had received a constitutional majority; the titling and perfecting motions were recorded as made and carried.

Senate Bill 953, as described on the floor, would alter how certain monies in DNR-related funds may be expended to keep the agency’s air pollution control program solvent as emissions and fee revenues decline. The bill’s text, specific spending mechanisms, and any effective dates or implementing guidance were not provided during the floor explanation and are not described in this account.

The Senate subsequently proceeded to other calendar business and the chamber adjourned to reconvene on the date announced by the presiding officer.