With just 40 minutes left before their 2011 legislative session had to end, Missouri state senators began debating a compromise bill allowing Ameren Missouri or other utilities to seek, and win, a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission early site permit, then charge consumers for up to $45 million of the application costs.
It wasn't enough time.
"Obviously, I'm disappointed," Sen. Mike Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, said Friday night. "All session I've been saying I'd like to get a vote in the Senate.
"We had the votes - and failed to get it to the floor to get the votes."