Holsman's bill, Easy Connection Act, cleared the House and the Senate. Now Holsman said he waits for Gov. Matt Blunt to sign the bill this summer.

"It was a combination of good fortune, a good piece of legislation and the right support to get this passed," Holsman said.

The bill encourages the development and utilization of technically feasible and economical technologies, creating cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy for the residents of Missouri. It sets targets for electricity generation from renewable fuel sources and features an amendment allowing citizens to generate their own energy to offset overall energy consumption - a process called "net metering."

Sen. Chris Koster, R-Harrisonville, sponsored the legislation. Essentially, the bill streamlines the net metering application process, allowing customers to generate up to 100KW at their residence. Kansas City Power & Light supported the amendment and provided information used in the draft legislation.

"For one of the first times in recent memory, the utilities, the environmentalists and the legislators got together at the same table to make this happen," Holsman said." I feel gratified that I helped bring them together."

The bill also requires utilities to pay property owners fair compensation for excess electricity generated by solar panels, wind turbines or other forms of generation.

"The Easy Connection Act will make it easier for homeowners to embrace alternative forms of energy and reduce carbon emissions created by coal," Holsman said.

The bill authorizes the Missouri Public Service Commission to establish standardized regulations governing connection procedures. Currently, the ease of hooking up to the grid depends on where the property is located and what electric company serves that area.

The bill also establishes a single net-metering relationship to the grid, adding Missouri to the list of 41 other states that have adopted net-metering legislation.

"If you have solar panels on your home, the utilities require dual meters to track the flow of energy. The Easy Connection Act allows for a single bi-directional meter that spins in favor of the utility when you are consuming from the grid and spins in favor of the homeowner when you are consuming from your energy generation system," Holsman said.

Mark Fogal, Missouri Votes Conservation executive director, said he is encouraged by Holsman's commitment to improving the environment.

"This important piece of legislation faced many obstacles. To get it through the House on its first attempt is an achievement. To have the sponsor be a freshman from the minority party is outright impressive," Fogal said.

Great Plains Energy Chairman Mike Chesser said KCP&L will continue to support legislation such as the Green Power Initiative.

"It sets reasonable expectations for use of renewable fuels and, through the net metering provision, makes it easier for customers to help us offset consumption and lower emissions," he said. "The renewable fuels target is especially important because it helps balance-operating costs with the need to protect our environment."