PORTLAND, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe signed an agreement Wednesday at the Callaway Energy Center nuclear power plant with the Federal Permitting Council to allow the state and federal government to start the permitting process for FAST-41 projects, like nuclear plants, at the same time.

The permitting council coordinates and improves federal environmental reviews and authorizations for some infrastructure projects, according to its website. It also aids in the permit process and establishes clear timelines for projects.

The permitting council doesn't list specific projects that are eligible, but eligible sectors include AI, broadband, mining and conventional energy production.

Kehoe said the agreement doesn't necessarily fast-track the permitting process, but brings it back to business standard.

"Quite honestly, the country has not invested in it just because investors, utilities or whoever wants to invest in these; no one wants to invest in these because the permitting process is just way too long," Kehoe said.

Kehoe signed one copy of the agreement, and the executive director of the permitting council, Emily Domenech, signed another at the Callaway Energy Center. The agreement could open the door for more nuclear plants in the state.

Callaway County has the only nuclear plant in the state, and it produces about 15% of Missouri's energy, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Alaska, Idaho, Tenessee and Utah have signed similar agreements, and Domenech said she wants more on board.

"I want to say yes to every state, actually," Domenech said. "Our hope is that we will partner with every governor in the country to be able to bring more power online, to allow for more manufacturing, to build critical infrastructure that helps us compete nationwide."