For Immediate Release: Sept. 19, 2025                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact: Heather McKnelly, 573-751-2459 

Senator Burger Delivers Remarks at Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiatives Conference

JEFFERSON CITY – On Sept. 17, Sen. Jamie Burger, R-Benton, addressed attendees at the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiatives (MRCTI) Conference. He was one of 12 featured speakers covering the topic, “Twin Cities: Middle America Leading.”

Senator Burger discussed Senate Bill 82, the water preservation legislation he sponsored which makes it unlawful to export water resources outside Missouri without a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“Like other communities on the Mississippi River, Missouri is blessed with abundant water sources and fertile farmland alongside our riverbanks,” said Sen. Burger. “Preserving this natural resource is vital for growing crops and sustaining the economy. I invite all the states along this important river basin to do the same.”

                                                                                                                         Senator Burger explains Missouri’s new water preservation law at the MRCTI Conference.

The new law was signed by the governor on July 14 and went into effect Aug. 28. Water exporters will have to provide an annual report about water volumes, withdrawal rates and end use to DNR. The state’s attorney general may bring civil action against those in violation of the statute.

To learn more about Sen. Burger and his legislation, please visit his webpage at Senate.mo.gov/Burger.

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