JEFFERSON CITY (AP) – A group of business and energy leaders will start work next week to help improve Missouri’s energy policies.

Gov. Jay Nixon on Friday announced the names of more than 50 business, labor, education and energy leaders who will start work to hash out a plan for state energy use Oct. 1 at Washington University in St. Louis.

The committee created by Nixon in June is responsible for recommending ways the state can be energy efficient, promote economic development in the energy sector and ensure an abundant energy supply.

Appointees include a Sierra Club member, energy company representatives, university employees and representatives from businesses such as Ford Motor Co.

Members of the public can attend any of the eight meetings in October and submit suggestions online at energy.mo.gov.