NRECA Legislative Affairs Director Will Mitchell said strong lobbying efforts by co-ops were the key to success in getting the DOE to dramatically scale back a distribution transformer rule that would have made it difficult for co-ops to acquire the crucial equipment. (Photo By: Denny Gainer/NRECA)
At the NRECA's annual Legislative Conference, electric cooperative leaders convened on Capitol Hill armed with crucial insights into the most pressing federal policy matters facing co-ops. With key issues ranging from EPA regulations to USDA funding, attendees were briefed on strategic messaging aimed at influencing policymakers and safeguarding the interests of cooperative utilities across the nation.
NRECA's successful advocacy efforts in scaling back a Department of Energy (DOE) rule on distribution transformers underscored the power of co-op leaders' lobbying efforts. By engaging lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, co-ops played a pivotal role in shaping policy outcomes that directly impact their ability to modernize infrastructure and bolster community resilience.
Amidst the discussions at NRECA's Legislative Conference, one of the primary concerns voiced by co-op leaders pertains to the implications of the EPA's power plant rule. Bobby Hamill, NRECA’s senior director of environmental policy, emphasized the potential repercussions, stating that the Environmental Protection Agency’s actions risk exacerbating reliability challenges for cooperative utilities. With coal remaining a cornerstone of many co-op systems, stakeholders like Stacey Dahl, vice president of external affairs at Minnkota Power Cooperative, cautioned against the adverse effects of the EPA rule, warning of potential blackouts during critical periods such as frigid winters. This highlights the critical importance of policy advocacy in safeguarding the reliability and resilience of co-op power infrastructure amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
From opposing EPA regulations that threaten reliability to defending vital funding programs like USDA's New ERA, co-op leaders showcased a unified front in advocating for policies that support the unique needs of rural communities. As the battle against unfair pole attachment changes intensifies, co-ops remain steadfast in defending their infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to broadband services for rural constituents.
Source: electric.coop
