Taking the co-op message to DC

More than 100 Tennesseans joined more than 2,500 co-op leaders from across the nation to participate in the NRECA Legislative Conference on May 4-6 in Washington, D.C. The conference provided CEOs, directors and co-op staffers with insights from Washington insiders and briefings from NRECA lobbyists to use during meetings with lawmakers.

Tennessee co-op leaders met with Senators Alexander and Corker as well as Representatives Black, Blackburn, DesJarlais, Duncan, Fincher, Fleischmann and Roe.

A number of issues important to electric co-ops were discussed during the legislative visits, including

• S. 2262, a bipartisan energy-efficiency bill that would enable co-ops to continue to use large electric-resistance water heaters in demand response programs.
• H.R. 2458, the Electrify Africa Act, legislation that fits in with electric co-ops’ mission of bringing light to developing nations.
• Updating the Endangered Species Act
• Seeking adequate time for comment on upcoming greenhouse gas regulations
• Demanding greater oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency so its policies are consistent and follow established practices
• Thanking members of Congress for backing legislation to safeguard the co-op pension plan.

“People will know that Co-op Nation is here,” NRECA CEO Jo Ann Emerson said at the first conference session May 5 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. “You do this because you know how important relationships are with your legislators and with your regulatory officials.”

View photos from the legislative conference here.