NRECA Legislative Conference press release template

** Specific details of the conference are subject to change. Please confirm the specifics with your co-op’s delegation before publishing.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Electric cooperative leaders discuss pressing issues with lawmakers in D.C.

NASHVILLE – Leaders from [INSERT CO-OP NAME] traveled to Washington, D.C., on Sunday through Tuesday, April 27 through 29, to meet with members of the Tennessee congressional delegation. [INSERT DIRECTOR NAMES] and [INSERT CO-OP STAFF NAMES AND TITLES] met with Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Sen. Bill Hagerty and [INSERT REPRESENTATIVE NAMES].

More than 50 electric co-op leaders from Tennessee traveled to Washington, D.C. to make these visits during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual legislative conference — a time where electric cooperative leaders gather from around the country to hear from members of Congress and administrative officials and to discuss timely and pressing legislative issues affecting electric co-ops and their member-owners.

“Opportunities like this are so valuable,” said [INSERT NAME AND TITLE]. “We have a responsibility to our members here at home to make sure they have what they need. Making these connections and having these conversations allow us to better advocate for policies that benefit our communities and the betterment of our members.”

During meetings, co-op leaders discussed issues that have a direct impact on Tennessee co-ops and the consumers they serve, including permitting reform, EPA regulations, federal infrastructure programs, TVA board appointments and the future of nuclear power. Lawmakers were also invited to visit their local co-ops to meet employees, attend annual meetings or tour co-op facilities.

“This is the only NRECA conference all year that provides the opportunity to hear from key government officials, then engage directly with your representatives in Congress,” said Ryan King, TECA’s vice president of government affairs. “We were able to advocate for federal legislative and executive branch policies that benefit our electric cooperatives and our member-owners. With new leadership in the White House and Congress, this was a great chance to create new relationships while cementing the ones we’ve had through the years.”