The Power Report
Co-op contingent visits Capitol Hill, sees progress
October 17, 2011
In late September, a delegation of Indiana Statewide Managers, Directors, co-op senior staff, and ISA staff traveled to Washington to share concerns about issues facing the electric power industry.
“One of the most urgent matters we discussed was our support of House Bill 2401, the Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act,” explained Wabash Valley Vice President of Business Development Greg Wagoner. “The TRAIN Act would require the Obama Administration to analyze both the incremental and cumulative impacts of new rules from the Environmental Protection Agency. As most in the co-op community are aware, EPA has been advancing these new rules individually and presenting the cost impacts for each, but their projections fail to provide an accurate reflection of how multiple new rules will impact our members’ electric bills.”
Following the contingent’s visit, the House passed the TRAIN Act by a vote of 249-169, with seven of Indiana’s nine congressmen voting in favor of the bill (Congressmen Peter Visclosky and Andre Carson opposed it). The bill now travels to the Senate, although a White House veto seems to be likely.
“We have been subjected to an EPA that has been very aggressive in regards to energy regulation and other industries,” Greg noted. “One member of Congress recently referred to EPA as a ‘rogue agency,’ and this law would see to it that the agency can no longer do business that way. We applaud and appreciate the support of the seven congressmen who voted for the legislation, and I hope that their constituents will take the time to thank them for that support.”
Greg also noted that Indiana Statewide members were able to get their own members to contact their representatives through the association’s Take Action Network (TAN). “This initiative was another vital effort to help generate awareness of and support for the TRAIN Act,” he said. “Involvement does make a difference and our members of Congress have consistently shown that they do listen to and support our issues.”
Among those joining Greg on the trip to Capitol Hill were Jasper County REMC Director Ken DeYoung and CEO Bryan Washburn, Steuben County REMC CEO Kevin Keiser, Northeastern Indiana REMC CEO Gregg Kiess, Hednricks Power CEO Donnis Mizelle, and Parke County REMC CEO Greg Ternet.
Back
E-mail