Advocacy in action: Iowa electric co-ops discuss priorities with legislative staff in D.C.

As part of our cooperative commitment to advocacy, Iowa's electric cooperatives regularly coordinate meetings with state and federal legislators through the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC). The week of April 22, approximately 20 electric co-op representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to talk with federal legislative staffers.

"Going to D.C. is a valuable opportunity for our Iowa Rural Power grassroots efforts to shine. Iowa's electric cooperatives care deeply about the member-owners and communities we serve and it's important to meet with legislative staff to discuss issues that affect our ability to provide reliable and affordable power," remarked Chuck Soderberg, executive vice president of IAEC.

While Congress was in recess and members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation were back in their home districts during our visit, the Iowa electric co-op advocates were able to meet with energy staffers for Senator Ernst, Congressman Feenstra, Congresswoman Hinson, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Nunn. Specifically, co-op representatives talked about supply chain challenges and continued threats to the reliability and affordability of power in the wake of the Environmental Protection Agency's recent mandates on power plants. The advocates also asked the staffers to continue supporting USDA rural economic funding and support for Rural Utilities Service (RUS) programs for the next Farm Bill.

Additionally, IAEC coordinated briefings from the Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC), the Nuclear Energy Institute and Growth Energy to learn more about emerging trends and issues impacting Iowa co-op member-consumers.

In D.C., the Iowa advocates also attended an annual legislative conference hosted by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). NRECA staff and speakers addressed nearly 2,000 co-op leaders from across the country with a core message to urge Congress and federal agencies to focus on maintaining reliable electricity for the American people.

We appreciate the service of Iowa's elected officials and the tireless work of their staff who help look out for Iowans in the Halls of Congress. The next planned trip for Iowa Rural Power advocates will come later this fall. Learn more about Iowa Rural Power grassroots advocacy at IARuralPower.org.

For More Information:

Erin Campbell
IAEC Director of Communications