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September 2009 Commentary
A constructive congressional dialogue
 by Bruce Graham
CEO of Indiana Statewide Association
of Rural Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
Part of what makes our country great is the ability to discuss an issue, make up our own minds and determine a course of action. This summer, we’ve been hearing about congressional town hall meetings that have been reduced to shouting matches. No matter which party is the target, I think such actions can shut down effective communication. Important discussions are more fruitful when they are civil; when people are willing to listen and consider the opinions of others.
And while health care has been headlining these town meeting discussions, cap-and-trade legislation is often a topic as well.
For more than a year, your electric cooperative has been dedicating significant resources to education on this issue without engaging in a debate over the science of climate change. There are dozens of experts and studies to consult if a person hasn’t already made up his or her mind on global warming.
Clearly, though, most congressional representatives have established their positions on climate change. As a result, we believe carbon emissions will eventually be curbed either by those on Capitol Hill or by the Environmental Protection Agency. A step in that direction occurred in June when the U.S. House approved H.R. 2454, also known as the American Clean Energy and Security Act, Waxman-Markey, or simply as cap-and-trade legislation.
Throughout that House debate, and as the discussion continues, our goal has been to work with the public, Congress and other policymakers to craft both an environmentally effective and cost effective solution.
We began that process with the launch of “Our Energy, Our Future” (www.ourenergy.coop). In addition, cooperatives have communicated with consumers through Electric Consumer and other publications, annual meeting presentations, and various outreach programs. Indiana cooperative members have responded with more than 40,000 e-mails to our congressional delegation urging an affordable and workable solution. Unfortunately, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act does not meet that test.
Substantial amendments are necessary in the Senate to make a carbon mitigation program more affordable, more workable, and more technologically achievable. The ACES Act unfairly penalizes Hoosier ratepayers. In fact, a utility bill increase of $50 a month is not out of the question for an average household in a state such as Indiana that depends heavily on fossil fuel generation.
Fortunately, crafting legislation is a long process with opportunities to improve provisions along the way. The Senate is expected to embark on its deliberation this month and both our senators have expressed proper caution regarding the House legislation’s punitive impact on Indiana. However, the Senate will likely begin with new language and it will be imperative to continue a dialogue with both Sen. Bayh and Sen. Lugar as legislation is developed. If the Senate can’t produce a bill that includes significant improvements over the Hosue-passed bill, the legislation should not be enacted.
Indiana electric cooperatives will be on hand delivering hundreds of member-signed postcards of concern to both senators later this month. Contact your local cooperative to receive a card and add to the mountain of messages. You can also learn more about the issue, needed legislative improvements, and express your opinion via e-mail by accessing www.ourenergy.coop or www.fairpowernow.org.
Thanks for your interest and for helping us maintain an open, respectful and constructive dialogue with Congress on this important issue.
Written By: eceditor
Date Posted: 8/31/2009
Number of Views: 284
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