Co-op News
Directors Urged to Mobilize Members
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Directors of the nation’s rural electric cooperatives are being urged to mobilize their members to confront what NRECA CEO Glenn English called the greatest challenge to the electric co-op power movement in a generation: operating in a carbon-constrained future, subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act.
NRECA CEO Glenn English told co-op directors that they need to mobilize their members to minimize any increase in their electric bills. (Photo By: George Stuteville)
“Things are not going to be as they have been in the past,” English warned at the association’s 2010 Directors’ Conference in Biloxi, Miss., March 22. “Government is going to play a bigger role.”
English told co-op directors that a U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate carbon as a public health concern places consumer-members at risk of being caught up in a “glorious mess” that could touch every aspect of the nation’s economy.
In urging support for congressional action to stop EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources under the Clean Air Act, English noted that Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., a co-author of the act, has said repeatedly that the legislation was not intended to regulate carbon dioxide. Dingell has also said it is Congress’ job to craft this important piece of public policy.
The Clean Air Act, originally passed in 1970 and amended in 1977 and 1990, has not been used to regulate greenhouse gases. Instead, it has regulated common pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead, and particulate soot to address smog and acid rain.
“This act was not designed to do this job,” said English, noting that the uncertainty of EPA’s approach could lead to higher costs, inconsistent policies and complicated litigation. Regulations will change over time, making it difficult to plan for future generation needs, he said.
Related content: Click here for a list of bills and resolutions, and their cosponsors.
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