Electric co-op advocates discuss concerns and priorities with legislators in D.C.

The week of Sept. 23, more than 20 Iowa electric cooperative advocates flew to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of the Iowa Congressional Delegation during IAEC's Legislative Fall Fly In.

"Going to our nation's capital 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 elected officials to discuss issues that affect our ability to provide reliable and affordable power," remarked Leslie Kaufman, executive vice president of IAEC.

The group of electric co-op directors, managers and senior staff talked with all members of Iowa's Congressional Delegation, including Senator Ernst, Senator Grassley, Congressman Feenstra, Congresswoman Hinson (pictured), Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congressman Nunn.

Specifically, co-op representatives expressed concerns about recent cuts to the USDA's Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) program. Through REDLG, USDA provides grant funds to local utility organizations, often including local electric cooperatives, which use the funding to establish revolving loan funds. Loans are made from the revolving loan funds to local businesses and projects that will create or retain rural jobs. Iowa co-op advocates urged the Iowa Congressional Delegation to support the House version of the REDLG markups, which would partially restore REDLG funding for FY25, with intentions to return to optimal REDLG funding levels in FY26.

During the legislative visits, Iowa electric co-op advocates also highlighted continued threats to the reliability and affordability of power in the wake of the Environmental Protection Agency's recent mandates on power plants. America's electric cooperatives oppose the EPA's power plant rules on the grounds that they are unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable.

Additionally, IAEC coordinated briefings from the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, the USDA and CoBank and to learn more about emerging trends and issues impacting Iowa co-op member-consumers.

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 in the spring of 2025. Learn more about Iowa Rural Power grassroots advocacy at IARuralPower.org.

For More Information:

Erin Campbell
IAEC Director of Communications