Indiana Electric Cooperative Leaders Advocate for Rural Energy Priorities on Capitol Hill

Nearly 80 representatives from Indiana’s electric cooperatives recently joined more than 2,000 electric cooperative leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C., to participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Legislative Conference. The annual event provides a critical opportunity for co-op leaders to engage directly with federal lawmakers and policymakers on issues that impact rural energy providers and the communities they serve.

Melissa True, CEO of Henry County REMC, represented the region during the visit to Capitol Hill, where Indiana delegates met with members of the state’s Congressional delegation and staff. These meetings focused on legislative and regulatory issues shaping the future of electric cooperatives and the affordability, reliability, and sustainability of rural energy.

Indiana cooperative leaders held discussions with:

U.S. Senators Jim Banks and Todd Young

U.S. Representatives Jim Baird, Jefferson Shreve, and Rudy Yakym

Staff from the offices of Representatives Frank Mrvan, Marlin Stutzman, and Erin Houchin

Cooperative leaders were briefed by federal agency officials on issues affecting cooperatives, including the Environmental Protection Agency’s plans for key power sector regulations, as well as the direction of United States Department of Agriculture and Department of Energy infrastructure funding programs.

“The NRECA Legislative Conference ensures rural voices are heard at the highest levels of government,” said Melissa True. “These conversations help shape energy policies that directly affect our members and the long-term viability of our cooperatives.”

The Legislative Conference, held annually each spring, reinforces the collective voice of America’s electric cooperatives as they advocate for policies that support reliable, affordable, and responsible energy for rural communities.

Henry County REMC located in New Castle, Ind., is an electric utility cooperative serving over 7780 members in Henry and parts of Fayette, Rush, Hancock, Delaware, Madison, Randolph, and Wayne counties and maintains over 1230 miles of line. For more information about the cooperative visit www.hcremc.com

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