NORTH BALTIMORE, OHIO – On Friday, March 6, U.S. Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio’s 4th District will speak at Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative’s annual Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) Legislative Meeting to discuss regulatory issues impacting electric co-ops’ ability to deliver affordable energy. Also speaking is Spencer Waugh, Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives manager of government affairs.
The event is open to all members of Hancock-Wood, elected officials and members of the media.
Hancock-Wood President and CEO George Walton said, “Our Ohio co-ops distribute energy from one of the most reliable and cleanest coal-fired generation stations in the world, while keeping rates affordable for our Members. For electric co-ops to maintain reliable service and reasonable costs, we need our members to help us fight against needless regulations at a time when our nation’s economy is just beginning to recover. Unnecessary regulations will take us a step backward and cost us in jobs, economic development and the delivery of affordably-priced energy.”
Jordan opposed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, also known as Cap and Trade Program, which proposed to create a system of carbon credits to be issued to businesses. This would have dictated the amount of carbon each business was allowed to put into the environment through production or use of energy. If a company exceeded its cap – the amount of carbon allocated to it – it could then trade or purchase carbon credits from other businesses below their allocated level. The bill passed the house, but was never brought up for a vote in the Senate.
Jordan has said, “Here’s the thing Washington always misses. Washington always wants a deal. America wants a solution. Americans sent us here to solve problems.”
More information on energy issues and how individuals can get involved may be seen at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) action.coop site.
ACRE is the political committee of the nation’s electric cooperatives. Founded in 1966 by the nearly 1,000 cooperatives of the NRECA, it supports candidates for state and federal office, those in office now and those running for office, who will speak for and protect the interests of electric cooperatives and their member-owners.
Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, established April 20, 1938, serves portions of Hancock, Wood, Allen, Erie, Hardin, Henry, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca and Wyandot counties. Throughout the cooperative’s history, Hancock-Wood has fought for electric cooperatives right to keep energy delivery reliable and affordable within the communities it serves.
For more information about Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative, visit www.hwe.coop or call 800-445-4840.
