(Washington, D.C.) Public Power officials from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for the annual American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally. American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and Ohio Municipal Electric Association (OMEA) member communities were strongly represented at the Rally. 76 people representing 29 AMP and OMEA member communities in four states attended this year’s Rally.

The event provides the opportunity for attendees to learn more about legislative issues impacting the industry and share their insights first-hand with federal lawmakers and staff. The AMP/OMEA contingent met with a total of 31 congressional offices, including U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and George Voinovich (R-Ohio), along with staff representatives of Senators Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), Jim Webb (D-Virginia) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia). The AMP/OMEA member attendees also met individually with their U.S. Representatives and/or staff members.

“Public Power is a locally-owned and locally-focused component of the U.S. electric industry,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP sr. vice president of member services and external affairs and OMEA executive director. “As such, it’s important for lawmakers to hear first-hand from the people running the systems so they better understand the challenges facing local utilities. We’re please with the strong showing from the AMP/OMEA member communities and very appreciative of the response from lawmakers and staff who took the time to listen to our views on issues.”

In addition to visits to Congressional offices, participants also took part in the APPA Legislative and Resolutions Committee meeting, giving consideration to a number of issues related to the industry. Among the Resolutions approved by APPA members at the meeting:

• Resolution in support of additional transparency in wholesale electricity markets operated by Regional Transmission Organizations/Independent Systems Operators;
• Resolution in support of public power inclusion of Section 1603 grant program for renewable energy production; and
• Resolution supporting the allocation of emissions allowances to the electric utility sector in any cap-and-trade program approved by Congress

NOTE: copies of the Resolutions approved by APPA members at the Rally is available on the APPA Web site

AMP President/CEO Marc Gerken, who also chairs the APPA Board of Directors led the delegation of public power officials attending the Rally. “This is an extremely important event for the organization and its members,” Gerken said. “With the investment of just two days, public power community officials were able to not only meet with key legislators and staff, sharing their valuable insight; but through the L & R committee helped voice the strong opinion of public power nationally on key issues affecting our industry. This effort is invaluable.”

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