Officials from AMP/OMEA member communities met with Congressional offices to raise awareness of how federal policy affects municipal electric system customers.
COLUMBUS, OH: Representatives from American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and Ohio Municipal Electric Association (OMEA) member communities participated in the virtual 2021 American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally in March. The annual Rally is an opportunity for municipal electric system representatives to share firsthand insights with federal lawmakers and staff.
“The APPA Legislative Rally provides our members with the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and their staff members to discuss issues that impact municipal electric systems,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP president and CEO. “These meetings enable local officials to help educate policymakers about how legislative or regulatory changes they are considering could affect locally owned utilities.”
Participants from AMP and OMEA member communities participated in the rally representing municipalities in Ohio, Delaware, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Throughout the years, the annual rally has proved invaluable in our efforts to protect the interests of our member utilities and, in the end, their customers,” said Michael A. Beirne, AMP vice president and OMEA executive director. “While the meetings were virtual this year, they still proved equally beneficial for lawmakers and key staff who heard firsthand from local officials within their districts.”
The annual APPA Legislative Rally provides a valuable opportunity for public power to be engaged in the legislative process and raise awareness about the issues that impact public power and their customers. In addition to sharing their position on possible carbon emissions reduction policies, members also discussed how the continued sequestration of Build America Bonds and New Clean Renewable Energy Bonds, increasing transmission costs and capacity markets all have a negative impact on providing electric service to customers.
During the Rally’s Legislative & Resolution Committee meeting on March 2, APPA members adopted seven resolutions. The Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC) co-sponsored Resolution 21-02: Regarding Federal Involvement in Service Territory Disputes. DEMEC and the Blue Ridge Power Authority (BRPA) co-sponsored Resolution 21-03: In support of broadband deployment and local control of pole attachments; and Resolution 21-04: In support of a strong federal response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. AMP/OMEA sponsored and DEMEC and BRPA co-sponsored Resolution 21-05: In opposition to the sequestration of direct payment bond payments. The full listing of resolutions can be viewed here.
Throughout the week, AMP/OMEA members met with several congressional members. The meetings included visits with Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH).
Additionally, AMP/OMEA members met with staff members of several congressional offices, as well, including: Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Rep. David McKinley (R-WV), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH).