A recent guest commentary (April 14 Beacon: “Co-op Leadership is Out of Bounds on EPA Directive”) by Eric Grimsrud misinterpreted electric co-op activity related to greenhouse gas emissions. Flathead Electric, Montana’s electric cooperatives and the National Rural Electric Cooperative association are engaged in a grassroots advocacy campaign to inform co-op members of pending legislative and regulatory action related to climate change and encourage a dialogue between them and their elected officials about the merits of such proposals and impact that decisions made in Washington, D.C., will have on electric bills here in Montana. Electric co-ops recognize that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has an important role to play in both protecting our environment and codifying any future climate policy. Developing a fair and affordable policy however is the role of Congress. If reducing greenhouse gas emissions is to be an American public policy goal, then it is Congress’ responsibility to set the terms.
Our issue with EPA rests on its avowed intention to use The Clean Air Act to regulate carbon dioxide from power plants. The Clean Air Act was passed in 1970 to address specific problems related to smog and acid rain; it was at the time the right tool for that job. Today’s challenge is different. Even the Clean Air Act’s author recognizes that it is the wrong tool, observing that its use would result in a “glorious mess” of regulation and litigation.
Montanans interested in the text of the co-op postcard may review it at www.OurEnergy.coop. I invite you to visit the website and send a message today. Make your voice heard and give your elected official an opportunity to stand with us in defense of affordable electric bills.
Glenn English
CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association