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The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is advocating for electric cooperatives before Congress, the White House, and federal agencies in 2024. The organization is working to ensure new legislation and regulations help these not-for-profit cooperatives continue to provide reliable, affordable electricity. They aim to secure further funding for co-ops from the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, shape Farm Bill programs that benefit co-ops and their members, oppose regulatory overreach from federal agencies, and address supply chain difficulties, among other legislative priorities.
2024: A Crucial Year for Electric Co-ops and the Biden Administration
The 2024 election year puts NRECA’s Government Relations team in a challenging climate, as they navigate a divided Congress and the Biden administration’s race to issue new federal regulations. The team will advocate for electric cooperatives on Capitol Hill, the White House, and federal agencies.
Senior VP of Government Relations at NRECA, Louis Finkel, discusses the aggressive strategies employed to ensure new legislation and regulations benefit not-for-profit electric co-ops, allowing them to deliver reliable, affordable electricity.
NRECA’s Success with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act
Electric co-ops have started receiving millions of dollars from the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, thanks to provisions established by NRECA. But will this flow of funding continue?
Finkel highlights the tension between the Biden administration and House Republicans, which may affect funding for the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Despite these challenges, NRECA continues to promote the value of incentive programs for grid resilience, while advocating for co-ops’ ability to provide reliable, affordable power.
Farm Bill: A Potential Game-Changer for Co-ops
The upcoming five-year Farm Bill could provide crucial funding for co-op infrastructure projects and rural economic development. While there’s a broad difference in opinions between the two parties, NRECA is working to reinforce the importance of the Rural Utilities Service programs as a resource for infrastructure improvement and maintenance.
NRECA’s Legislative Priorities for 2024
NRECA’s agenda for 2024 includes addressing supply chain difficulties, advocating for infrastructure construction policies, and ensuring the protection of dams on the lower Snake River. In terms of broadband, NRECA continues to educate Congress about the importance of FCC exemptions for co-ops.
Following the Democratic majority at the FCC, NRECA is seeking targeted compliance exemptions for electric co-ops regarding net neutrality rules. While supporting net neutrality, NRECA stresses that excessive regulation could divert essential investments from their communities.
Opposition to the EPA’s Proposed Power Plant Rule
NRECA strongly opposes the EPA’s proposed power plant rule, seeing it as a threat to co-ops’ ability to provide reliable, affordable power. They expect a final rule in spring 2024, and are prepared to litigate against overreaches that hamper their mission.
Impact of the 2024 Elections on NRECA’s Agenda
While the 2024 elections do not hinder NRECA’s ability to achieve its targets, it does complicate advancing their agenda due to a divided Congress and the slow pace of regulatory proposals. Regardless, NRECA remains committed to opposing shortsighted policies and supporting proposals that serve the interests of their members and consumers.
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