Officials from AMP/OMEA member communities met with Congressional offices to raise awareness of how federal policy impacts municipal electric system customers.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Representatives from more than 25 American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) and Ohio Municipal Electric Association (OMEA) member communities participated in the 2018 American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally. The annual rally is an opportunity for municipal electric system representatives to learn more about legislative issues affecting the industry and to share first-hand insights with federal lawmakers and staff.
“The APPA Legislative Rally provides our members with the opportunity to meet with lawmakers for a face-to-face discussion of issues impacting municipal electric systems,” said Marc S. Gerken, AMP president and CEO. “The meetings are equally beneficial for lawmakers and key staff who are hearing first-hand from local officials within their districts.”
More than 50 participants from AMP and OMEA member communities attended the Rally. The AMP/OMEA group represented municipalities in Ohio, Delaware, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
“Through the years, the annual rally has proved invaluable to our efforts in protecting the interests of our member utilities and in the end, their customers,” said Jolene Thompson, AMP executive vice president and OMEA executive director.
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. Specifically, the continued sequestration of Build America Bonds and the increasing transmission costs both have a negative impact on the cost of providing electric service to customers.
During the Rally’s Legislative & Resolution Committee meeting on Feb. 27, APPA members adopted six resolutions, including AMP and OMEA sponsored Resolution 18-01: In support of implementing meaningful oversight and transparency of supplemental transmission projects. The resolution was co-sponsored by Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation and Blue Ridge Power Agency. The full listing of resolutions can be viewed at www.publicpower.org.
Throughout the week, AMP/OMEA contingency members met with 19 congressional offices. This included meetings with the offices of Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH), Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Rep. Tom Garrett (R-VA), Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Rep. Jim Renacci (R-OH) and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH).
View official news release