Rob Pearson
Chief Executive Officer
Reality Check
Found in the September 2009 Electric Consumer
We need your help. As our elected officials debate climate change this fall, our voices must drown out special interests and businesses interested in turning a profit. We’ve got to send Washington a reality check.
Since early this year, Washington has considered a cap-and-trade system to address climate change concerns. This system focuses on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, vehicles, and factories — essentially impacting all sectors of the economy. As our government officials act on climate change, they will be directly responsible for raising our electric bills. But, by how much?
Electric co-ops, like Wabash County REMC, feel it’s important for Washington to keep three things in mind regarding climate change. We know rates will go up as a result of any action they take. But, any bill should be fair, taking into account regional differences in how electricity is produced. Some states have more low-carbon resources (such as wind or hydro) available than others, but we’re all in this boat together. One part of the country should not benefit at another’s expense.
Next, we’ve got to keep electricity affordable for all Americans. We already have members in Indiana who barely manage to pay their monthly electric bills, or must choose between paying for medications and keeping the lights on. Even a small increase will be a hardship beyond measure for these folks.
Finally, the goals our elected officials set must be achievable. Climate change policy must be realistic and in sync with technology to ensure long-term success. Otherwise we’re doomed to fail.
Wabash County REMC and others across the nation have been working hard to make sure these concerns are raised — and we need your help.
More than 377,000 co-op members, like you, across the nation have joined the “Our Energy, Our Future™” grassroots campaign, demanding elected officials keep consumer interests in mind. Their voices had a major impact this summer, as the U.S. House passed a climate change bill that included more than $3 billion in rate relief for co-op consumers from initial proposals. Still, that bill fell far short of being fair to consumers. The climate change debate, now moves to the U.S. Senate. We have an opportunity there to make more improvements — and you can impact the outcome.
Sens. Lugar and Bayh, as well as members of the U.S. House, need a reality check from you, their constituents. Visit www.ourenergy.coop today to send a message about the need for fair, affordable, and achievable climate change legislation.
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