As Congress considers energy legislation, it’s essential that lawmakers understand that “electric reliability is non-negotiable,” NRECA CEO Jim Matheson told a House panel Wednesday.
“A resilient, reliable and affordable electric grid is the mission of every electric co-op and the cornerstone of our nation’s economy and energy security,” Matheson told the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy at a hearing on “Assuring Abundant, Reliable American Energy to Power Innovation.”
“A diverse energy portfolio—but one that is anchored by always-available power generation—is essential to this commitment and critical to meet skyrocketing electricity demand.”
Critical electric generation resources are being retired faster than they can be reliably replaced, Matheson said.
“Among the biggest drivers of this is the power plant rule that EPA finalized last year,” he said. “This rule targeting coal and natural gas power plants will reduce available electricity at the same time demand is rising.
“Even hydroelectric power—a reliable, abundant source of carbon-free, affordable electricity—is under attack. As I testified to this committee last year, a Biden administration agreement, negotiated without any electric utility provider in the room, aims to breach four Lower Snake River hydroelectric dams in the Pacific Northwest, which provide 3,000 megawatts of power and underpin the electric reliability of the entire region.”
Matheson urged Congress to support the Trump administration’s efforts to repeal the power plant rule and withdraw from the Lower Snake River dam agreement.
At the same time, Matheson said, “new, reliable, always-available generation needs to quickly come online to meet skyrocketing electricity demand.”
“Congress should improve and modernize outdated and dysfunctional permitting processes for all types of projects with an eye toward the scale and scope required to meet this challenge,” he said.
Matheson told committee members that co-ops look forward to working with them and others in Congress to help shape energy legislation.
“Providing reliable, affordable, and safe electricity is the shared commitment of all NRECA’s members.”
Erin Kelly is a staff writer for NRECA.