The following is an excerpt taken from Senator Mike Johann's weekly column:
While I am eager to get back to the office, I have stayed busy working on a number of issues important to Nebraska. Last week, I wrote a letter to the Senate Budget Committee regarding a very concerning development on global warming legislation, known as "cap-and-trade," that could significantly affect businesses, farms, and families across the state. The legislation would end up costing up to $3,000 per family in the form of an energy tax. There is talk that it could get passed by means of the budget reconciliatory process instead of traditional Senate procedures. This would prevent most members of Congress, including myself, from fully debating it.
It is critical that this legislation be given thorough consideration so that all members of Congress and the American people fully understand its far-reaching implications. My letter received signatures of support from 32 other Senators, including 8 Democrats. This strong statement from one-third of the Senate reinforces the importance that this process is dictated by fair and robust debate, not parliamentary gimmicks. The American people expect and deserve this transparent and comprehensive debate.
We are very encouraged by Senator Johann's concern about this issue, and his desire to have the opportunity to engage in a debate on the issue.
As a constituent of Senator Johanns, as well as Senator Ben Nelson, and Congressman Adrian Smith, you have the opportunity to express your concerns on issues pertaining to your electric rates. You've heard from Senator Johanns that the cap and trade program will affect families and farmers in Nebraska, and result in an energy tax. If this is a concern to you, speak up! Log on to www.southernpd.com/oeof and start a conversation with our Washington representatives.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Editorial, submitted by Dan Emery, Chief Steward, Local IBEW 1597
Dear Editor:
Public power districts in Nebraska and rural cooperatives across the nation are backing an awareness campaign called Our Energy, Our Future. This campaign is designed to educate end use customers on the effects of current policies being considered nationally related to global warming. We in public power, unlike private companies, feel a sense of responsibility to let our customers know about issues that could dramatically impact them.
There are two major issues to consider. First, in the past two years there has been a complete shut down of construction of power plants fired with coal. In 2007, 35 planned coal fired plants were canceled and another seven in 2008. That is a significant amount of generation that will not be there to meet the needs of a hopefully recovering and growing economy. Some areas of the country are predicted to have shortages as soon as next year. Those of us who work in this industry have always prided ourselves in the ability to provide for all of your electric needs, and provided you service when you need it. It is important to know that while renewable generation is a part of our future, it cannot replace the traditional generation that has provided you with highly reliable electric service in the past.
The second issue to inform you about is the cost of your electric service. We strive everyday to do our work efficiently and keep your electric rates low. I do not intend my comments to spark a debate about the issue of global warming. However, we do need to let our members of Congress know that while they are considering legislation dealing with global warming, that they need to keep our electric rates affordable. There have been predictions that your electric rates could increase 150% to 300% in the next 10 years if some of the concepts being considered are enacted. In the 1930’s the rural electric program brought lights to rural America. With these increases, we fear they will go out because some will not be able to afford basic electric service.
Now is the time to act. Consider contacting Congressman Adrian Smith or Jeff Fortenberry. At the same time, contact Senators Ben Nelson or Mike Johanns. Tell them that while considering legislation related to climate change please make sure they keep your electric bill affordable. You can easily send emails to all of them by going to www.southernpd.com/oeof. It is your energy and the result will be your energy future.
Public power districts in Nebraska and rural cooperatives across the nation are backing an awareness campaign called Our Energy, Our Future. This campaign is designed to educate end use customers on the effects of current policies being considered nationally related to global warming. We in public power, unlike private companies, feel a sense of responsibility to let our customers know about issues that could dramatically impact them.
There are two major issues to consider. First, in the past two years there has been a complete shut down of construction of power plants fired with coal. In 2007, 35 planned coal fired plants were canceled and another seven in 2008. That is a significant amount of generation that will not be there to meet the needs of a hopefully recovering and growing economy. Some areas of the country are predicted to have shortages as soon as next year. Those of us who work in this industry have always prided ourselves in the ability to provide for all of your electric needs, and provided you service when you need it. It is important to know that while renewable generation is a part of our future, it cannot replace the traditional generation that has provided you with highly reliable electric service in the past.
The second issue to inform you about is the cost of your electric service. We strive everyday to do our work efficiently and keep your electric rates low. I do not intend my comments to spark a debate about the issue of global warming. However, we do need to let our members of Congress know that while they are considering legislation dealing with global warming, that they need to keep our electric rates affordable. There have been predictions that your electric rates could increase 150% to 300% in the next 10 years if some of the concepts being considered are enacted. In the 1930’s the rural electric program brought lights to rural America. With these increases, we fear they will go out because some will not be able to afford basic electric service.
Now is the time to act. Consider contacting Congressman Adrian Smith or Jeff Fortenberry. At the same time, contact Senators Ben Nelson or Mike Johanns. Tell them that while considering legislation related to climate change please make sure they keep your electric bill affordable. You can easily send emails to all of them by going to www.southernpd.com/oeof. It is your energy and the result will be your energy future.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
