Edgecombe-Martin County EMC, along with electric cooperatives across the United States, is dedicated to working with local, state, and federal representatives to ensure affordable energy costs for the future.
Our cooperative does not align with any specific political party, but instead focuses on educating all legislators about the potential impacts of various bills on their constituents.
In April, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC joined over 1,200 electric cooperative leaders in Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Congress and Biden administration officials. Their goal was to advocate for policies that ensure reliable and affordable electricity for rural America. A primary concern for cooperative leaders was the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new power plant proposal. They voiced strong opposition to this proposal, citing its unrealistic deadlines and reliance on unproven technologies, which could threaten the reliability of the power grid. Cooperative directors, CEOs, and state association leaders conveyed this message directly to lawmakers and their staff.
In May, Edgecombe-Martin County EMC employees and board members visited Raleigh to engage with state legislators. These visits are crucial for building trust and ensuring that lawmakers consider the needs of electric cooperative members when making decisions. During these discussions, we highlighted our commitment to a balanced approach for a Brighter Future, which includes maintaining reliability and affordability while pursuing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We emphasized the importance of supporting reliable baseload and peaking generation resources such as nuclear and natural gas.
Our members often ask how they can support their electric cooperatives. One effective way is through joining Voices of Cooperative Power (VCP), a network of co-op members who collaborate to influence energy policy decisions. As a VCP member, you will receive background information on utility issues and updates on significant state and federal legislation. Occasionally, you might be asked to contact your elected officials about specific legislative matters. Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can opt-out at any time. Lawmakers need to hear from you—the voters. The more voices they hear, the more attention they pay to the concerns of electric cooperatives. To join and make your voice heard, visit voicesforcooperativepower.com.
By staying engaged and informed, you can help ensure that the future of our energy remains reliable, affordable, and sustainable for all.