A Quick History of the EPA and the Clean Air Act
continued from page 2
Northwest
Iowa
Power
Cooperative (NIPCO), the generation
and transmission cooperative which
supplies power to Harrison County
Rural Electric Cooperative receives
approximately 36 percent of its
electric generation from renewable
resources, such as water and wind,
from its primary power suppliers. At
the close of 2015, Basin Electric Power
Cooperative, who provides almost
80 percent of NIPCO’s total power
supply, has more than 850 megawatts
of renewable generation capacity
in its portfolio, including wind and
recovered energy generation.
Additionally, Basin Electric has
invested more than $1.5 billion in
emissions control technology, and
more than $175 million was spent in
2014 alone to operate and maintain
those controls. The annual average in
control investments is usually $155
million.
Dakota Gasification Company, a
subsidiary of Basin Electric, has been
capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from
the Great Plains Synfuels Plant near
Beulah, ND, since 2000 and in early
2015, the Synfuels Plant celebrated
its 30 millionth ton of carbon dioxide
delivered through a 205-mile pipeline
to Saskatchewan, Canada for enhanced
oil recovery. 236800011
From the beginning, Harrison
County Rural Electric Cooperative
depends on its power suppliers to
build and maintain a secure power
Spot Your Main
Account Number
Read News Flashes watching
for your main account number
in any of the articles or ads. If
you find it, call Jackie Androy
at HCREC by the
20th of the month
to receive a $20.00
electric bill credit.
4
supply system, focusing on diversity,
stability, and innovation. The
result: low-cost, environmentally
responsible electricity for our
membership. Members who have
journeyed to our power suppliers on
the Energy Trail Tours have witnessed
this commitment, first-hand.
As events unfold, it’s important
to remember that Clean Power Plan
litigation and regulation will be a
marathon, not a sprint. Iowa’s electric
cooperatives are actively working
with other industry stakeholders to
draft a state implementation plan to
comply with EPA’s Clean Power
Plan mandates should they be deemed
legal in the courts. We will continue
to advocate for reliable, affordable
electricity that is environmentally
responsible for our member-owners.
Harrison County
Rural Electric Cooperative
MARCH 2016
HCREC Manager Attends Welcome Back Legislative
Reception in Des Moines
Over 175 directors, managers, and
staff members from Iowa’s electric
cooperatives met with nearly 100 state
legislators January 12 at the Welcome
Back Legislative Reception held at the
State Historical Building in Des Moines.
Guests of honor included: Secretary of
Agriculture Bill Northey, Secretary
of State Paul Pate, Iowa Utilities
Board Member Nick Wagner and
presidential candidate Carly Fiorina.
The Iowa Association of Electric
Cooperatives, in conjunction with the
Iowa Biotechnology Association, the
Iowa Institute for Cooperatives, the
Iowa Communications Alliance and the
Petroleum Marketers and Convenience
Stores of Iowa hosted the meeting.
The
reception
provided
an
opportunity to meet with recently
News Flashes
Published monthly by
HARRISON COUNTY
RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative
105 Enterprise Drive, PO Box 2
Woodbine, Iowa 51579
Phone: 712-647-2727 or 800-822-5591
Fax:
712-647-2906
E-mail: [email protected]
Directors
Tim Sproul, president
Jim Sharp, vice president
Dave Dickinson, secretary Russ Kurth, treasurer
Rodney Plath
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday
Jake Heim
John Burbridge
Becky Berens
William Hutcheson
Joe Farley, Manager/EVP
Jackie Androy, Editor
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative (REC) is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. It is
the members (anyone who receives electricity from HCREC), not outside investors, that own and control
the co-op. Cooperatives are governed by a member-elected Board of Directors included in the membership.
News Flashes
elected and re-elected legislators to
discuss issues regarding safe, reliable,
and affordable energy options for all
Iowans. Important issues for the rural
electric cooperatives this session:
•State programs that complement
federal rural economic development
programs
•
Legislative encouraging utilityowned solar 372400910
• Line personnel safety
•
Policies supporting a skilled
workforce in the state
In the coming months the Iowa
General Assembly will be addressing
a multitude of issues, including energy
related items central to Iowa’s rural
economy. Beginning with the Welcome
Back Legislative Reception, the
directors, managers, and staff will again
Monday, April 4, 2016
Member Appreciation 4:00 – 7:00 P.M.
Annual Meeting 7:00 – 8:00 P.M.
“Harrison County REC Headquarters/Warehouse”
Register and receive your membership gift**
Free Dinner & Dessert for those attending
the meeting only – Served 4:00 – 6:45 P.M.
NO TAKE OUT MEALS WILL BE PROVIDED!
Coloring Contest winners will be announced
Lots of prizes given away through the meeting,
but you must be present to win the Energy Star prize
at the end of the Business Meeting.
Manager Joe Farley, Representative Matt
Windschitl
be important advocates for a balanced
approach in addressing energy issues
that allows for Iowa’s member-owned
rural electric cooperatives to continue
providing affordable, reliable, safe,
and environmentally responsible
power to more than 650,000 Iowans.
– NOTICE –
Winter Moratorium Ends
After April 1, 2016, we do not have
to post your premise with a 24-hour
disconnect notice. Disconnection may
occur immediately. Take the proper
steps and avoid disconnection. Due
dates and disconnect dates will be
strictly enforced. 287900010
In order to avoid disconnection of
your electric service, the past due
balance must be paid in full no later
than April 1, 2016, or request a
reasonable payment agreement for
that past due account balance.
Winter
moratorium
participants
should contact Lori Barry, Director of
Finance/Administration, 647-2727 or
800-822-5591, as soon as possible to
make payment arrangements for the
deferred winter moratorium balance.
A Quick History of the EPA and the Clean Air Act
When the Environmental Protection Agency acts, people
seem to have a strong opinion about it one way or the other.
But, what exactly is EPA’s role in government? In a nutshell,
the EPA is an agency of the U.S. federal government which
was established in 1970 to protect human health and the
environment by creating and enforcing regulations based
on laws passed by Congress. The EPA administrator
reports directly to the president of the United States. Today,
EPA manages more than a hundred programs that uphold a
dozen major laws or statutes.
One of the major laws the EPA enforces is the Clean
Air Act, which was designed to control air pollution
on a national level. The original Clean Air Act of 1963
established funding for monitoring and controlling air
pollution through the U.S. Public Health Service. The
1970 Clean Air Act amendments greatly expanded the
federal mandate, requiring comprehensive federal and state
regulations for both stationary (industrial) pollution sources
and mobile sources. It also significantly expanded federal
enforcement, including the creation of the EPA. In 1990,
Congress dramatically revised and expanded the Clean Air
Act, providing EPA even broader authority to implement
and enforce regulations reducing air pollutant emissions.
What does all of this have to do with your local
electric cooperative? In August of 2015, President Obama
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative Director Candidates
announced the Clean Power Plan mandates, which gives
EPA authority to regulate and enforce carbon emissions
from existing power plants under section 111(d) of the
Clean Air Act. The Clean Power Plan aims to reduce the
nation’s carbon emissions from fossil-fueled power plants
32 percent below 2005 levels by 2030, which has ignited
fierce debate over the legal authority of EPA.
Twenty seven states and many industry groups (including
the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association)
have filed more than 15 separate cases against the Clean
Power Plan mandates, making it the most heavily litigated
environmental regulation ever. In February 2016, the
Supreme Court ruled to halt implementation of the Clean
Power Plan regulations until litigation is concluded, which
is welcome news for co-ops and electric utilities who were
faced with taking costly irreversible steps in order to comply
with regulations that may or may not be declared legal in
the court of law. The lawsuits have been consolidated into
one case and oral arguments will be heard at the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on June 2,
2016. A decision may not come until late 2016 or early
2017. Should the case eventually reach the Supreme Court
(and many expect it will), the high court may not rule on
the case until 2018.
continued on page 4
Update: February 9 Supreme Court Decision
Halts EPA’s Clean Power Plan
DISTRICT #1
DISTRICT #3
DISTRICT #9
Cass, Union, & Washington Townships
of Harrison County; Cass Township of
Shelby County; and Minden Township of
Pottawattamie County
Allen, Jackson, Little Sioux, and Morgan
Townships of Harrison County; and Sioux
and Spring Valley Townships of Monona
County
Director at Large (Entire cooperative
service area)
Gale “Chub” Miller
Tom J Bothwell
Larry Ramsey
Gale and wife, Denise,
live near Persia. Gale
has been a lifelong
resident of the Persia
area. Currently retired,
Gale was previously
employed by the U.S.
Postal Service as a
rural carrier. First as a substitute carrier,
then with fulltime positions at David City,
Boystown, and Omaha, NE; and finally,
back to Persia, totaling 28 ½ years. Also,
Gale has been involved in numerous
construction positions, farming operations,
ag sales at Danker and Jacobsen of Missouri
Valley, and Moorman’s Feed Co. Gale
and Denise have been married 36 years
and have four children—Kelsey (teacher),
Elyse (deceased), Nathan (college), and Ian
(college). Hobbies include camping and
smaller family projects. Gale and Denise
have been Harrison County REC members
since 1984.
Tom Bothwell and
his wife Jane reside in
Allen Township at 1201
Laredo Ave, Pisgah,
IA. Tom and Jane are
parents of three grown
children (two sons and
a daughter) and have
twelve
grandchildren
ranging from the age of 2 yrs. – 19 yrs.
Tom is retired as a former service manager
and store manager for Horizon Equipment
in Mo Valley. He currently operates a small
crop/livestock operation consisting of 160
acres with corn, soybeans, hay and cow/
calf herd. Tom also assists his son with his
farming operation and driving a semi. Tom
is a member of the Community of Christ
Church in Mondamin where he serves as
Co-pastor and CFO. He also serves on
the Leadership Council for the church at
Prairie Bluffs Mission Center in Council
Bluffs. Tom enjoys spending time with his
grandchildren and attending their activities.
Tom states that he enjoys people and public
service and appreciates the opportunity
to participate in cooperative affairs. Tom
and Jane will celebrate their 50th wedding
anniversary in November of this year.
Larry Ramsey and his
wife, Linda, reside in
Boyer Township of
Harrison County, west
of Woodbine. They
have six children and
fourteen grandchildren.
While claiming to be
semi-retired, Larry stays
busy assisting area farmers. He has been a
lifetime farmer as well as having worked
for Apotheca Naturale in Woodbine. He is
a past member of the Farmers Co-op board,
Farm Credit Services board, and serves
or has served on various church boards
and committees. Larry and Linda are
members of the United Methodist Church
in Woodbine. Larry believes that he would
have to say his children and grandchildren
are his hobby. Larry previously served one
three-year term as director of Harrison
County Rural Electric Cooperative, at
which time he earned his Credentialed
Cooperative Director certificate.
Charles A. (Chuck) Petterson
On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to halt implementation of federal regulations curbing carbon dioxide
emissions from power plants. 53100014
In August of 2015, President Obama announced the Clean Power Plan mandates which gives the Environmental Protection
Agency authority to regulate and enforce carbon emissions from existing power plants under section 111 (d) of the Clean Air
Act. The Clean Power Plan aims to reduce the nation’s carbon emissions from fossil-fueled power plants 32 percent below
2005 levels by 2030 by assigning states individual reduction targets based on their energy mix. For Iowa, the final 2030 ratebased emissions limit for power plants in the state would mean a 42 percent reduction from the state’s 2012 emission rate.
On a 5-4 vote, the court granted a request made by 27 states, the National League of Cities, and various companies and
business groups to block the administration’s Clean Power Plan. The move means the regulations will not be in effect while
litigation continues over whether the ruling is lawful.
Last fall, 39 generation and transmission cooperatives, including Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative’s power
provider, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, joined NRECA in petitioning the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
to review and ultimately reject the Clean Power Plan. Oral arguments on the rule’s legality will be heard on June 2, 2016.
The brief order from the justices said that the regulations would be on hold until the legal challenge is completed.
“Charging ahead with implementation of the Clean Power Plan would have caused immediate and irreparable harm to
America’s electric co-ops,” said NRECA Interim CEO Jeffrey Connor. “Had the stay not been granted, co-ops would have
been forced to take costly and irreversible steps to comply with the rule, which is a huge overreach of EPA’s legal authority.
The Clean Power Plan is a direct threat to co-ops’ abilities to provide affordable and reliable electricity to their memberconsumers and should be erased from the books.”
Iowa’s not-for-profit electric cooperatives are committed to environmentally responsible electricity, and must also balance
grid reliability and affordability for our member-owners. We are hopeful that given time, ingenuity, and federal/industry
partnerships, we will create a viable future for all energy sources, one that strengthens rural America, doesn’t adversely
impact our members, and gets us down the road with innovative and achievable solutions.
Charles has been a
member of Harrison
County REC for over
12 years. He resides
in Washington Twp.
with his wife of 46
years, Lynn. He retired
from a 42-year career
in electric utility consulting, construction,
operations, maintenance, and safety.
He serviced a wide spectrum of clients
throughout the United States and four
foreign countries and would bring to the
Board of Directors skills and experience
that will maintain and enhance the excellent
record of service and safety our cooperative
enjoys. Charles is a U.S. Navy Veteran and
holds a B.S. in Electronics Management
from Southern Illinois University. “Serving
as your member of HCREC board of
directors will be an honor for me, and I will
repay that honor by working to ensure all
of our members continue to enjoy a safe,
reliable supply of electricity.”
2
March 2016
Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative
News Flashes
Rodney D. Plath
Rodney and his wife,
Ellen,
reside
near
Missouri Valley, IA.
They operate a midsize farming operation
consisting of corn,
beans, alfalfa and a cow/
calf operation. Rodney
is a lifetime resident
and farmer in Harrison County. Rodney
and Ellen are parents of two grown children
and have four grandchildren, ages 11, 4, 3,
and 3 months. Ellen is retired teaching in
the Omaha Public School system. Rodney
served on the Harrison County Fair Board for
over 20 years and is currently vice president.
He is a past member of the Harrison County
Farm Bureau board and Harrison County
Pork Producers. Rodney enjoys golf and
family activities, especially camping trips
to Yellowstone and Estes Park. Rodney was
elected to the Cooperative board in 2013
and has earned his Credentialed Cooperative
Director certificate.
A Touchstone Energy Cooperative
David Reisz
David Reisz and wife
Kim reside in Calhoun
Township at 2683
Niagara Trail near
Logan, IA. They are the
parents of two children,
son Dalton, 16, and
daughter Cambria, 14.
David has operated his
own business, Sparky’s Welding for the
past 3.5 years. He previously worked in
law enforcement as Sheriff’s Deputy with
Stanislaus County in California, and retired
after 13 years of service. During his service
in law enforcement, David also served as
a field training officer and a member of
the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Mounted
Unit. David’s hobbies include automotive
restoration, camping, hunting, and metal
fabrication. David and Kim attend St. Anne
Catholic church. David is a 3rd degree
member of the Knights of Columbus. He
holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Criminal Justice Management from Union
Institute and University and an Associate
of Arts degree in Aviation Mechanics from
the San Joaquin Valley College Aviation
Institute.
3