Attention Electric Cooperative Members

By John Delurey, Beyond Coal Campaign Representative

Do you wish that cooperatives had more energy efficiency and renewable energy options? Are you frustrated with the propaganda campaign that the co-ops have used to bash the EPA? Concerned that the cooperatives are using member-owner money to fund dirty energy lobbying?

We have been asking these questions throughout the state this spring and have started to see things move in the right direction. The Thomas Hart Benton Group recently endorsed John Graff, a candidate for the board of a cooperative north of Kansas City. The candidate, with support from the Beyond Coal Campaign and local leaders, became a serious threat to an incumbent of 24 years in what would have otherwise been an uncontested race.

The rural electric cooperatives are rooted in a tradition of collective decision-making and rural advocacy. Let’s use our authority as member-owners to have them understand and embrace the cost-savings and health benefits of clean energy. If any of this is of interest, or if you have any additional concerns about the electric cooperatives, please contact John Delurey at john.delurey@sierraclub.org or (781) 439-7272.