An Update From Salem & Washington, D.C.
We want to share a brief update on the work happening on your behalf in Salem and Washington, D.C.
In February, Wasco Electric Cooperative representatives met with state legislators in Salem to discuss issues affecting our members. We are traveling to Washington, D.C., to engage policymakers on these issues at the federal level, ensuring the voices of our members are heard where decisions are made.
We are closely tracking and engaging in matters related to the Federal Columbia River Power System. Court-ordered operational changes will affect the cost of power in the region. Because hydropower is a key component of our power supply, these changes will affect the rates paid by our members. We are working alongside regional partners to ensure the value of this system is preserved while balancing environmental requirements.
Wildfire mitigation remains a priority. We are advocating for policies that support proactive forest management, including such efforts as the Fix Our Forests Act, which is intended to reduce wildfire risk through improved forest health and streamlined processes. In addition, we support efforts to modernize the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure utilities and communities have timely access to resources following wildfires and other natural disasters.
Here at Wasco Electric, that work is happening every day. Our crews and contractors are actively maintaining our rights of way, clearing vegetation, and removing dangerous trees to reduce wildfire risk and improve system reliability. These efforts are essential to protecting our communities, and strong policy support helps ensure we can continue this work effectively and responsibly.
These conversations may not always be visible, but they are important to protecting the long-term interests of our members and the communities we serve.
Thank you for being a valued member of Wasco Electric Cooperative.
General Manager Lindsay Forepaugh