Climate change bill must be fair, affordable

Climate change legislation is moving forward in Congress, and Maquoketa Valley Rural Electric Cooperative, along with other electric utilities across the nation, is standing up to fight for fairness. As the energy bill stands, Iowa would pay more than either coast. Our representatives will be home in August, so make your voices heard.

We stepped up early to fight for fairness and affordability in this legislation, which includes a cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. While some significant changes were made, the legislation passed by the U.S. House in June still has major flaws.

The debate has now moved to the U.S. Senate, where another version of the bill is being drafted. We have another opportunity to fight for more improvements and minimize the financial impact.

Climate change legislation must recognize regional differences in how electricity is produced. It must be affordable for all Americans. And its goals must be achievable - the technology needed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions should be commercially viable.

We also can get our voices to Washington through the Our Energy, Our Future campaign. Visit www.ourenergy.coop to send a message to Capitol Hill. We must ensure that when they vote on a bill, it's done with America's best interests in mind. This is not a “cooperative” issue, it is an issue impacting all ratepayers from any electric or gas utility.

James Lauzon

CEO/executive

vice president

Maquoketa Valley REC