Today, Indiana consumers enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in the nation. But new Environmental Protection Agency regulations threaten those low rates.

Indiana's electric cooperatives are dedicated to helping Hoosiers in their efforts to keep their electric rates affordable. They are doing that by supporting an "all-of-the-above" energy policy that includes the use of natural gas, renewables, nuclear and coal. 

Meanwhile, the EPA regulations effectively create an "all-but-one" approach by cutting coal out of the strategy. Coal produces 83 percent of the state's electricity. It keeps 29,000 Hoosiers employed and keeps electric rates affordable for homes and businesses.

Whitewater Valley REMC is concerned about the impact this will have on member-consumers. The regulations proposed by the EPA will inevitably raise electricity costs and could force Hoosiers to choose between paying their electric bill and basic necessities like food and healthcare.

Whitewater Valley REMC is committed to working toward a solution that addresses the carbon concern, but meeting these new regulations with existing technologies is simply not economically feasible. A responsible energy policy framework, along with a focus on new, proven technology and energy conservation, can ease the burden of rising costs. We need the EPA to focus on working with - not against - co-ops as part of this ongoing effort. Visit www.Action.coop(link is external) to help keep electricity rates affordable. Please join us in sharing comments to the EPA to stick by its all-of-the-above promise.

As a member-owner of the Whitewater Valley REMC, you are among 42 million Americans who can claim ownership in a not-for-profit consumer-controlled utility that provides electricity at cost. The ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action program is an exciting opportunity for you to raise your voice and participate in the political process. 

The Action Committee for Rural Electrification (ACRE) is the political action committee of the nation's electric cooperatives. For over 40 years, ACRE has been working to support candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives who understand and support electric cooperatives and their member-owners. Through ACRE Co-op Owners for Political Action, Whitewater Valley REMC member-owners have the ability to strengthen this support and join over 30,000 ACRE members who form a strong grassroots network dedicated to the long-term success of the electric cooperative program. We hope that you will consider this program. Together we will continue to fight for a viable environment for electric cooperatives and the quality of life of the people and communities' that cooperatives serve