Wabash Valley Power Association is dedicated to doing everything in our power to keep electricity costs down for our members. Sometimes, though, we need your help. This is one of those times.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently proposed new rules that would limit the carbon dioxide emissions of new coal and natural gas based power plants. The current “all-of-the-above” energy strategy (which includes nuclear, renewable, natural gas, and coal) would be replaced by an “all-but-one” approach that would eliminate coal from the strategy.

Currently, coal produces 83 percent of Indiana’s electricity, and it keeps 29,000 Hoosiers employed while keeping electric rates affordable for homes and businesses. An “all-but-one” strategy would raise electricity prices for co-op members while adversely affecting the economic health of the communities we serve. Rick Coons, CEO of Indiana Statewide Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, agrees.

“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,” Coons said.

Wabash Valley Power Association is dedicated to a cleaner environment, but our first mission is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to our members. While we are willing to work toward a solution that addresses the carbon concern, we will not do so at the expense of our members. That’s why we’re asking for your help in urging the EPA to adopt a responsible energy policy framework that helps, rather than hurts, working Americans.

Here’s what you can do: Visit Action.Coop and fill out the form on the left side of your screen urging the EPA to reconsider its “all-but-one” approach. After you fill out the form, click “send message.” Then, spread the word by telling others to do the same. After all, as a co-op, the responsibility to keep our electricity affordable lies with all of us.