2017 Resolutions

2017 MID-WEST ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION RESOLUTIONS MID-WEST ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION MID-WEST ELECTRIC CO...

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2017 MID-WEST ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION RESOLUTIONS

MID-WEST ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION MID-WEST ELECTRIC CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS FOREWORD FOREWORD Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) was founded to preserve and strengthen rural Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) was founded to preserve and strengthen electric Mid-West cooperatives, municipal electric systems, public power districts, and the communities they serve.rural Midelectric primary cooperatives, municipal electric public power districts, and the communities theyrural serve. MidWest’s mission has always beensystems, to support the consumer-owned electric systems serving areas West’s primary mission has always been to support the consumer-owned electric systems serving rural areas and communities in the Missouri River Basin, and to collaborate with like-minded organizations focusing on and thetoMissouri River Basin, and to collaborate like-minded organizations focusing on othercommunities river basins,inand support federal hydroelectric and water with development programs throughout the nation other river basins, and to support federal hydroelectric and water development programs throughout the nation that serve the public interest. Mid-West works to preserve and to optimize cost-based development of the that serve theand public works to preserve optimize development of the waterpower otherinterest. energyMid-West resources of the Great Plains,and fortothe benefit cost-based of the people of this region and of waterpower and other energy resources of the Great Plains, for the benefit of the people of this region and of the nation. Our members are responsible for, and committed to, safe, reliable and economical utility service. the nation. Our members are responsible for, and committed to, safe, reliable and economical utility service. Mid-West prides itself in being democratically governed, ultimately by Mid-West members, and by the Mid-West prides itself in being democratically governed, ultimately by Mid-West members, and by communities and individual consumers of rural America. Our members believe that the primary strength of the a communities individual consumers of rural America. Ourthrough members believe that the primary strength of a nation is in itsand people. Mid-West thus establishes its policies democratic processes, discussing potential nation is in its Mid-West thustoestablishes its for policies through democratic processes, potential resolutions andpeople. then proposing them its members adoption. Given the commitment ofdiscussing the Association resolutions and then them to its members for adoption. Given the commitment of the Association and its members to anproposing activist and pluralistic democracy, it is hardly surprising that Mid-West’s policies extend and its members to an activist and pluralistic democracy, it is hardly surprising that Mid-West’s policies extend well beyond what would seem to be its members’ parochial interests. Mid-West and its people take positions well beyond what would seem be its members’ parochial interests. Mid-West its people take and positions and make recommendations to to appropriate officials and elective bodies on a wideand range of national state and make recommendations to appropriate officials and elective bodies on a wide range of national and issues. Mid-West and its members, for instance, have always taken strong stances to protect the nation’sstate issues. Mid-West and its members, fornational instance, have always taken strong stances to protecttothe nation’s environment and to preserve our vital resources. These positions—a commitment wise use and environment of and to preserve nationalownership resources.of These positions—a commitment preservation water, a beliefour in vital the peoples’ the peoples’ resources, in favortoofwise cleanuse air,and a preservation of water, a belief in the peoples’ ownership of the peoples’ resources, in favor of clean air, a willingness to spend the time and money to reclaim mined lands-are not really all that surprising. It has long willingness to spend timefarmers and money to reclaim lands-are not of really all that hasand longwork. been recognized that the family and ranchers aremined the best guardians the land on surprising. which theyItlive been recognized that family farmers and ranchers are the best guardians of the land on which they live and work. Mid-West, similarly, believes strongly in fair and equal opportunities for all of the families and similarly, strongly fair and equal opportunities for alltoofleave the families citizensMid-West, in our region. We arebelieves concerned that soinmany young families are deciding the Highand Plains citizens in our region. We are concerned that so many young families are deciding to leave the High rural region. We are strongly committed to an independent and family-based business, the best anchor for Plains region. Weway are strongly committed to an independent family-based business, the bestand anchor for rural America’s of life. We are committed to a fair andand stable financial return to farmers ranchers for the America’s way of life. We are committed to a fair and stable financial return to farmers and ranchers for the production arising from their labors. We also work to preserve and to foster small and local businesses, with production arisingfor from theirwages labors. Weworking also work to preserve andlaborer. to fosterThe small and localofbusinesses, with profound respect decent and conditions for the prosperity farmers, small profound respect for decent wages and working conditions for the laborer. The prosperity of farmers, small business owners, and other workers is tied to fair and balanced federal and state tax structures. Mid-West is business owners,toand other workers is tied to fairfree andofbalanced federal state tax structures. Mid-West is also committed institutions and opportunities prejudice, openand to the advancement of all individuals, also committedtotothe institutions and opportunities free of prejudice, openmake to theit advancement of all individuals, and dedicated human values that bind a democratic society and strong. and dedicated to the human values that bind a democratic society and make it strong. Another important part of Mid-West’s commitment to public and consumer-owned electric systems Another important part of Mid-West’s commitment consumer-owned electric systems and to rural America is Mid-West’s commitment to women,totopublic youngand people, and to the crucial roles they and to rural America is Mid-West’s commitment to women, to young people, and to the crucial roles they play at the local, state, regional and national levels. Mid-West’s activities and functions provide a forum for play at the local, state,inregional andthe national levels. activities andsimilarly functionsseeks provide a forum women to participate advancing principles of Mid-West’s public power. Mid-West advice and for women to participate advancing theof principles of publicMid-West power. Mid-West similarly seeks to advice and full representation from a in new generation rural advocates. encourages its members promote representation a newand generation of rural advocates. encourages its members to promote full participation byfrom women, by younger citizens, in theirMid-West activities and programs. participation by women, and by younger citizens, in their activities and programs. Finally, Mid-West is strongly bound to the time-honored congressional mandate that public and Finally, Mid-West is strongly bound the time-honored that commitment public and consumer-owned systems have first call upontofederally generatedcongressional hydroelectricmandate power. That consumer-owned systemsexploitation have first call federallynatural generated hydroelectric power. Thatgroups. commitment alerts us to the attempted of upon our country’s resources by special interest This is an alerts us to the attempted exploitation of our country’s natural resources by special interest groups. issue on which we all, unquestionably, agree. These resources belong to our citizens and should be This used is byan issuecitizens on which we all, unquestionably, agree. These resources to profit, our citizens and should be used by our through their consumer-owned systems, at cost andbelong without and using traditional our citizens through their consumer-owned systems, at cost and without profit, and using traditional repayment terms. It is upon these basic principles and with these objectives that Mid-West adopts and repayment terms. It is upon these basic principles and with these objectives that Mid-West adopts and publishes these resolutions. publishes these resolutions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE...................................................................................................... OF CONTENTS I. ENERGY POLICY RESOLUTIONS 6 A. AVOIDED COSTS MANDATED BY PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY .............................................. 7 I. ENERGY POLICY RESOLUTIONS ...................................................................................................... 6 B. EFFICIENT RESOURCE USE A. AVOIDED COSTS MANDATED .................................................................................................... BY PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY .............................................. 7 8 C. FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS .................................................................... B. EFFICIENT RESOURCE USE .................................................................................................... 8 9 D. FEDERAL POWER REGULATION ................................................................................................ C. FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS .................................................................... 9 10 E. FEDERAL TRANSMISSION INVESTMENTS .................................................................................. D. FEDERAL POWER REGULATION ................................................................................................ 10 11 F. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERNALITY COSTS TO ENERGY.............................................................. E. FEDERAL TRANSMISSION INVESTMENTS .................................................................................. 11 12 G. HYDROELECTRICITY - A RELIABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE ............................................... F. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERNALITY COSTS TO ENERGY.............................................................. 12 13 H. SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLES ................................................................................................... G. HYDROELECTRICITY - A RELIABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE ............................................... 13 14 I. NET METERING ......................................................................................................................... H. SUPPORT FOR RENEWABLES ................................................................................................... 14 15 II. AGRICULTURE POLICY RESOLUTIONS ...................................................................................... I. NET METERING ......................................................................................................................... 15 16 A. RURAL ECONOMY ........................................................................................................................17 II. AGRICULTURE POLICY RESOLUTIONS ...................................................................................... 16 B. RURAL COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................................................................... A. RURAL ECONOMY ........................................................................................................................ 17 18 C. RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE PROGRAM .............................................................................. B. RURAL COMMUNICATIONS ..................................................................................................... 18 19 III. FEDERAL AND TAX POLICY RESOLUTIONS .......................................................... C. RURAL BUDGET UTILITIES SERVICE PROGRAM .............................................................................. 19 20 A. NET ZERO APPROPRIATION .................................................................................................... 21 III. FEDERAL BUDGET AND TAX POLICY RESOLUTIONS .......................................................... 20 DIVERSION OF FEDERAL POWER REVENUES ............................................................................. A. B. NET ZERO APPROPRIATION .................................................................................................... 21 22 LEAD AGENCY POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS ......................................................... B. C. DIVERSION OF FEDERAL POWER REVENUES ............................................................................. 22 23 D. SECURING ADEQUATE FUNDING AT FEDERAL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS ................................. C. LEAD AGENCY POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS ......................................................... 23 24 RETENTION OF FEDERAL HYDROPOWER OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ...................... D. E. SECURING ADEQUATE FUNDING AT FEDERAL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS ................................. 24 26 F. PAYMENT OF FEDERAL HYDROPOWER OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES NON-REIMBURSABLE COSTS ............................................................................. E. RETENTION OF ...................... 26 27 G. PICK-SLOAN RATES ...................................................................................................................... F. PAYMENT OF NON-REIMBURSABLE COSTS ............................................................................. 27 28 H. OPPOSITION TO THE DILUTION OF FEDERAL PREFERENCE POWER ............................... G. PICK-SLOAN RATES ...................................................................................................................... 28 30 I. DAM SAFETY COST ALLOCATION AT FEDERAL HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS ............................. H. OPPOSITION TO THE DILUTION OF FEDERAL PREFERENCE POWER ............................... 30 31 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESOLUTIONS .............................................................................. I. DAM SAFETY COST ALLOCATION AT FEDERAL HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS ............................. 31 32 A. WILDERNESS AREA DESIGNATIONS ............................................................................................33 IV. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESOLUTIONS .............................................................................. 32 B. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT ...................................................................................................... A. WILDERNESS AREA DESIGNATIONS ............................................................................................33 34

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C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ................................................................................ 35 C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY ................................................................................ 35 D. REGULATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE ........................................................................................ 36 D. REGULATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE ........................................................................................ 36 E. COAL ASH REGULATION ........................................................................................................... 37 E. COAL ........................................................................................................... 37 38 F. ASH REGULATION FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS AIR QUALITY RELATED VALUES ..................................................... F. FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS AIR QUALITY RELATED VALUES .....................................................38 39 V. PUBLIC POLICY RESOLUTIONS ...................................................................................................... A. FEDERAL POLICY WITH RESPECT TO RAILROADS ....................................................................... 40 V. PUBLIC POLICY RESOLUTIONS...................................................................................................... 39 A. FEDERAL POLICY WITH RESPECT TO RAILROADS .......................................................................40 41 B. SNOW SURVEY PROGRAM ....................................................................................................... B. SNOW SURVEY PROGRAM ....................................................................................................... 41 C. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS ...................................................................................................... 42 C. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS ...................................................................................................... 42 D. FEDERAL LAND RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES ...................................................................................... 43 D. FEDERAL LAND RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES ...................................................................................... 43 E. DOMESTIC MILITARY INSTALLATION CLOSURE/PRIVATIZATION ..............................................44 E. DOMESTIC MILITARY INSTALLATION CLOSURE/PRIVATIZATION ..............................................44 F. UTILITY USE OF RADIO SPECTRUM ......................................................................................... 45 F. UTILITY USE OF RADIO SPECTRUM ......................................................................................... 45 G. FIRE SUPPRESSION ................................................................................................................... 47 G. FIRE SUPPRESSION ................................................................................................................... 47 H. APPROPRIATE FUNDING AND COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR................................................ 48 APPROPRIATE FUNDING COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR................................................ 48 VI. H. ASSOCIATION POLICYAND RESOLUTIONS .......................................................................................49 A. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR .......................................................................................49 PREFERENCE POWER ............................................................ 50 VI. ASSOCIATION POLICY RESOLUTIONS A. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PREFERENCE POWER ............................................................ 50 51 B. POWER SUPPLY COORDINATION ............................................................................................. B. POWER SUPPLY COORDINATION ............................................................................................. 51 C. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES ...................................................................................... 52 C. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES ...................................................................................... 52 D. UTILITY CROSSINGS AND RIGHT OF WAYS ON RAILROAD PROPERTY ...................................... 53 D. UTILITY CROSSINGS AND RIGHT OF WAYS ON RAILROAD PROPERTY ...................................... 53 E. UTILITY POLICIES ON TRIBAL LANDS ...........................................................................................54 E. UTILITY POLICIES ON TRIBAL LANDS ...........................................................................................54 F. RESOLVING TERRITORIAL DISPUTES ..................................................................................... 56 RESOLVING TERRITORIAL DISPUTES.................................................................................................. ..................................................................................... 56 57 VII.F.WATER POLICY RESOLUTIONS A. NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND WATER POLICY .................................... 58 VII. WATER POLICY RESOLUTIONS .................................................................................................. 57 A. NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND WATER POLICY .................................... 58 59 B. CLEAN WATER ACT PROTECTIONS .............................................................................................. B. CLEAN WATER ACT PROTECTIONS ..............................................................................................59 C. MISSOURI RIVER STABILIZATION .................................................................................................60 C. MISSOURI RIVER STABILIZATION .................................................................................................60 D. PICK-SLOAN ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................. 61 D. PICK-SLOAN ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................. 61 E. WATER RELEASES AT FEDERAL RESERVOIRS ............................................................................ 62 E. WATER RELEASES AT FEDERAL RESERVOIRS ............................................................................ 62 F. OPPOSITION TO DAM REMOVAL OR BREACHING .................................................................. 63 F. OPPOSITION TO DAM REMOVAL OR BREACHING .................................................................. 63 G. OIL DEVELOPMENT WATER SUPPLY IMPACT ......................................................................... 64 G. OIL DEVELOPMENT WATER SUPPLY IMPACT ......................................................................... 64 H. COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON WATER CLARITY RESOLUTION .....................................................65 H. COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON WATER CLARITY RESOLUTION 4 .....................................................65

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VIII. COMMENDATIONS/CONDOLENCES RESOLUTIONS ..........................................................66 A. COMMENDATION TO FEDERAL POWER PROGRAM AGENCIES ............................................... 67 VIII. COMMENDATIONS/CONDOLENCES RESOLUTIONS ..........................................................66 A. COMMENDATION TO FEDERAL POWER PROGRAM AGENCIES ............................................... 67 B. MEMORIAL RESOLUTION.......................................................................................................... 68 B. MEMORIAL RESOLUTION.......................................................................................................... 68 C. COMMENDATION TO RETIRED DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF .......................................... 69 C. COMMENDATION TO RETIRED DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF .......................................... 69 D. COMMENDATION TO MID-WEST STAFF ....................................................................................70 D. COMMENDATION TO MID-WEST STAFF ....................................................................................70 E. COMMENDATION OF PICK-SLOAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATIONS ...................................... 71 E. COMMENDATION OF PICK-SLOAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATIONS ...................................... 71

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I. ENERGY POLICY RESOLUTIONS



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A. AVOIDED COSTS MANDATED BY PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY POLICIES ACT A. AVOIDED COSTS MANDATED BY PUBLIC UTILITY REGULATORY ACT WHEREAS, Congress, in 1978,POLICIES passed the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA); and

3 4 3 5 WHEREAS, continued pressures avoided cost calculations could impact the 6 4 WHEREAS, Congress, in 1978, passedto thechange Publicthe Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA); andability of 7 consumer-owned electric utilities to plan for power supply at the lowest possible rates for their consumers; 5 8 and WHEREAS, continued pressures to change the avoided cost calculations could impact the ability of 6 9 7 consumer-owned electric utilities to plan for power supply at the lowest possible rates for their consumers; WHEREAS, currently the changes to PURPA will continue to require utilities purchase power from 8 10 and 11 qualifying facilities (QFs) at the cost, which the utility would have incurred had it purchased or generated the 9 power themselves, i.e., their unless will certain markettoconditions are met; WHEREAS, currently the avoided changescost, to PURPA continue require utilities purchase power from 0 12 13 1 qualifying facilities (QFs) at the cost, which the utility would have incurred had it purchased or generated the NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association 2 14 power themselves, i.e., their avoided BE cost,ITunless certain market conditions are met; (Mid-West) urges that as the 2005 Energy Policy Act (EPA) is implemented, the rights of utilities continue to 3 15 16 include provisions that assure a utility need onlythat payMid-West a capacityElectric charge Consumers for the power when the utility requires 4 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Association additional capacity its Energy system and thatAct the(EPA) capacity charge takes into account factors as availability 5 17 (Mid-West) urges that as within the 2005 Policy is implemented, the rights ofsuch utilities continue to 18 and reliability while evaluating the utilities cost in purchasing or constructing the plant themselves; and 6 include provisions that assure a utility need only pay a capacity charge for the power when the utility requires 7 19 additional capacity within its system and that the capacity charge takes into account such factors as availability 20 IT evaluating FURTHERthe RESOLVED, Mid-Westor urges the Federal Regulatoryand Commission 8 and reliability BE while utilities costthat in purchasing constructing theEnergy plant themselves; (FERC) to prohibit the subsidization of QFs by electric consumers through higher rates, by prohibiting the 9 21 22 establishment of ratesRESOLVED, for the purchase power from QFsthe at Federal rates which exceed the actual cost which the 0 BE IT FURTHER thatofMid-West urges Energy Regulatory Commission 23 purchasing utility would have incurred in purchasing or generating the power themselves. (FERC) to prohibit the subsidization of QFs by electric consumers through higher rates, by prohibiting the 1 2 establishment of rates for the purchase of power from QFs at rates which exceed the actual cost which the 3 purchasing utility would have incurred in purchasing or generating the power themselves. 2

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1 B. EFFICIENT RESOURCE USE 2 3 WHEREAS, the electric power supply provided RESOURCE by the members ofUSE Mid-West Electric Consumers 1 B. EFFICIENT 4 Association (Mid-West) is generated from abundant domestic coal, natural gas, wind energy resources and 2 renewable hydroelectric sources; and supply provided by the members of Mid-West Electric Consumers 35 WHEREAS, the electric power 46 Association (Mid-West) is generated from abundant domestic coal, natural gas, wind energy resources and WHEREAS, Mid-West members strongly promote and encourage optimal resource use through 57 renewable hydroelectric sources; and application of high efficiency energy conversion devices such as ground source heat pumps; and 68 79 WHEREAS, Mid-West members strongly promote and encourage optimal resource use through WHEREAS, energy efficiency includes devices power plant that generate 810 application of high efficiency energy conversion such improvements as ground source heat pumps;more and electricity 911 with less fuel; and 12 10 WHEREAS, energy efficiency includes power plant improvements that generate more electricity 13 with lessWHEREAS, 11 fuel; and existing federal regulations regarding existing power plants are a significant deterrent to 14 power plant upgrades that could provide the efficiency improvements that lead to increased environmental 12 and 15 benefits; WHEREAS, existing federal regulations regarding existing power plants are a significant deterrent to 13 16 power plant upgrades that could provide the efficiency improvements that lead to increased environmental 14 17 benefits;WHEREAS, there is a concerted effort by some in the environmental community to shut down coal at and 15 18 any cost, which severely limits the ability to maintain and operate their power plants in an efficient manner; and 16 19 17 WHEREAS, there is a concerted effort by some in the environmental community to shut down coal at 20 WHEREAS, statelimits and federal policies should and giveoperate utilitiestheir the flexibility to make decisions based 18 any cost, which severely the ability to maintain power plants in an fuel efficient manner; and 21 on sound business practices and their obligation to serve electric consumers; 19 22 20 WHEREAS, state and federal policies should give utilities the flexibility to make fuel decisions based 23 THEREFORE, BEtheir IT RESOLVED, members of Mid-West support research, 21 NOW, on sound business practices and obligation to that servetheelectric consumers; 24 development, and deployment of sound conservation policies that provide cost-effective solutions for 22 25 NOW, efficient energy use while striving provide reliable power generation; and research, 23 THEREFORE, BE ITtoRESOLVED, thatand theefficient members of Mid-West support 26 24 development, and deployment of sound conservation policies that provide cost-effective solutions for 27 BE IT FURTHER that Mid-West encourages the development 25 efficient energy use while RESOLVED, striving to provide reliable and efficient power generation;and anddissemination of 28 educational programs that are designed to provide the public a clear understanding of the benefits of using 26 29 BE high efficiency, electric devices designed use domestically produced and controlled and hydroelectric 27 IT FURTHER RESOLVED, thattoMid-West encourages the development andcoal dissemination of 30 resources more efficiently; anddesigned to provide the public a clear understanding of the benefits of using 28 educational programs that are 31 29 high efficiency, electric devices designed to use domestically produced and controlled coal and hydroelectric 32 BE more IT FURTHER that Mid-West believes state and federal energy policy should promote 30 resources efficiently;RESOLVED, and 33 efficiency improvements at existing electrical generating facilities by eliminating the current disincentives to 31 34 those efficiency improvements. 32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West believes state and federal energy policy should promote 33 efficiency improvements at existing electrical generating facilities by eliminating the current disincentives to 34 those efficiency improvements.

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1 C. FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS 2 C. FEDERAL POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS 3 WHEREAS, energy generated at federal hydroelectric facilities of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin 4 Program (Pick-Sloan) is essential to thousands of municipal and rural consumers, including farms, businesses, WHEREAS, generated at federal facilities of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin and 5 and industries energy within the nine states of thehydroelectric Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West); Program (Pick-Sloan) is essential to thousands of municipal and rural consumers, including farms, businesses, 6 and within the nine the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West); 7 industriesWHEREAS, thestates powerofportion, with interest and nearly all of the irrigation portion ofand the federal 8 capital investment in these multipurpose facilities is being systematically repaid, on schedule, to the U.S. WHEREAS, the power withpower interest and nearly all of the irrigation portion of the federal 9 Treasury by these federalportion, preference customers; and capital investment in these multipurpose facilities is being systematically repaid, on schedule, to the U.S. 10 Treasury by these federal preference power customers; 11 WHEREAS, Pick-Sloan power revenues and also pay for the annual power system’s share of the operation 12 and maintenance costs; and WHEREAS, Pick-Sloan power revenues also pay for the annual power system’s share of the operation 13 and costs; and substantial investments have been made by preference customers in partnership with the 14 maintenance WHEREAS, 15 federal government to develop the region's integrated transmission system, thereby optimizing benefits to WHEREAS, substantial have been made 16 preference customers and investments the federal government; and by preference customers in partnership with the federal government to develop the region's integrated transmission system, thereby optimizing benefits to 17 preference customers and the federal government; 18 WHEREAS, members of Mid-West and hold direct power supply contracts for a substantial portion of the 19 Pick-Sloan power supply resources; and WHEREAS, members of Mid-West hold direct power supply contracts for a substantial portion of the 20 Pick-Sloan power supply resources; and 21 WHEREAS, the sale, transfer or other disposal of the federal power marketing administrations or the 22 federal power plants and related facilities would: WHEREAS, the sale, transfer or other disposal of the federal power marketing administrations or the 23 federal power plants and relatedconsumer-owned facilities would: utilities with uncertainty of supply and significantly higher 24 a. Threaten 25 power rates; and a. Threaten consumer-owned utilities with uncertainty of supply and significantly higher 26 rates; and the ability of consumer-owned utilities to provide reliable electric service at 27 b.powerUndermine 28 competitive rates and thereby increase monopoly in the electric utility industry; and b. Undermine the ability of consumer-owned utilities to provide reliable electric service at 29 ratesexisting and thereby increase monopolybetween in the electric utility industry; and power 30 c.competitive Abandon repayment agreements the United States and federal 31 users; c. Abandon existing repayment agreements between the United States and federal power 32 users; 33 WHEREAS, other proposals to transition the sale of federal power from its current cost-based rates 34 to market-based rates as a way to reduce the federal deficits and the national debt would have the same WHEREAS, other proposals transition the salemarketing of federaladministrations; power from its current cost-based rates 35 devastating impacts as sale oftothe federal power to 36market-based rates as a way to reduce the federal deficits and the national debt would have the same devastating impacts as sale of the federal marketing 37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITpower RESOLVED, thatadministrations; Mid-West vigorously opposes the sale of the federal 38 power marketing administrations; or divestiture of their power and transmission facilities; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West vigorously opposes the sale of the federal 39 power marketing administrations; or divestiturethat of their powerreaffirms and transmission facilities; 40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West its support for the and longstanding 41 congressionally approved standard of cost-based rates for electric power generated at federal projects; BE 42 andIT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West reaffirms its support for the longstanding congressionally approved standard of cost-based rates for electric power generated at federal projects; 43 and 44 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West will, under all circumstances, work to improve the 45 efficiency of federal power operations, protect the contractual federal power supply rights of its BE IT FURTHER that increases Mid-Westinwill, under all circumstances, work to improve the 46 members, and resistRESOLVED, any unjustifiable electric rates to the ultimate consumers.

efficiency of federal power operations, protect the contractual federal power supply rights of its members, and resist any unjustifiable increases in electric rates to the ultimate consumers.

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D. FEDERAL POWER REGULATION D. FEDERAL WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric ConsumersPOWER AssociationREGULATION (Mid-West) opposes full Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for municipal electrics, public power districts, rural WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Association (Mid-West) opposesthe fullprovision Federal Energy electric cooperatives, and the federalConsumers power marketing agencies and supports in the Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight for municipal electrics, public power districts, rural Energy Policy Act of 2005 that exempts “small utilities,” defined as those selling less than 4 million electric cooperatives, and the federal power marketing agencies and supports the provision in the megawatt-hours annually; Energy Policy Act of 2005 that exempts “small utilities,” defined as those selling less than 4 million megawatt-hours annually; BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the following principles and NOW, THEREFORE, urges the FERC to utilize them in their regulatory actions: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the following principles and urges the FERC them inoftheir regulatory a. to utilize Purchasers electric energyactions: should be protected from market power abuse in order to assure the ultimate consumer fair and reasonable prices. a. Purchasers of electric energy should be protected from market power abuse in order to assure the consumer and reasonable prices.power and transmission b. Inclusion of ultimate Construction Workfair In Progress in wholesale rates should be prohibited. b. Inclusion of Construction Work In Progress in wholesale power and transmission rates should be prohibited. c. Pursuant to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, membership by a federal power marketing agency in a Regional Transmission Organization does not subject the c. Pursuant to the Policy Actgeneration of 2005, membership a federal poweror power federal utility orEnergy any of its electric assets, electricby capacity, energy, marketing agency in a Regional Transmission Organization does not subject the sale activities to the jurisdiction or the authority of the FERC. federal utility or any of its electric generation assets, electric capacity, energy, or power sale activities to the the authority of the FERC. d. Discriminatory ratejurisdiction increases,or which place wholesale customers in a "price squeeze" situation, whereby high wholesale rates may prevent them from d. Discriminatory rate with increases, placesuppliers, wholesale customers in a "price competing at retail other which wholesale should be rejected. squeeze" situation, whereby high wholesale rates may prevent them from competing retailwholesale with otherpower wholesale suppliers, should e. Jurisdictionatover and transmission sales be andrejected. rates should not be transferred to the various state utility commissions. e. Jurisdiction over wholesale power and transmission sales and rates should not be transferred to the various stateWholesale utility commissions. f. The development of Exempt Generation, as provided under the National Energy Policy Act of 1992, should be closely monitored to insure that there are no f. The development of under Exempt Generation, provided under the National abuses as protected theWholesale original Public UtilityasHolding Company Act. Energy Policy Act of 1992, should be closely monitored to insure that there are no abuses as protected under the original Public Utility Holding Company Act.

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1 E. FEDERAL TRANSMISSION INVESTMENTS 2 E.upgrades FEDERAL TRANSMISSION INVESTMENTS 3 WHEREAS, and additions to the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) 4 transmission system must be routinely considered to: ensure adequate delivery of federally generated power WHEREAS, upgrades and additions to at theanWestern Area Power Administration (WAPA) 5 ensure maintenance of system reliability adequate level; and aid in the utilization of the optimum federal transmission system must be routinely considered to: ensure adequate delivery of federally generated power 6 energy sources as a part of a responsible national energy policy; and ensure maintenance of system reliability at an adequate level; and aid in the utilization of the optimum federal 7 energy sources as a part ofthorough a responsible national energy policy; and with preference customers and regional 8 WHEREAS, and timely joint system planning 9 transmission partners is a very important precursor to the addition to any transmission facility; and WHEREAS, thorough and timely joint system planning with preference customers and regional 10 transmission partners is a very important precursor to the addition transmission facility; 11 WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress has provided funding to forany transmission facilities inand the past, and 12 preference customers repay with interest funding provided for such facilities; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Congress has provided funding for transmission facilities in the past, and 13 preference customers repaythe with interest funding provided for such facilities; 14 WHEREAS, Energy Policy Act of 2005 expanded the abilityand of WAPA to finance a project by 15 allowing the Secretary to accept and use funds contributed by another entity for the purpose of carrying out a WHEREAS, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 expanded the ability of WAPA to finance a project by 16 project; allowing the Secretary to accept and use funds contributed by another entity for the purpose of carrying out a 17 project; 18 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) 19 urges the federal government to continue to provide adequate funding to support, timely joint planning NOW,adequate THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, thatof Mid-West Electric Consumers 20 studies, staffingBE levels and construction WAPA transmission facilitiesAssociation needed for (Mid-West) delivery of urges the federal government to continue to provide adequate funding to support, timely joint planning 21 Federal power; and studies, adequate staffing levels and construction of WAPA transmission facilities needed for delivery of 22 Federal power; 23 BEand IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West encourages Congress in consultation with WAPA’s 24 firm power customers to continue to look for ways to expand WAPA’s ability to finance projects that will BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West Congress in consultation with firm WAPA’s 25 increase the construction of transmission facilitiesencourages that are needed and supported by WAPA’s power firm power customers to continue to look for ways to expand WAPA’s ability to finance projects that will 26 customers to provide for their contracted requirements; and increase the construction of transmission facilities that are needed and supported by WAPA’s firm power 27 customers to provide for their contracted requirements; and encourages WAPA to partner with their customers on 28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mid-West 29 funding, constructing and owing transmission additions; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mid-West encourages WAPA to partner with their customers on 30 funding, constructing and owingRESOLVED, transmission that additions; and calls on Congress and the Administration to ensure 31 BE IT FURTHER Mid-West 32 any federal transmission incentives would require a study that shows a need for federal power delivery BE to IT federal FURTHER Mid-West calls on 33 prior fundsRESOLVED, being used tothat build transmission; andCongress and the Administration to ensure any 34 federal transmission incentives would require a study that shows a need for federal power delivery prior being usedRESOLVED, to build transmission; and supports the development of transmission by 35 to federal BEfunds IT FURTHER that Mid-West 36 WAPA in such a way that, at a minimum, the beneficiaries of the additional transmission bear 100% of BEincremental IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 37 the transmission costs.that Mid-West supports the development of transmission by

WAPA in such a way that, at a minimum, the beneficiaries of the additional transmission bear 100% of the incremental transmission costs.

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F. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERNALITY COSTS TO ENERGY F. ENVIRONMENTAL EXTERNALITY COSTS TO are ENERGY WHEREAS, environmental, regulatory, alternative energy, and other groups promoting the development of a “social cost of carbon” which would assign additional costs on energy production WHEREAS, environmental, alternative energy, and and other groups are promoting the because of the perceived effects ofregulatory, carbon emissions on society; development of a “social cost of carbon” which would assign additional costs on energy production because of the perceived effects carbon on society; WHEREAS, these costsof would be emissions assessed against fossiland fuel-fired generating capacity either, in the context of plant operations or in the dispatch of electricity generated by such power plants even if WHEREAS, these costsstate would assessed against fossil generating capacity either, in the plant meets all applicable andbefederal requirements for fuel-fired environmental compliance; and the context of plant operations or in the dispatch of electricity generated by such power plants even if the plant meets all applicable state federal for environmental compliance; and impacts from WHEREAS, the use of aand social costrequirements of carbon is arbitrary and presupposes negative the use of coal and other fossil fuels rather than focusing on realistic solutions that will actually reduce the use of a social cost of carbon is arbitrary and presupposes negative impacts from carbon WHEREAS, dioxide emissions; the use of coal and other fossil fuels rather than focusing on realistic solutions that will actually reduce carbon dioxide emissions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes the use of arbitrary metrics, such as social cost of carbon, in regulatory reviews when their primary purpose NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that fuels Mid-West Association is to artificially inflate the costBE of IT coal and other fossil at the Electric expenseConsumers of real, meaningful, andopposes realistic the use of arbitrary metrics, such as social cost of carbon, in regulatory reviews when their primary purpose carbon reductions. is to artificially inflate the cost of coal and other fossil fuels at the expense of real, meaningful, and realistic carbon reductions.

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1 G. HYDROELECTRICITY - A RELIABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE 2 G. HYDROELECTRICITY A RELIABLE RENEWABLE RESOURCE 3 WHEREAS, hydroelectric power- facilities provide economical, reliable, emission free, renewable energy 4 for many consumers throughout the country; and WHEREAS, hydroelectric power facilities provide economical, reliable, emission free, renewable energy 5 for throughout therenewable country; and 6 many consumers WHEREAS, defining resources becomes crucial to electric utilities as the federal government, 7 state governments and others look at mandated resource portfolio standards; and WHEREAS, defining renewable resources becomes crucial to electric utilities as the federal government, 8 state governments and others look at mandated resource portfolio standards;renewable and 9 WHEREAS, hydroelectricity is being rejected as a classifiable resource by some federal 10 agencies, state governments, and other groups for political reasons, even though a definition of renewable WHEREAS, hydroelectricity being rejected asenergy a classifiable resource by sometofederal 11 energy is: a perpetual, naturallyisoccurring form of that canrenewable be successfully harnessed produce electric agencies, state governments, and other groups for political even a definition of renewable 12 power, without the creation of waste, greenhouse gas reasons, emissions, or though byproducts, and clearly, electricity energygenerated is: a perpetual, occurring form of energy that can be successfully harnessed to produce electric 13 by the naturally force of falling water meets this definition; power, without the creation of waste, greenhouse gas emissions, or byproducts, and clearly, electricity 14 generated by NOW, the force of falling water this definition; 15 THEREFORE, BEmeets IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges 16 Congress, the Administration and states to take action to classify hydroelectric power from projects both large NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITasRESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association 17 and small, existing and future a renewable resource and that hydroelectric power be treated urges equal to other Congress, the Administration and states to take action to classify hydroelectric power from projects portfolio both large 18 forms of renewable energy such as that produced from wind and solar if mandated renewable and small, existing future as a renewable resource and that hydroelectric power be treated equal to other 19 standards are and adopted.

forms of renewable energy such as that produced from wind and solar if mandated renewable portfolio standards are adopted.

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H. H. SUPPORT SUPPORT FOR FOR RENEWABLES WHEREAS, power supply supply mix mix WHEREAS,the themembers membersof ofMid-West Mid-West Electric Electric Consumers Consumers Association have a power ofofhydroelectric, hydroelectric,other otherrenewables, renewables,and andfossil fossil fuel fuel generated generated electricity; and WHEREAS, generation portfolio portfolio WHEREAS,the themembers membersof ofMid-West Mid-West are are committed committed to a diversified energy generation that is cost-based and affordable; and that is cost-based and affordable; and WHEREAS, means public public WHEREAS,interest interestfrom fromconsumers consumers in in distributed distributed generation, such as rooftop solar, means utilities portfolios utilitieswill willneed needtotomake makecertain certainthat thatthe thepolicies policies of of integrating integrating renewable energy into their portfolios are fair and consistent to ensure consumers who do install distributed generation at their residence or are fair and consistent to ensure consumers who do install distributed residence or place costs onto onto placeofofbusiness businessdo doso soininaamanner mannerthat thatdoes does not not adversely adversely affect electric service or shift costs the utility’s other consumers; and the utility’s other consumers; and WHEREAS, contracts to to the the WHEREAS,Pick-Sloan Pick-SloanMissouri MissouriBasin Basin Program Program federal federal power is under long-term contracts consumer-owned federal and and state state consumer-ownedelectric electricutilities utilitiesin inthe theregion, region,as as well well as as Native Native American tribes and some federal agencies; and agencies; and WHEREAS, renewable WHEREAS,some somedevelopers developershave haveproposed proposed using using federal hydropower to firm renewable generation; generation; NOW, Associationsupports supportsthe the NOW,THEREFORE, THEREFORE,BE BEIT ITRESOLVED, RESOLVED, that that Mid-West Mid-West Electric Consumers Association development of economically feasible renewable energy sources that can be integrated into development of economically feasible renewable energy sources existing performance, existingpower powersupply supplysystem systemwithout withoutcompromising compromising the the transmission transmission grid’s system performance, reliability, or costs and similarly do not compromise the value of the Missouri River Pick-Sloan Program’s Program’s reliability, or costs and similarly do not compromise the value Pick-Sloan hydroelectric hydroelectricresources; resources;and and BE ensure incentives incentives for for BEIT ITFURTHER FURTHERRESOLVED, RESOLVED, that that Mid-West Mid-West calls calls on Congress and the states to ensure energy generation are applied uniformaly to public power utilities and rural electric cooperatives as they are energy generation are applied uniformaly to public power cooperatives as they are provided providedtotoother otherutilities; utilities;and and BE already contracted contracted BEIT ITFURTHER FURTHERRESOLVED, RESOLVED,that thatalthough although Mid-West Mid-West does not support the use of already federal hydropower resources to provide firming power for renewable energy projects, Mid-West is willing, federal hydropower resources to provide firming power for Mid-West is willing, however, regional power power supply, supply, however,totoconsider considerstudies studiesto toexplore explorehow howrenewable renewable power power might be integrated into the regional sosolong as the costs of those studies are not borne by the Pick-Sloan Program’s federal power customers. long as the costs of those studies are not borne by the Pick-Sloan customers.



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1 I. NET METERING 2 I. NET METERING 3 WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) supports its members who 4 pay the avoidedthe cost for energy received from non-utility sources; and WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) supports its members who 5 pay the avoided cost for energy received from non-utility sources; and 6 WHEREAS, net metering generally requires utilities to pay retail rates for electricity produced; and 7 WHEREAS, net metering generally requires utilities to pay retail rates for electricity produced; and 8 WHEREAS, such customer generation should be no larger than the customer load; and 9 WHEREAS, such customer generation should be no larger than the customer load; and 10 WHEREAS, the payment of more than the utilities’ avoided costs for this energy represents an unfair 11 subsidy of some electric consumers by other electric consumers; and WHEREAS, the payment of more than the utilities’ avoided costs for this energy represents an unfair 12 subsidy of some electric consumers by other electric consumers; and 13 WHEREAS, the availability of net metering is a local option and decision that should be made in the 14 cooperative or municipal board room; and WHEREAS, the availability of net metering is a local option and decision that should be made in the 15 cooperative or municipal board room; and 16 WHEREAS, net metering must be safely interconnected; 17 WHEREAS, net metering must be safely interconnected; 18 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes government-mandated net metering 19 that result in subsidization and cost shifting between customer

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes government-mandated net metering that result in subsidization and cost shifting between customer

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II. AGRICULTURE POLICY RESOLUTIONS II. AGRICULTURE POLICY RESOLUTIONS

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A. RURAL ECONOMY

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WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) believes a strong farm and 4 ranch economy is essential to the economic health of this country and its members are beneficiaries of this WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) believes a strong farm and 5 economy and future success; and ranch economy is essential to the economic health of this country and its members are beneficiaries of this 6 economy and future success; and 7 HEREAS, the members of Mid-West are vital suppliers to and supporters of rural America’s 8 primary industries; HEREAS, the members of Mid-West are vital suppliers to and supporters of rural America’s 9 primary industries; 10 WHEREAS, the United States needs to put more emphasis on replacing imported petroleum with 11 domestically produced ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen; and WHEREAS, the United States needs to put more emphasis on replacing imported petroleum with 12 domestically produced ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen; and 13 WHEREAS, the American farmer can successfully grow a number of crops that are used to make 14 bio-diesel and ethanol, while using ample wind resources to produce hydrogen; and WHEREAS, the American farmer can successfully grow a number of crops that are used to make 15 bio-diesel and ethanol, while using ample wind resources to produce hydrogen; and 16 WHEREAS, the Capper-Volstead Act is the major enabling legislation for farmer cooperatives, 17 allowing farmers and ranchers to form cooperative organizations for marketing their products and receive WHEREAS, the Capper-Volstead Act is the major enabling legislation for farmer cooperatives, 18 a fair and reasonable return on their investment; allowing farmers and ranchers to form cooperative organizations for marketing their products and receive 19 a fair and reasonable return on their investment; 20 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes 21 any change in the Capper-Volstead Act, which would restrict the ability of farmers and ranchers to join NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes 22 together to market their products and receive a fair and reasonable return on their investment. any change in the Capper-Volstead Act, which would restrict the ability of farmers and ranchers to join 23 together to market their products and receive a fair and reasonable return on their investment. 24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West encourages Congress and the Administration to pursue 25 initiatives that provide a level and fair playing field to export markets around the globe. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West encourages Congress and the Administration to pursue 26 initiatives that provide a level and fair playing field to export markets around the globe. 27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports rural development with a special emphasis 28 on the creation of renewable fuels as a way to curb out migration, create jobs, develop rural opportunities BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports rural development with a special emphasis 29 and create distribution infrastructure. on the creation of renewable fuels as a way to curb out migration, create jobs, develop rural opportunities and create distribution infrastructure.

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A. RURAL ECONOMY

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B. RURAL COMMUNICATIONS B. inRURAL COMMUNICATIONS WHEREAS, improvements communications technologies are important to public power and rural electric cooperatives to best manage the grid, and has a positive impact on the improvement of rural life and WHEREAS, improvements in communications technologies importantAssociation to public power and rural the continued development of the areas served by Mid-West Electricare Consumers (Mid-West); and electric cooperatives to best manage the grid, and has a positive impact on the improvement of rural life and the continued development of theopposes areas served by Mid-West Consumers Association (Mid-West); and WHEREAS, Mid-West the enactment and/orElectric promulgation of federal, state or local laws or regulations that prohibit the use of publicly-owned infrastructure that could be utilized to provide enhanced WHEREAS, Mid-West opposes communications services to rural areas; the andenactment and/or promulgation of federal, state or local laws or regulations that prohibit the use of publicly-owned infrastructure that could be utilized to provide enhanced communications services toTelco’s rural areas; WHEREAS, Rural haveand significant investments in rural communication infrastructure and federal programs should focus on enhancing infrastructure; WHEREAS, Rural Telco’s have significant investments in rural communication infrastructure and federal programs should focus on infrastructure; NOW, THEREFORE, BEenhancing IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the continued investment in rural communications and opposes legislation and/or regulatory obstacles which could result in higher NOW, THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the continued in of communication costs, threatenBE NRTC’s and Rural Telco’s competitive position and reduceinvestment the availability rural communications andinopposes legislation and/orbroadband, regulatory obstacles could result higher communication services rural areas which include cell phonewhich coverage and overinthe air television communication costs, threaten NRTC’s and Rural Telco’s competitive position and reduce the availability of service. communication services in rural areas which include broadband, cell phone coverage and over the air television service.

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1 C. RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE PROGRAM 1 2 C. RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE PROGRAM 2 3 WHEREAS, a strong Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is vital to the financing of the nation's 3 4 WHEREAS, a strong Rural Utilities Service and (RUS) is vital tofacilities; the financing rural electric network of generation, transmission, distribution and of the nation's 4 5 rural electric network of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities; and 5 6 WHEREAS, the rural electric cooperatives within the Midwest region and other rural electric 6 7 WHEREAS, the rural electricare cooperatives withintothe Midwestaging regionelectrical and othersystems, rural electric cooperatives all across the country investing funds rejuvenate working with 7 8 cooperatives all across the country are investing funds to rejuvenate aging electrical systems, working their communities in rural economic development, and helping to develop the rural water, television,with and 8 9 their communities in rural economic development, and helping to develop the rural water, television, and other services; and 9 10 other services; and 1011 WHEREAS, there is a problem not only with funding but also available staffing to administer the 1112 program; WHEREAS, there is a problem not only with funding but also available staffing to administer the and 1213 program; and 1314 WHEREAS, the RUS continues to provide universally available programs at the lowest cost funding 1415 for electrical WHEREAS, theimprovements, RUS continues to provide guidelines universallyand available programs at the lowest funding system engineering standards for construction andcost operation of 1516 forthe electrical system improvements, engineering guidelines and standards construction of electrical systems, zero based loans for economic development and afor base of supportand for operation rural 1617 theinfrastructure electrical systems, zeroand based loans for economic development and a base of support for rural building; 1718 infrastructure building; and 1819 WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) is deeply concerned about 1920 continued WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association is deeply concerned financing to an industry as basic as the rural electric(Mid-West) program at rates that will assureabout the continued 2021 continued financing to an industry as basic as the rural electric program at rates that will assure the success of the program without unfairly burdening rural electric consumers and the taxpayer; andcontinued 2122 success of the program without unfairly burdening rural electric consumers and the taxpayer; and 2223 WHEREAS, the opponents of the program are trying to limit the ability of RUS to issue loans for 2324 conventional WHEREAS, the opponents of the program are trying to limit the ability of RUS to issue loans for base load generation; 2425 conventional base load generation; 2526 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports: 2627 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports: 2728 a. Maintaining loan levels that will meet the necessary credit needs of rural electric 2829 a. Maintaining loan levels that cooperatives including G &will Ts;meet the necessary credit needs of rural electric 2930 cooperatives including G & Ts; 3031 b. Continued availability of the Federal Financing Bank funding of RUS guarantees 3132 b. Continued availability thethe Federal Financing Bank funding of RUS guarantees U.S Treasury fundingofand availability of five percent insured loans; 3233 U.S Treasury funding and the availability of five percent insured loans; 3334 c. RUS and Office of General Counsel staffing levels that are adequate to allow for 3435 c. RUS andprocessing Office of General timely of loans;Counsel staffing levels that are adequate to allow for 3536 timely processing of loans; 3637 d. The reinstatement of RUS financing for the construction of all base load electric 3738 d. The reinstatement of RUS generation facilities; andfinancing for the construction of all base load electric 3839 generation facilities; and 3940 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West reaffirms its continued support for a strong, viable 4041 RUS BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West reaffirms its continued support for a strong, viable program and reaffirms its commitment to the program's future; and 4142 RUS program and reaffirms its commitment to the program's future; and 4243 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West urges Congress to continue to provide adequate 4344 funding BEfor IT RUS's FURTHER RESOLVED,programs, that Mid-West urgesfunds Congress to continue provide rural development including for rural electric to systems to adequate provide water 4445 funding for RUS's rural development including funds for rural electric systems to provide water and waste services, funds for small programs, business incubators, and funds for rural distance learning and medical 4546 and waste services, funds for small business incubators, and funds for rural distance learning and medical links; but these programs should in no way reduce the available funding for the core RUS electric loan 4647 links; but these program; and programs should in no way reduce the available funding for the core RUS electric loan 4748 program; and 4849 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West continues to oppose any proposals to eliminate or 4950 weaken BEthe IT RUS FURTHER electricRESOLVED, loan program.that Mid-West continues to oppose any proposals to eliminate or 50 weaken the RUS electric loan program. 19 19

III. FEDERAL BUDGET AND TAX POLICY III. FEDERALRESOLUTIONS BUDGET AND TAX POLICY RESOLUTIONS



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1 A. NET ZERO APPROPRIATION 2 A. of NET ZEROArea APPROPRIATION 3 WHEREAS, the budget the Western Power Administration (WAPA) is initially funded by a 4 Congressional appropriation; and WHEREAS, the budget of the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is initially funded by a 5 Congressional appropriation; 6 WHEREAS, theand annual costs of WAPA are repaid with power revenues deposited into the U.S. 7 Treasury in the year those costs are incurred; and WHEREAS, the annual costs of WAPA are repaid with power revenues deposited into the U.S. 8 Treasury in the year those costs are incurred; and 9 WHEREAS, the treatment of WAPA’s annual costs in the Congressional Budget process had 10 traditionally not recognized that those dollars are returned to the U.S. Treasury in the same year and thus do WHEREAS, thethe treatment of WAPA’s 11 not contribute to federal deficit; and annual costs in the Congressional Budget process had traditionally not recognized that those dollars are returned to the U.S. Treasury in the same year and thus do 12 not to the federalasdeficit; and 13 contributeWHEREAS, a consequence the budget of WAPA was subject to reductions intended to reduce the 14 federal deficit, which threatened the reliability of the federal transmission system and the delivery of federal WHEREAS, as a consequence the budget of WAPA was subject to reductions intended to reduce the 15 power; and federal deficit, which threatened the reliability of the federal transmission system and the delivery of federal 16 power; and WHEREAS, federal power customers have established work plan review groups in cooperation with 17 18 WAPA to review expenditures, which ensures federal power customer oversight; and WHEREAS, federal power customers have established work plan review groups in cooperation with 19 WAPA to review expenditures, which ensures federal customer and 20 WHEREAS, a change in the treatment of power WAPA’s annual oversight; expenses in the Congressional budget 21 process that recognizes that WAPA’s annual expenses are returned to the Treasury in the same year has been WHEREAS, a change the treatmentat ofthe WAPA’s annual in the Congressional 22 enacted, resulting in a netinappropriation end of the yearexpenses of zero dollars (“net zero”); budget process that recognizes that WAPA’s annual expenses are returned to the Treasury in the same year has been 23 enacted, resulting in THEREFORE, a net appropriation at the end of the year of zero dollarsElectric (“net zero”); 24 NOW, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Consumers Association 25 supports the Congressional budget scoring that allows a “net zero” appropriation for the annual expenses THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association 26 ofNOW, WAPA.

supports the Congressional budget scoring that allows a “net zero” appropriation for the annual expenses of WAPA.

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B. DIVERSION OF FEDERAL POWER REVENUES B. DIVERSION OF FEDERAL POWER REVENUES

WHEREAS, since 1902 water and power interests have enjoyed a successful, mutually beneficial WHEREAS, sincereclamation 1902 water law; and power partnership under federal and interests have enjoyed a successful, mutually beneficial partnership under federal reclamation law; and WHEREAS, power revenues repay in excess of three-quarters of the reimbursable federal investment WHEREAS, power revenues inStates excessincluding of three-quarters thecapital reimbursable investment at multi-purpose projects built by therepay United 100% ofofthe costs of federal hydropower atfacilities multi-purpose projects built by the United States including 100% of the capital costs of hydropower (with interest) as well as a substantial amount towards repayment on non-power functions, facilities (with interest)and as well as a substantial amount towards repayment on non-power functions, particularly irrigation; particularly irrigation; and WHEREAS, during the past several years a number of proposals surfaced which would divert federal WHEREAS, thefor past several years a number of proposals surfaced power and/or power during revenues various purposes, including, but not limited to: which would divert federal power and/or power revenues for various purposes, including, but not limited to: a. Subsidization of municipal and industrial water costs; a. Subsidization of municipal and industrial water costs; b. Altered repayment schedules for irrigation assistance costs; b. Altered repayment schedules for irrigation assistance costs; c. Re-designation of certain project features as main project works in order to c. Re-designation reallocate costsoftocertain power project users; features as main project works in order to reallocate costs to power users; d. Designation of new project uses that take priority over power allocations to d. Designation of new project uses that take priority over power allocations to preference customers; preference customers; e. Funding for enhancement of fish and wildlife programs; e. Funding for enhancement of fish and wildlife programs; f. Funding settlement of Tribal claims; f. Funding settlement of Tribal claims; g. Funding for rehabilitation of older irrigation project facilities; and g. Funding for rehabilitation of older irrigation project facilities; and WHEREAS, these proposals would unfairly single out power users to bear a disproportionate share of WHEREAS, the resultant impacts;these proposals would unfairly single out power users to bear a disproportionate share of the resultant impacts; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITtoRESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges Congress and the Executive Branch adhere to principles and policies of federal law governing designation Congress theallocation ExecutiveofBranch to adhere to principles policies for of federal designation of projectand uses, costs and irrigation assistanceand repayment existinglaw andgoverning future federal projects. of project uses, allocation of costs and irrigation assistance repayment for existing and future federal projects.

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1 C. LEAD AGENCY POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS C. LEAD AGENCY POWER MARKETING ADMINISTRATIONS 2 3 WHEREAS, Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) are the fully and legally constituted power WHEREAS, Powerthat Marketing Administrations (PMAs) the fully rights and legally constituted 4 marketing authorities are charged by law to ensure thatare preference are upheld; and power marketing authorities that are charged by law to ensure that preference rights are upheld; and 5 6 WHEREAS, existing public preference law mandates that first allocations and sales of power from WHEREAS,generating existing public preference law mandates that and firstoperated allocations sales of fromand the 7 hydroelectric facilities at federal projects owned by and the Corps ofpower Engineers hydroelectric generating facilities at federal projects owned and operated by the Corps of Engineers and 8 Bureau of Reclamation (federal generating agencies) are to be offered to rural electric cooperatives,the municipal Bureau of Reclamation generating agencies) are to be offered to rural electric cooperatives, municipal 9 utilities and other(federal public power bodies; and utilities and other public power bodies; and 10 11 WHEREAS, non-federal financing of hydroelectric generating facilities at federal projects inherently WHEREAS, non-federal financing of hydroelectric generating facilities at federal projects inherently which 12 impacts such basic PMA responsibilities as hydropower allocation repayment and rates, and transmission impacts such involve basic PMA responsibilities hydropower 13 should customer input andas solutions; and allocation repayment and rates, and transmission which should involve customer input and solutions; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the PMAs have built and contracted for an extensive transmission system to assure WHEREAS, theofPMAs built and to contracted for an extensive transmission to assure 16 reliable delivery federalhave hydropower their preference customers, which doessystem not change with a PMA’s reliable delivery of federal hydropower to theirorganization; preference customers, which does not change with a PMA’s 17 participation in a regional transmission participation in a regional transmission organization; 18 19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes any NOW, THEREFORE, BEorIT RESOLVED, Consumers opposes any 20 legislation, administrative regulatory actionthat by Mid-West the FERC,Electric or any other device Association that would commingle or dilute legislation, administrative or regulatory thethe FERC, or any other device thatincluding would commingle or dilute 21 the statutory responsibilities of theaction PMAsbyand federal generating agencies, hydroelectric power the statutory responsibilities of the PMAs andcost theallocation federal generating agencies,repayment includingand hydroelectric power 22 development and marketing, reservoir and reallocation, rate responsibilities, and development and marketing, reservoir cost allocation and reallocation, repayment and rate responsibilities, andall of 23 transmission requirements whether or not a PMA participates in a regional transmission organization, transmission requirements whether ortime not aofPMA participates 24 which must be addressed at the financing; and in a regional transmission organization, all of which must be addressed at the time of financing; and 25 26 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any power additions at federal hydropower projects by BE IT FURTHER any additions at be federal hydropower 27 non-federal interestsRESOLVED, shall only be that made if power the project cannot completed by theprojects Corp of by Engineers or Bureau non-federal interests shall made if the project be completed by approval the Corp of the Engineers or Bureaubased 28 of Reclamation withonly PMAbecustomer support andcannot then only with the full PMA involved, of Reclamation with PMA customer support and then only with the full approval of the PMA involved, basedshould 29 on a cost benefit analysis, regional preference customers' needs, and that the added power co-mingled on a cost benefit analysis, customers' needs, and that the added power co-mingled should 30 be marketed by that regional PMA to preference customers.

be marketed by that PMA to preference customers.

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D. SECURING ADEQUATE FUNDING AT FEDERAL HYDROPOWER D. SECURING ADEQUATE FUNDING AT FEDERAL HYDROPOWER PROJECTS PROJECTS

WHEREAS, the Western Area Power Administration, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the WHEREAS, the Western Area power Power agencies) Administration, US Army Corpsfunding of Engineers, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (federal are required to obtain throughand the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (federal power agencies) are required to obtain funding through appropriation procedures; and appropriation procedures; and WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) has consistently and WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers (Mid-West) consistently and strongly supported the appropriations for the agencies, as Association well as legislation whichhas would give greater strongly supported appropriations for the agencies, as well as legislation which would give greater certainty and stability to WAPA; and certainty and stability to WAPA; and WHEREAS, continued federal appropriations must remain the primary support for sustaining the WHEREAS, continued federal must remain themethods primarytosupport for sustaining federal power program, but should notappropriations preclude alternative funding complement those the federal power program, but should not preclude alternative funding methods those appropriations. In the absence of federal appropriations, alternative financingtoofcomplement federal power projects appropriations. In the absence of federal appropriations, alternative financing of federal power projects has been provided by preference power customers, provided that they are within customers’ capabilities has provided by preference power customers, that are within customers’ capabilities andbeen for the agencies’ core mission, specifically theprovided marketing andthey delivery of federal hydropower from and for the agencies’ core mission, specifically the marketing and delivery of federal hydropower from Corps and Reclamation generating facilities to firm power customers; and Corps and Reclamation generating facilities to firm power customers; and WHEREAS, the preference customers continue to work with the federal agencies to identify capital WHEREAS, the preference to customers continue work with therecord federal identify capital projects needs and improvements their systems, andtohave a proven of agencies providingtofinancial projects needs and improvements to their systems, and have a proven record of providing financial assistance to the federal power program through the Western States Power Corporation (WSPC); and assistance to the federal power program through the Western States Power Corporation (WSPC); and WHEREAS, the preference power customers, because of their long-term association with and WHEREAS, the in preference power customers, theirposition long-term association with and financial participation the federal power program, because are in theofbest to provide meaningful financial participation in the federal power program, are in the best position to provide meaningful advice, guidance, and financial support for replacements and improvements, when necessary, to the advice, and financial support for replacements and improvements, when necessary, to the Federalguidance, system; and Federal system; and WHEREAS, Mid-West believes that those who ultimately pay for the federal facilities through WHEREAS, believes those whoand ultimately pay of forthe thepower federal facilities through their electric rates, Mid-West and who depend on that the reliability production projects, have an their electric rates, who depend on the reliability andpower production of the power projects, have an abiding interest in and the funding and accountability of the program; and abiding interest in the funding and accountability of the power program; and WHEREAS, the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) regardless of the method and WHEREAS, thethe Western Power Administration (WAPA) regardless of the method and with source of funding for federalArea power program, must establish rates at their lowest cost consistent source fundingprinciples, for the federal poweralso program, mustby establish rates at their lowest cost consistent with soundof business and should be guided such principles in their planning process; and sound business principles, and should also be guided by such principles in their planning process; and WHEREAS, any discussion regarding new partnerships or funding sources require different WHEREAS, discussion newprocess, partnerships or funding require different sources of input andany advice during regarding the planning and federal powersources customers expect to be sources of in input advice during planning process, and federal power customers expect to beand involved thisand effort through the the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the agencies involved in this effortthe through existing Memorandum ofvenues Understanding between the agencies and customers, through WSPCthe review processes, and other where appropriate; customers, through the WSPC review processes, and other venues where appropriate; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West strongly supports federal funding at NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, thatinMid-West strongly supports federal funding at appropriate levels for the power agencies; however, the absence of federal funding, Mid-West appropriate levels for theofpower agencies; however, thebest absence of federal funding, Mid-West believes that the needs the federal power programinare provided by those most closely associated believes that the needs of the federal power program are best provided by those most closely associated with and affected by it, and that local support by the preference power community through WSPC is the with affected byefficient it, and that local by thethepreference powersystem; community mostand effective and means ofsupport maintaining Federal power and through WSPC is the most effective and efficient means of maintaining the Federal power system; and





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1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in absence of federal funding, there are circumstances in 2 which best meansRESOLVED, to provide for newinand additional facilities will there be through asset partnerships, and BE ITthe FURTHER that, absence of federal funding, are circumstances in 3which that Mid-West supports the development of these partnerships, where appropriate, between power the best means to provide for new and additional facilities will be through asset partnerships, and 4 customerssupports and the Federal power agencies protect the integrity of the federal hydroelectric that Mid-West the development of thesetopartnerships, where appropriate, between power 5customers generating facilities and transmission system; and and the Federal power agencies to protect the integrity of the federal hydroelectric 6 generating facilities and transmission system; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that alternative financing by interests who have limited exposure to 7 8 theBE federal power system, those whothat arealternative unlikely tofinancing be affected the condition andlimited cost ofexposure federal facilities, IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by by interests who have to 9 or which could force federal power customers to pay for unnecessary costs incurred by the federal power the federal power system, those who are unlikely to be affected by the condition and cost of federal facilities, 10 marketing administrations without demonstrated off-setting benefits be supported. or which could force federal power customers to pay for unnecessary costscannot incurred by the federal power

marketing administrations without demonstrated off-setting benefits cannot be supported.

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E. RETENTION OF FEDERAL HYDROPOWER E. RETENTION OF FEDERAL HYDROPOWER OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

WHEREAS, operations, maintenance and replacement (OM&R) of federal power facilities are the WHEREAS, operations, and replacement (OM&R) of federal power facilities are the largest single component of ratesmaintenance paid by the customers of the federal power marketing administration largest single component of rates paid by the customers of the federal power marketing administration (PMAs); and (PMAs); and WHEREAS, the costs allocated to OM&R by the Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of WHEREAS, the costs to OM&R theminimize Bureau of Reclamation and the Army Corps of the Engineers and the PMAs mustallocated be managed so that by they rates while at the same time maintaining Engineers andthe thegenerating PMAs must be managed reliability of projects; and so that they minimize rates while at the same time maintaining the reliability of the generating projects; and WHEREAS, proposals to transfer control of certain federal power generation and transmission proposals to transfer control of certainbeyond federalapower and transmission facilitiesWHEREAS, of multi-purpose projects to non-federal agencies PMA’sgeneration voluntary participation in a regional facilities of multi-purpose to to non-federal beyond a PMA’s voluntary participation in a regional transmission organization areprojects expected continue; agencies and transmission organization are expected to continue; and WHEREAS, transfer of control of power generation and transmission facilities of multi-purpose WHEREAS, of power generation and transmission facilities of multi-purpose federal projects to thetransfer controlof ofcontrol non-federal agencies could threaten the balance that must prevail among federal to the controlofofsuch non-federal threaten the balance that mustof prevail variousprojects authorized purposes projects agencies and couldcould seriously disrupt the achievement multi-among purpose various authorized purposes of such projects and could seriously disrupt the achievement of multipurpose objectives; objectives; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association THEREFORE, BEbyITfederal RESOLVED, the Mid-West Consumers Association supportsNOW, the retention of control agenciesthat of federal facilitiesElectric in multiple-purpose projects that supports the retention of control by federal agencies of federal facilities in multiple-purpose projects include power generation and transmission facilities dedicated to preference customers, except when that such include generation and transmission dedicated to preference customers, whencustomers such transferspower of control to preference customersfacilities or not-for-profit organizations comprised ofexcept preference transfers of control to preference customers or not-for-profit organizations comprised of preference customers where there are demonstrated improvements in operating efficiencies and economies, while protecting where there are demonstrated improvements in operating efficiencies and economies, while protecting existing rights. existing rights.

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1 F. PAYMENT OF NON-REIMBURSABLE COSTS F. PAYMENT OF NON-REIMBURSABLE COSTS 2 3 WHEREAS, charges for power and water from federal multipurpose-water projects, historically, have WHEREAS, for power from federal service—with multipurpose-water projects, historically, 4 been based on charges reimbursable costsand (thewater cost of providing other costs incurred throughhave federal been on reimbursable costs (theadministratively cost of providing service—with incurred federal 5 based appropriations) and have been changed in recentother yearscosts to cover somethrough non- reimbursable costs appropriations) and have been administratively changed in recent years to cover some nonreimbursable costs 6 in power costs as well; and in7 power costs as well; and 8 WHEREAS, reimbursable costs are defined as power investment with interest, municipal and WHEREAS, reimbursable costs are defined as power investment with interest, municipal andrepaid by 9 industrial investment with interest, and irrigation investment without interest, which are to be industrial investment with interest, and irrigation investment without interest, which are to be repaid by 10 project beneficiaries, including power and water customers; and project beneficiaries, including power and water customers; and 11 12 WHEREAS, power investments are repaid through contracts for power sales; and irrigation WHEREAS, are repaid through contracts for power 13 investments arepower repaidinvestments through supplemental revenues from power sales;sales; and and irrigation investments are repaid through supplemental revenues from power sales; and 14 15 WHEREAS, non-reimbursable costs are defined as flood control, navigation, recreation, fish and WHEREAS, non-reimbursable costs defined as the flood control, navigation, recreation, fish andby a project 16 wildlife, and miscellaneous, which areare repaid out of Federal Treasury without reimbursement wildlife, and miscellaneous, which are repaid out of the Federal Treasury without reimbursement by a project 17 beneficiary; and beneficiary; and 18 19 WHEREAS, power and water consumers have, historically, accepted and agreed with the division of WHEREAS, power structure and waterwhereby consumers historically, accepted and agreed the division of to 20 costs and repayment theyhave, are required to pay for those costs andwith investments allocated costs and repayment structure whereby they are required to pay for those costs and investments allocated to 21 their specific benefit and are not required to pay those costs, which benefit the general public— like their benefit not required to pay those 22 specific recreation, fishand andare wildlife, and security, etc.; costs, which benefit the general public— like recreation, fish and wildlife, and security, etc.; 23 24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes NOW, THEREFORE, BE or ITlegislation RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association opposes 25 any administrative changes thatthat requires payment of non-reimbursable costs at federal any administrative changes or legislation that requires payment of non-reimbursable costs at federal 26 multipurpose water projects by power and water consumers.

multipurpose water projects by power and water consumers.

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G. PICK-SLOAN RATES G. PICK-SLOAN RATES

WHEREAS, the Western Area Power Administration (Western) is responsible for marketing and the Western Area PowerofAdministration is responsible marketing and settingWHEREAS, rates for the hydroelectric resources the Pick-Sloan(Western) Missouri Basin Programfor (Pick-Sloan); and setting rates for the hydroelectric resources of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (Pick-Sloan); and WHEREAS, the rate for Pick-Sloan power is established by law to be the lowest rate to consumers WHEREAS, thebusiness rate for principles; Pick-Sloanand power is established by law to be the lowest rate to consumers consistent with sound consistent with sound business principles; and WHEREAS, Western's rates, by law, must be set at a level to recover the costs of operation, WHEREAS, Western's rates, law, must be set at a leveloftothe recover the costsPick-Sloan of operation, maintenance, and replacements, andby to assure timely repayment reimbursable federal maintenance, and interest, replacements, to assure of timely repayment of the reimbursable Pick-Sloan federaland investment with as welland as payment irrigation costs beyond the irrigator's ability to repay; investment with interest, as well as payment of irrigation costs beyond the irrigator's ability to repay; and WHEREAS, the hydroelectric rate for Pick-Sloan power is made up of costs of the U.S. Army Corps WHEREAS, thethe hydroelectric for Pick-Sloan power is made of costs and of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), U.S. Bureaurate of Reclamation (Reclamation) andupWestern; of Engineers (Corps), the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) and Western; and WHEREAS, Western's rate setting process requires a public participation process, which includes WHEREAS, Western's ratepublic settingtoprocess a publicof participation includes meetings with customers and the review requires the components the rate andprocess, to seek which the input of meetings with customers Western's customers; andand the public to review the components of the rate and to seek the input of Western's customers; and WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) members view the timely WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumersand Association (Mid-West) members timely repayment of the reimbursable federal investment appropriate operational costs inview Pick-the Sloan as a repayment the reimbursable paramountofobligation; and federal investment and appropriate operational costs in Pick- Sloan as a paramount obligation; and WHEREAS, Western makes new investments in Pick-Sloan at current interest rates which puts in Pick-Sloan at current interest rates which puts upwardWHEREAS, pressure on Western the Pick-makes Sloan new rate; investments and upward pressure on the Pick- Sloan rate; and WHEREAS, Western has additional responsibilities under the Transmission Infrastructure Program WHEREAS, Western has additional responsibilities underWestern’s the Transmission Infrastructure Program (TIP) which will require separation of TIP costs and rates from core mission – the delivery of (TIP) which willand require separation of TIP costs and rates from Western’s core mission – the delivery of federal power; federal power; and WHEREAS, Western has instituted a cost control program to ensure the most effective use of WHEREAS, investments; and Western has instituted a cost control program to ensure the most effective use of investments; and WHEREAS, Mid-West and its members developed a drought adder component to the Pick-Sloan rate WHEREAS, Mid-West its members developed a drought adder firm component to the Pick-Sloan in order to ensure more timely and repayment of related costs while protecting power customers from anrate ininflated order torate ensure repayment of related aftermore thosetimely costs have been repaid; andcosts while protecting firm power customers from an inflated rate after those costs have been repaid; and WHEREAS, the USBR has been working with Mid-West to develop detailed cost information for the WHEREAS, hydropower rates; the USBR has been working with Mid-West to develop detailed cost information for the hydropower rates; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West encourages Western, the Corps, and the NOW, to THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, thatthe Mid-West encourages Western, Corps, and the Reclamation continue theirBE efforts and encourages Corps and the Reclamation to the provide timely and Reclamation continuereports their efforts and encourages standardizedtofinancial to customers which: the Corps and the Reclamation to provide timely and standardized financial reports to customers which: a. Identify all major cost categories (capital and operating) for both current and projected a. Identify all major cost categories (capital and operating) for both current and projected operations; operations; b. Compare actual financial operating performance to budgeted amounts; and b. Compare actual financial operating performance to budgeted amounts; and

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1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports Pick-Sloan hydroelectric rates being set at 2 levels sufficient to assure fulfillment of Mid-West the repayment responsibilities the U.S. Treasury and payment BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that supports Pick-Sloanto hydroelectric rates being set at of 3 appropriate annual operating expenses while taking into consideration the long-term effects of hydrological levels sufficient to assure fulfillment of the repayment responsibilities to the U.S. Treasury and payment of 4 conditions; and appropriate annual operating expenses while taking into consideration the long-term effects of hydrological 5 conditions; and 6 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls upon each of the federal agencies, which are 7 funded from Pick-Sloan revenues tothat aggressively cost each containment programs and provide BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-Westpursue calls upon of the federal agencies, which periodic are 8 reports customersrevenues on suchto actions; and pursue cost containment programs and provide periodic funded from to Pick-Sloan aggressively 9 reports to customers on such actions; and 10 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West pledges to work with Western to address rate and 11 repayment issues in an expeditious manner; and pledges to work with Western to address rate and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West 12 repayment issues in an expeditious manner; and 13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports prudent development of transmission 14 infrastructure under TIP, including that transmission to facilitate renewables, so long as there is no adverse BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-Westused supports prudent development of transmission 15 impact on ratesTIP, of Western’s power customers. infrastructure under includingfirm transmission used to facilitate renewables, so long as there is no adverse

impact on rates of Western’s firm power customers.

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H. OPPOSITION TO THE DILUTION OF FEDERAL PREFERENCE POWER H. OPPOSITION TO THE DILUTION OF FEDERAL PREFERENCE POWER

WHEREAS, it has been proposed that new federal marketing rules be developed which would allow WHEREAS, has been proposed that new federal marketing rules be developed which would allow preference power toitautomatically flow across Investor Owned Utility (IOU) power lines through lease preference power to new automatically flowentities; across Investor Owned Utility (IOU) power lines through lease arrangements with public power and arrangements with new public power entities; and WHEREAS, such entities could easily be formed by private power marketers and others bent on using WHEREAS, such entities could private power marketers and others access to federal cost-based power as a easily meansbe toformed gain anby advantage over their competitors; and bent on using access to federal cost-based power as a means to gain an advantage over their competitors; and WHEREAS, any consideration of a change in federal preference power allocations exposes rural WHEREAS, any consideration a change in federal preference power allocations exposes rural America to an onslaught of competingof demands from other interests; and America to an onslaught of competing demands from other interests; and WHEREAS, there is no comparable precedent for the expansion of preference power eligibility; and WHEREAS, there is no comparable precedent for the expansion of preference power eligibility; and WHEREAS, federal preference power was created by Congress to protect fragile rural economies WHEREAS, from unstable powerfederal rates; preference power was created by Congress to protect fragile rural economies from unstable power rates; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (MidNOW, IT RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association West) opposesTHEREFORE, changes in theBE allocations of federalthat preference power which would expand rights to(Midthis West) in or thecreate allocations of federal preference powernot which would expand to thispower poweropposes to IOU changes customers any other new class of customers already defined asrights preference power to entities; IOU customers or create any other new class of customers not already defined as preference power eligible and eligible entities; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls on the Western Area Power Administration BEto ITcontinue FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West callsthat on have the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) delivering those Western allocations been removed for resource pool (WAPA) to continue delivering those Western that have removed resource pool allocations to the current contract holders untilallocations all arrangements forbeen delivery have for been approved by all allocations to the current contract holders until all arrangements for delivery have been approved by all parties; and parties; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls on WAPA to not expand the use of WAPA BE ITtoFURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls on WAPA allocations any new customer class created by any new resource pooltoinnot theexpand future. the use of WAPA allocations to any new customer class created by any new resource pool in the future.





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I. DAM SAFETY COST ALLOCATION AT FEDERAL HYDROELECTRIC I. DAM SAFETY COST ALLOCATION AT FEDERAL HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS PROJECTS

2 3 4 WHEREAS, many federal dams were built years ago and as they age, dam safety becomes a more WHEREAS, federalinvestments dams wereare built years and as they safety becomes a more 5 pressing issue. many Significant and willago be necessary inage, orderdam to maintain the safety of these federal pressing issue. Significant investments are and will be necessary in order to maintain the safety of these federal 6 projects; and projects; and 7 8 WHEREAS, Congress established the national policy for the allocation of dam safety investments at WHEREAS, Congress established the national for Dam the allocation of of dam safety investments at or, the 9 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps’) projectspolicy with the Safety Act 1986 (Dam Safety Act, U.S. Army of Engineers’ (Corps’) projects Dam Safety of 1986 to (Dam Safety Act, or, 10 Act). Corps The Act limits the percentage of dam with repairthe costs that may Act be assigned project purposes tothe 15 % of Act). The Act limits the percentage of dam repair costs that may be assigned to project purposes to 15 % of 11 total modification costs that are “deemed necessary for safety purposes.” Primary to this non-reimbursable total modification thatprovisions are “deemed for safety to this non-reimbursable 12 classificationcosts are the thatnecessary specify safety costspurposes.” incurred to Primary meet current engineering standards or to classification are the provisions that specify safety costs incurred to meet current engineering standards 13 accommodate revised hydrology levels developed after the construction of the dam should be non-or to accommodate revised hydrology levels developed after the construction of the dam should be non14 reimbursable; and reimbursable; and 15 16 WHEREAS, the Corps has made dam safety investments of over $1 billion at two dams that generate WHEREAS, thetoCorps has made dam safety of Power over $1Administration billion at two dams thatThe generate 17 power marketed preference customers by theinvestments Southeastern (SEPA). power marketed to preference customers by the Southeastern Power Administration (SEPA). The 18 Corps incorrectly interpreted the law by allocating these costs without appropriate consideration of the nonCorps reimbursable incorrectly interpreted by allocating costs withoutcosts appropriate consideration of thehas non-proposed 19 provisionsthe of law the Act, assigningthese the modification to project purposes. SEPA reimbursable provisions of the Act, assigning the modification costs to project purposes. SEPA has proposed 20 preference customer rates that appropriately allocate these costs according to the Dam Safety Act and the Federal preference customer rates Commission that appropriately allocate theseSEPA’s costs according to the Dam Safety Act and the Federal 21 Energy Regulatory (FERC) approved rate proposal; Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved SEPA’s rate proposal; 22 NOW, THEREFORE, the members of the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association support the 23 NOW, the members of the Electric the Consumers Association support 24 FERC’s THEREFORE, decision supporting the proposal byMid-West SEPA to allocate dam safety modification coststhe in accordance FERC’s decision supporting the proposal byofSEPA to allocate modification costsofinthese accordance 25 with the non-reimbursable provisions the Dam Safety the Act,dam thussafety limiting the allocation costs for with the non-reimbursable provisions of the Dam Safety Act, thus limiting the allocation of these costs for 26 project purposes to 15%, consistent with the law.

project purposes to 15%, consistent with the law.

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IV. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESOLUTIONS IV. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY RESOLUTIONS





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1 A. WILDERNESS AREA DESIGNATIONS A. WILDERNESS AREA DESIGNATIONS 2 3 WHEREAS, many millions of acres of federal lands under the supervision of the U. S. Forest Service WHEREAS, ofLand acresManagement of federal lands underhave the been supervision of theforU.re-classification S. Forest Service 4 (USFS) and themany U.S. millions Bureau of (BLM) considered as (USFS) and the U.S. Bureau ofand Land Management (BLM) have been considered for re-classification as 5 wilderness by Congress; wilderness by Congress; and 6 7 WHEREAS, re-classification of additional lands as wilderness would take away the availability of WHEREAS, of additional lands asplant wilderness woulddevelopment take away the availability of line 8 these lands for re-classification multiple use as coal mines, generator sites, water projects and power these lands forways; multiple 9 right of anduse as coal mines, generator plant sites, water development projects and power line right of ways; and 10 11 WHEREAS, the designation of wilderness study areas in which true wilderness characteristics do not WHEREAS, theunnecessary designation disruption of wilderness areas in which true wilderness characteristics do not coal 12 exist, leads to the andstudy sometimes abolition of power line locations, plant sitings, exist, leads to the unnecessary disruption andand sometimes abolition of power line locations, plant sitings, coal 13 mine production, water impoundment other water use projects; and mine production, water impoundment and other water use projects; and 14 15 WHEREAS, the application of federal reserved water rights through the wilderness designation WHEREAS, the application of of federal reserved water rights the wilderness designation 16 process represents a preemption established state water lawthrough to the detriment of traditional water use process represents a preemption of established state water law to the detriment of traditional water usewater 17 doctrine and is unjustified on the basis of authority specifically held by states to administer the doctrine and is unjustified on and the basis of authority specifically held by states to administer the water 18 resources of the states; resources of the states; and 19 20 WHEREAS, power plant operations have already been jeopardized by the presence of Class I air WHEREAS, powersuperimposed plant operations havepreviously already been jeopardized by the presence of Class of I air 21 quality requirements within permitted air sheds through designation wilderness qualityareas requirements superimposed within previously permitted air sheds through designation of wilderness 22 after the fact; areas after the fact; 23 24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association strongly NOW, the THEREFORE, BEstudy IT RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association strongly 25 opposes designation or of any area inthat which true wilderness characteristics do not exist, opposes the opposes the designation or study of any area in which true wilderness characteristics do not exist, opposes the come 26 new designation of wilderness areas near existing power plants and coal mines that subsequently would new designation of wilderness areas near existing powerthe plants and coal mines that subsequently 27 under current or new mitigation criteria, opposes establishment of federal reserved waterwould rightscome through under current or new mitigation criteria, opposes the establishment of federal reserved water rights through 28 wilderness designation, and urges that the area studied by the USFS and BLM are found not suitable for wilderness designation, and urges that area studied by the USFS and BLM are found not suitable for 29 wilderness designation should bethe released.

wilderness designation should be released.

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B. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT B. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

WHEREAS, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, the landmark environmental law designed to Speciesand Actplant (ESA) of 1973, landmark environmental designed to protectWHEREAS, endangered the andEndangered threatened animal species, has the been subject to intense debatelaw since its protect endangered and threatened animal and plant species, has been subject to intense debate since its implementation; and implementation; and WHEREAS, federal officials have debated reauthorization of the ESA for decades, focusing on WHEREAS, officials have and debated reauthorization of theand ESA for decades, focusing on changes to make thefederal ESA more efficient effective, and less costly; changes to make the ESA more efficient and effective, and less costly; and WHEREAS, the increased use of citizen suits to force the listing of specific species by court order WHEREAS, the increased use ofand citizen suits to forcethat the listing of specific species by court undermines the orderly public process scientific review all listing decisions are required to order go through undermines the orderly public process and scientific review that all listing decisions are required to go through under the ESA; and under the ESA; and WHEREAS, it is essential that officials find a reasonable balance between protecting threatened and WHEREAS, is essential that findgrowth a reasonable balance between protecting threatened and endangered species itwhile allowing forofficials continued and prosperity; endangered species while allowing for continued growth and prosperity; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association supports NOW, BE ITAct RESOLVED, that reasonable, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association reforming theTHEREFORE, Endangered Species to provide fair, science-based decision-making withsupports reforming the Endangered Species Act to provide fair, reasonable, science-based decision-making with respect to the protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species; and respect to the protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ESA should be amended to provide earlier and more BE ITopportunities FURTHER RESOLVED, that the ESA should be amended to provide earlier andencourage more meaningful for citizens and communities to participate in ESA listing decisions; meaningful opportunities for citizens and communities to participate in ESA listing decisions; encourage incentives for private voluntary efforts to conserve habitat and provide regulatory certainty to property incentives for participate private voluntary efforts to plans; conserve provide certainty to property owners who in conservation andhabitat ensureand equal accessregulatory for all parties that could be affected by owners who participate in conservation plans; and ensure equal access for all parties that could be affected by citizen suits to force an ESA listing decision. citizen suits to force an ESA listing decision.

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1 C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY C. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 2 3 WHEREAS, the members of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) rely on a variety theelectricity membersneeds, of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association relyand on a variety 4 ofWHEREAS, fuels for their with coal providing a significant portion(Mid-West) of those needs; of5 fuels for their electricity needs, with coal providing a significant portion of those needs; and 6 WHEREAS, Mid-West’s members systems and their power suppliers are routinely confronted with WHEREAS, Mid-West’s members systems their power suppliers arerules, routinely with 7 burgeoning regulatory requirements, includingand interpretations of existing withconfronted respect to the use of coal burgeoning regulatory requirements, including interpretations of existing rules, with respect to the use of coal 8 as a generation fuel; and as9 a generation fuel; and 10 WHEREAS, these rules, many proposed by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency WHEREAS, these rules, proposed by agencies as theoperation Environmental Protection Agency 11 (EPA), would increase the many costs of electricity, affect thesuch efficient of coal-based power plants, or (EPA), would increase the costs of electricity, affect the efficient operation of coal-based power plants, 12 adversely affect our rural communities as well as individual consumers, farmers, and ranchers by or adding adversely affect our as well as individual 13 additional andrural costlycommunities burdens on their operations; and consumers, farmers, and ranchers by adding additional and costly burdens on their operations; and 14 15 WHEREAS, Mid-West and its members are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy WHEREAS,but Mid-West and its are committed to maintaining a clean and healthy 16 environment, also believe thatmembers an appropriate balance must be maintained between protecting the environment, but also believe that an appropriate balance must be maintained between protecting the cost-effective, 17 environment and sustaining the economy by ensuring that proposed regulations are reasonable, environment and sustaining the economy by ensuring that proposed regulations are reasonable, cost-effective, 18 and achievable; and achievable; 19 20 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports research, legislation, and NOW, THEREFORE BEefforts IT RESOLVED, thatfederal Mid-West research, legislation, and 21 environmental mitigation at the state and levelsupports which will minimize environmental degradation environmental efforts at the state and federal level which minimize degradation 22 while alsomitigation minimizing economic and social dislocations to the will population andenvironmental encouraging economic while also minimizing economic 23 development in rural areas;and andsocial dislocations to the population and encouraging economic development in rural areas; and 24 25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West urges the U.S. Congress to judiciously exercise its BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, urges the U.S. Congress to judiciously exercise and its other 26 congressional oversight of the EPAthat andMid-West other regulatory agencies through appropriate legislation congressional oversight oftransparency, the EPA and other regulatory through appropriate legislation and ensure other current 27 actions that provide encourage publicagencies participation in the regulatory process, and actions that provide transparency, encourage public participation in the regulatory process, and ensure current 28 and proposed environmental regulations adhere to the aforementioned goals.

and proposed environmental regulations adhere to the aforementioned goals.

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D. REGULATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE D. REGULATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE

WHEREAS, EPA’s Clean Power Plan will have substantial negative financial effects on electric WHEREAS, Clean Power Plan will haveifsubstantial negative consumers and mayEPA’s have significant reliability issues implemented; and financial effects on electric consumers and may have significant reliability issues if implemented; and WHEREAS, it must be remembered and emphasized that consumers ultimately pay the taxes and WHEREAS, must be remembered and emphasized paytaxes the taxes and operating expenses it associated with electrical generation; andthat thatconsumers additionalultimately expenses or on carbon operating expenses associated with electrical generation; and that additional expenses or taxes on carbon dioxide or other aspects of the electric power industry may cause them to pay significantly higher electric dioxide or othercompetitive aspects of the electric power industry cause them to of pay higher bills, obstruct generation, and hinder the may competitive status thesignificantly entire industry; andelectric bills, obstruct competitive generation, and hinder the competitive status of the entire industry; and WHEREAS, regulation of carbon dioxide will disproportionately affect the cost of electricity WHEREAS, regulation ofConsumers carbon dioxide will disproportionately affect the cost electricity produced by Mid-West Electric Association (Mid-West) members who relyofon fossil fuels for produced by Mid-West Electric members who rely on fossil fuels for their power supply in excess ofConsumers their hydro Association allocations; (Mid-West) and their power supply in excess of their hydro allocations; and WHEREAS, the full development and use of hydroelectric power as a renewable energy resource free WHEREAS, fullplay development andin use hydroelectric power as aglobal renewable energy resource free of carbon emissionsthe must a crucial role theofnational effort to address climate change; of carbon emissions must play a crucial role in the national effort to address global climate change; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West encourages the congressional delegations, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mid-West encourages the congressional delegations, governors, and other public officials in its memberthat region to oppose EPA’s Clean Power Plan; and governors, and other public officials in its member region to oppose EPA’s Clean Power Plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any federal plan to control greenhouse gases must maintain a FURTHER any federal planand to control greenhouse gases mustsecurity; maintainand a viable BE pathITfor the future RESOLVED, of coal, both tothat protect consumers to maintain domestic energy viable path for the future of coal, both to protect consumers and to maintain domestic energy security; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that any policy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions must be source BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that anyunrealistic policy to reduce carbon dioxide must that be source and technology neutral and should not impose targets or timelines for emissions carbon dioxide outpace and technology neutral and should not impose unrealistic targets or timelines for carbon dioxide that outpace the development of new technologies that will be needed to capture and sequester large amounts of carbon the development of newand technologies will be needed to capture and sequester large amounts of carbon dioxide from existing new powerthat plants. dioxide from existing and new power plants.

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1 E. COAL ASH REGULATION E. COAL ASH REGULATION 2 3 WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on April 19, 2015 promulgated new WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA) April 19, 2015 promulgated new 4 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)Agency regulations foronthe management of Coal Combustion Resource Conservation 5 Residuals (CCRs);and andRecovery Act (RCRA) regulations for the management of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCRs); and 6 7 WHEREAS, the EPA appropriately elected to regulate CCRs as a non-hazardous waste under WHEREAS, thethan EPAasappropriately elected to regulate as a non-hazardous waste under 8 Subtitle D rather hazardous waste under Subtitle CCRs C of RCRA; and Subtitle D rather than as hazardous waste under Subtitle C of RCRA; and 9 10 WHEREAS, using and recycling CCRs conserves natural resources by replacing materials that would WHEREAS, recycling CCRs conserves by replacing thatwhich would 11 otherwise haveusing to be and mined and each ton of recyclednatural fly ashresources offsets a ton of cementmaterials production otherwise have to be mined and each ton of recycled fly ash offsets a ton of cement production which 12 eliminates the release of a ton of CO2; and eliminates the release of a ton of CO2; and 13 14 WHEREAS, while the Subtitle D ruling is seemingly favorable to utilities, the new regulations rely on WHEREAS, the Subtitle ruling is seemingly favorable to utilities, the new regulations rely on 15 citizen suits forwhile enforcement that D could result in significant litigation costs; and citizen suits for enforcement that could result in significant litigation costs; and 16 17 WHEREAS, the Subtitle D language results in dual federal and state regulatory requirements and WHEREAS, the Subtitle Dretroactively language results in dualcoal federal statesites; regulatory 18 applies siting requirements on existing ash and disposal and requirements and applies siting requirements retroactively on existing coal ash disposal sites; and 19 20 WHEREAS, the EPA indicates that there is still a possibility for future regulation of CCRs as WHEREAS, thewhich EPA indicates is still a possibility for future regulation of CCRs as 21 hazardous waste, will onlythat leadthere to more regulatory uncertainty; hazardous waste, which will only lead to more regulatory uncertainty; 22 23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (MidNOW, THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Association 24 West) supports efforts toBE rescind or modify the existing EPAElectric SubtitleConsumers D rulemaking to make it(Midmore flexible West) and supports efforts toand rescind or modify the existing EPA Subtitle D rulemaking to make it more flexible 25 less onerous; and less onerous; and 26 27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the passage of federal legislation that BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports the passage of federal thatenforcement, 28 permanently classifies CCRs as non-hazardous waste, eliminates the rule’s focus legislation on citizen suit permanently classifies CCRs as non-hazardous waste, eliminates the rule’s focus on citizen suit enforcement, 29 and places CCR regulation solely under state control.

and places CCR regulation solely under state control.

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F. FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS AIR QUALITY RELATED VALUES F. FEDERAL LAND MANAGERS AIR QUALITY RELATED VALUES

WHEREAS, the Clean Air Act gives Federal Land Managers (FLMs) the responsibility to protect air the Clean Airemissions Act gives impacts Federal Land Managers the as responsibility protect air qualityWHEREAS, and review new sources’ on federal lands (FLMs) designated Class I areasto(select quality and review new sources’ impacts on federal lands designated as Class I areas (select wilderness and national parks); emissions and wilderness and national parks); and WHEREAS, the Federal Land Managers’ Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) was WHEREAS, the Federal Land for Managers’ Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG) was created in 1997 to develop guidance FLMs toAir achieve greater consistency in identifying and evaluating air created 1997 to develop guidance for FLMs to achieveisgreater consistency in identifying evaluating qualityinrelated values when a new source of emissions being sited in a location that mayand impact a Classair I quality related values when a new source of emissions is being sited in a location that may impact a Class I area; and area; and WHEREAS, although the FLAG report was developed as guidance, it is being interpreted by FLMs as although the FLAG developed guidance, is being as a rule WHEREAS, providing authority to require for report a new was source stringentascontrols thatitwould beinterpreted included inby anFLMs air permit a issued rule providing authority to require for a new source stringent controls that would be included in an air permit by states or the Environmental Protection Agency; and issued by states or the Environmental Protection Agency; and WHEREAS, the guidance states that FLMs may recommend Lowest Achievable Emission Rate WHEREAS, the guidance states thatthat FLMs recommend Lowest Emission Rate controls on new sources and recommend newmay sources obtain offsets to Achievable its emissions; controls on new sources and recommend that new sources obtain offsets to its emissions; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association NOW, THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, thatand Mid-West Consumers Association recommends that the current BE administration intervene developElectric a guidance document consistent with and recommends that the current administration intervene and develop a guidance document consistent with and within the authority given to FLMs in the Clean Air Act. within the authority given to FLMs in the Clean Air Act.

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V. PUBLIC POLICY RESOLUTIONS V. PUBLIC POLICY RESOLUTIONS

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1 A. FEDERAL POLICY WITH RESPECT TO RAILROADS A. FEDERAL POLICY WITH RESPECT TO RAILROADS 2 3 WHEREAS, a large portion of western coal must be hauled by the nation's railroads so it can WHEREAS, a large portion of coal must be hauled by the nation's railroads so it can 4 reach its point of use, reliably andwestern expeditiously; and reach 5 its point of use, reliably and expeditiously; and 6 WHEREAS, since transportation represents a large percentage of the final cost of electricity and WHEREAS, since transportation represents a large percentage of thetofinal cost ofthe electricity 7 the cost of other commodities, market-dominant rail carriers are able determine outcomeand of the cost of other commodities, market-dominant rail carriers are able to determine the outcome of 8 competition in the electric utility industry not on the basis of the efficiency or the geographic advantage competition in the electric utility industry basis of the or the geographic advantage 9 of the particular generating facility, not but on the potential forefficiency profitability to the railroad itself; and of the particular generating facility, but on the potential for profitability to the railroad itself; and 10 11 WHEREAS, rail dependent shippers faced with potential or actual rail monopoly pricing have WHEREAS, rail dependent shippers faced with potential orprotection actual rail and monopoly pricing have the 12 very little rail-to-rail competition and no effective regulatory the statute authorizing very little rail-to-rail competition and(STB) no effective regulatory protection andcarriers the statute 13 Surface Transportation Board incomprehensibly exempts rail fromauthorizing the reach ofthe most Surface Transportation Board (STB) incomprehensibly exempts rail carriers from the reach of most 14 claims that could be brought by shippers under the otherwise-applicable antitrust laws, and claims that could be brought by shippers under the otherwise-applicable antitrust laws, and 15 16 WHEREAS, utilities are facing increasing rail service problems, which have reduced delivery of coal WHEREAS, utilities are facing increasing rail service problems, which have reduced delivery of coal 17 and coal stockpiles at power plants; and coal stockpiles at power plants; 18 19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITwhich RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges 20 Congress to enact legislation would promote competition between railroads including providing Congress to enact legislation which would promote competition between railroads including providing 21 shippers improved access to regional and shortline railroads.

shippers improved access to regional and shortline railroads.

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B. SNOW SURVEY PROGRAM B. SNOW SURVEY PROGRAM

WHEREAS, the Natural Resource Conservation Service under the Department of Agriculture has WHEREAS, Conservation annually conductedthe theNatural FederalResource Snow Survey Program;Service and under the Department of Agriculture has annually conducted the Federal Snow Survey Program; and WHEREAS, the information obtained from these surveys is vital for the optimum operation of the information obtained from these surveys is vital for the optimum operation of the federalWHEREAS, dams in the the Missouri River Basin; federal dams in the Missouri River Basin; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges the NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Program Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges the Secretary of Agriculture to continue the Snow Survey and provide the program with adequate Secretary funding.of Agriculture to continue the Snow Survey Program and provide the program with adequate funding.

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1 C. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS C. PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS 2 3 WHEREAS, no person or organization should be deprived of the use of private property without due WHEREAS, or organization shouldbebetaken deprived of the use private property without due 4 process of lawno andperson no private property should or damaged by of governmental action without just process of law and nohaving privatefirst property shouldand be taken or damaged by governmental action without just 5 compensation been made; compensation having first been made; and 6 7 WHEREAS, the taking of private property for governmental purposes has created an uncertainty and a WHEREAS, the taking for governmental has created an uncertainty and a 8 burden on the citizens of of theprivate Unitedproperty States through lengthy andpurposes costly litigation which many cannot afford burden on the citizens of the United States through lengthy andvalue costlyfrom litigation which many cannot afford 9 and in some instances, property owners' rights to realize their property are inhibited or denied by and in some instances, property owners' rights to realize value from their property are inhibited or denied by 10 regulation, environmental or other laws; regulation, environmental or other laws; 11 12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mid-West Consumers 13 (Mid-West) urges the government to carefullythat evaluate lawsElectric and avoid proposedAssociation regulatory or administrative (Mid-West) urges the government to carefully evaluate laws and avoid proposed regulatory or administrative 14 actions that may result in a governmental taking of private property; and actions that may result in a governmental taking of private property; and 15 16 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports property rights of individuals and opposes BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West property development; rights of individuals 17 the use of government eminent domain solely for supports private economic and and opposes the 18 use of government eminent domain solely for private economic development; and 19 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports actions by governmental agencies that ensure BEConstitutional IT FURTHERprotection RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports bybe governmental that ensure 20 the of private property rights, butactions if it must public policyagencies to take private property the Constitutional protection of private property rights, but if it must be public policy to take private property 21 for governmental purposes, then it should be public policy to justly compensate property owners for their for purposes, then it should be public policy to justly compensate property owners for their 22 governmental losses.

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losses.



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D. FEDERAL LAND RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES D. FEDERAL LAND RIGHT-OF-WAY FEES

WHEREAS, many rural electric cooperatives, municipal electric utilities, and public power districts WHEREAS, many rural electric cooperatives, municipal electric utilities, public power districts must procure transmission, distribution and fiber optic line right-of-way permitsand from departments or agencies must procure transmission, andowned fiber optic right-of-way from of the federal governmentdistribution to cross lands by theline United States ofpermits America; anddepartments or agencies of the federal government to cross lands owned by the United States of America; and WHEREAS, such essential electrical services serve the needs of both the public and private sector WHEREAS, such essential electrical services serve the needs both the public private and do foster and maintain the economic and social well-being of theofUnited States of and America andsector its and do foster citizens; andand maintain the economic and social well-being of the United States of America and its citizens; and WHEREAS, right-of-way permits to Rural Utilities Service financed corporations (a Not for Profit WHEREAS, right-of-way permits Rural Utilities Service corporations Not for(98 Profit Essential Electric Service Provider) havetobeen exempt from annualfinanced rental fees under P.L.(a98-300 Stat. Essential Electric Service Provider) have been exempt from annual rental fees under P.L. 98-300 (98 Stat. 215); and 215); and WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service, Corps of Engineers and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service, Corps of fees, Engineers and Not U.S.for Department of Agriculture (USDA) have instituted a process of calculating right-of-way requiring Profit Electric Service Providers have instituted a process of calculating right-of-way fees, requiring Not for Profit Electric Service Providers seeking a right-of-way permit to agree to the fee charges and, only then, waiving the fees; seeking a right-of-way permit to agree to the fee charges and, only then, waiving the fees; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association objects to NOW, any THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED thatorMid-West Electric objects to and opposes and all compilations and "waived" "exempted" rentalConsumers fees, for theAssociation purpose of showing and opposes any and all compilations and "waived" or "exempted" rental fees, for the purpose of showing exempted financial benefits to Not for Profit Electric Service Providers or for any other purpose, because the exempted benefits to Not forserve Profit Service Providers foronly anyused otheraspurpose, because the same arefinancial inappropriate, inaccurate, noElectric useful purpose and in factorare a hindrance or hurdle same are inappropriate, inaccurate, serve no useful purpose and in fact are only used as a hindrance or hurdle in the granting of a right away permit to Not for Profit Essential Electric Service Providers. in the granting of a right away permit to Not for Profit Essential Electric Service Providers.



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1 E. DOMESTIC MILITARY INSTALLATION CLOSURE/PRIVATIZATION 2 E. DOMESTIC MILITARY INSTALLATION CLOSURE/PRIVATIZATION 3 WHEREAS, a number of military installations in the nation have been closed, are being consolidated WHEREAS, a number of military installations in the nation have 4 with other locations, or having their electric utilities privatized; and been closed, are being consolidated with 5 other locations, or having their electric utilities privatized; and 6 WHEREAS, the rural electric organizations which served these loads are experiencing negative WHEREAS, thedue ruraltoelectric which servedthe these loads are experiencing 7 economic impacts the lossorganizations of these loads, in making necessary line retirements negative and line economic impacts due to the loss of these loads, in making the necessary line retirements and line 8 conversions; and conversions; and 9 10 WHEREAS, the sparsely populated rural nature in the areas where these military installations are WHEREAS, the sparsely populated ruralincurred nature inare thesignificant; areas where these military installations are 11 located is such that the impact of the costs and located is such that the impact of the costs incurred are significant; and 12 13 WHEREAS, in some instances, the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) power allocations WHEREAS, some instances, Western PowerinAdministration (WAPA) power rate allocations 14 were assigned toincertain systems orthe their powerArea suppliers an effort to prevent significant impact to the were other assigned to certain systems or their installations power suppliers an effort to prevent 15 consumers while the military wereinbeing served; and significant rate impact to the other consumers while the military installations were being served; and 16 17 WHEREAS, supplemental power costs for service to the military installations over the years have WHEREAS, supplemental for service to the military installations the to years have 18 increased to a level where thepower loss ofcosts the WAPA allocation will cause significantover impact the systems increased to a level where the loss of the WAPA allocation will cause significant impact to the systems 19 affected; affected; 20 21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (MidNOW, THEREFORE, BE installation IT RESOLVED, thatuntil Mid-West Consumers Association (Mid22 West) is opposed to military closures savingsElectric to the federal government can be proven from West) is opposed to military installation closures until savings to the federal government can be proven from 23 previous closures; and previous closures; and 24 25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, those preference systems holding Department of Defense (DOD) BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, preference to systems holding Department of Defense 26 hydropower allocations are assignedthose the allocations promote economic development in the(DOD) area hydropower allocations are assigned the allocations to promote economic development in the area 27 immediately surrounding the affected military installation; and immediately surrounding the affected military installation; and 28 29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any retention of federal power allocations BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any retention ofsold federal power allocations utility or 30 where theFURTHER on-base electric utility facilities have been "privatized" by being to an investor-owned whereother the on-base electric utility 31 non-preference entity.facilities have been "privatized" by being sold to an investor-owned utility or

other non-preference entity.

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F. UTILITY USE OF RADIO SPECTRUM F. UTILITY USE OF RADIO SPECTRUM

WHEREAS, the federal power generation and marketing agencies and non-federal utilities have been WHEREAS, power generation and marketing agenciesand andland-based non-federalmobile utilities have been assigned portions ofthe thefederal radio spectrum for the operation of microwave assigned portions of the radio spectrum for the operation of microwave and land-based mobile communications systems; and communications systems; and WHEREAS, the continued use of these frequencies is essential for the reliable operation of the WHEREAS, the continued use of these frequencies is essential for the reliable operation of the nation's electric utilities; and nation's electric utilities; and WHEREAS, the health and welfare of the public is directly related to that reliable supply of electric health andseven welfare of athe public energyWHEREAS, twenty-fourthe hours a day, days week; andis directly related to that reliable supply of electric energy twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; and WHEREAS, there have been legislative efforts to reassign frequencies currently reserved for federal WHEREAS, have the been legislativeassigned efforts totoreassign frequencies currently reserved for federal government use thatthere includes frequencies the federal power generation and marketing agencies government use that the frequencies assigned to the federal power generation andfor marketing agencies and there have beenincludes similar regulatory efforts to reassign frequencies currently reserved non-federal utility and there use; andhave been similar regulatory efforts to reassign frequencies currently reserved for non-federal utility use; and WHEREAS, the non-federal utilities have already lost portions of their reliable 2 Ghz microwave band WHEREAS, the non-federal utilities have already lost portions of through their reliable 2 Ghz microwave to Personal Communications Services and other emerging technologies spectrum auctions, withband other toportions Personalyet Communications and other emerging technologies through spectrum auctions, with other to be auctionedServices by federal agencies; and portions yet to be auctioned by federal agencies; and WHEREAS, there have been legislative efforts, which would require electric utilities to purchase their WHEREAS, there through have been efforts,or which would require electric utilities to purchase their required radio spectrum thelegislative auction process, an equivalent amount in lease fee; and required radio spectrum through the auction process, or an equivalent amount in lease fee; and WHEREAS, the auctioning of radio spectrum to the highest bidder could eliminate the ability of small WHEREAS, auctioning of radio the highest bidder could eliminate the ability ofreliable small electric utilities andthe municipal agencies to spectrum have equaltoaccess to much-needed radio spectrum used for electric utilities and municipal agencies to haveutilities equal access tolarger much-needed radiocompanies spectrum used for reliable service. Additionally, this would pit smaller against deep pocket competing for the service. Additionally, this would pit smaller utilities against larger deep pocket companies competing for same frequencies, which ultimately would result in substantial cost increases for federal and non-federalthe same frequencies, ultimately would result in substantial cost increases for federal and non-federal utilities and theirwhich consumers; utilities and their consumers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association NOW, THEREFORE, BE the IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric (Mid-West) urges Congress and appropriate regulatory agencies to notConsumers include theAssociation frequencies used by (Mid-West) Congressofand the appropriate regulatory agencies to notininclude the frequencies by utilities forurges the operation microwave and landbased mobile systems any future auctions, orused leasing utilities for the operation of microwave and landbased mobile systems in any future auctions, or leasing schemes unless and until all applications for licenses for utilities have been accommodated; and schemes unless and until all applications for licenses for utilities have been accommodated; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any auction that would allow the purchase of BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West any auction would allowto thethe purchase large blocks of radio spectrum by commercial entities opposes and the leasing back that of that spectrum federal of large blocks of radio spectrum bynon-federal commercialutilities entitiesonand the leasing backRadio of thatspectrum spectrumistoa the federal power marketing agencies and a for-profit basis. natural resource power marketing agencies and non-federal utilities on a for-profit basis. Radio spectrum is a natural resource that must be used by those that can make the best use of it for public betterment, not as a resource for a that must be used by revenue stream; andthose that can make the best use of it for public betterment, not as a resource for a revenue stream; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, since the electric service that the Mid-West members provide directly BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, since the that thebe Mid-West provide directly relates to the health and welfare of the public, theelectric electricservice utilities shall given themembers same consideration for relates to thespectrum health and of the public, the electric utilities shallas befor given the same consideration for their radio bywelfare the federal legislative and regulatory bodies, the public safety agencies; and their radio spectrum by the federal legislative and regulatory bodies, as for the public safety agencies; and

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1 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any current or future effort to move primary BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any current or future effort to move primary 2 users to secondary status and to relocate radio spectrum currently assigned to either federal or non-federal users to secondary status to relocate radio spectrum currently assigned to either federal 3 utilities, unless theseand utilities are transferred, at no cost to them, to frequencies of equalorornon-federal greater reliability. utilities, unless these utilities are transferred, at no cost to them, to frequencies of equal or greater reliability. 4 The cost of relocation must not be borne by the utilities forced to move, utilities must be allowed to continue The of relocation must notown be borne the utilities forced to move, utilities must beonallowed continue and 5 cost to own and operate their privatebycommunications systems rather than relying privateto contractors, to and operate private communications systemsnew rather than relying private contractors, and 6 own sufficient timetheir mustown be allowed to acquire the necessary equipment that on meets or exceeds the system's sufficient time must be allowed to acquire the necessary new equipment that meets or exceeds the system's 7 previous reliability standards.

previous reliability standards.

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1 G. FIRE SUPPRESSION 1 2 G. FIRE SUPPRESSION 2 3 WHEREAS, to serve their customers, consumer-owned electric utilities in the member states of Mid34 WHEREAS, to serve their customers, consumer-owned electric utilities in the member states MidWest Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) have distribution and transmission lines that crossofvast 4 5 West Electric Consumers (Mid-West) have distribution andPark transmission lines that distances of federal lands,Association including the U.S. Forest Service, National Service, Bureau of cross Land vast 5 6 distances of federal lands, includingland, the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Management, federal monuments and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and Bureau of Land 6 7 Management, federal monuments land, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and 7 8 WHEREAS, much of the forested federal lands are densely overgrown and have unnatural, unhealthy, 89 WHEREAS, much and of the forested federal lands are densely overgrown and have unnatural, unhealthy, and unsafe fuel buildups; 910 and unsafe fuel buildups; and 10 11 WHEREAS, the U.S. Forest Service has included strict liability for fire suppression cost recovery in 1112 WHEREAS, the U.S.and Forest Service has included strict liability for fire suppression cost recovery in granting utility easements; 1213 granting utility easements; and 13 14 WHEREAS, federal agencies have policies denying consumer-owned utilities timely access to federal 1415 WHEREAS, federal agencies have policies denying consumer-owned lands to perform routine prudent maintenance of electric utility rights-of-way;utilities and timely access to federal 1516 lands to perform routine prudent maintenance of electric utility rights-of-way; and 16 17 WHEREAS, prohibitions on consumer-owned electric utilities clearing dry brush from forest floors or 1718 WHEREAS, prohibitions consumer-owned utilities clearingarcing, dry brush from forest trimming and topping trees haveon resulted in dangerouselectric incidents of electrical damaging powerfloors linesor 1819 trimming and topping trees have resulted in dangerous incidents of electrical arcing, damaging power lines and forest lands; 1920 and forest lands; 20 21 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls upon federal agencies to permit 2122 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT Mid-West calls upon federal agencies permit consumer-owned electric utilities to RESOLVED, conduct timelythat routine and prudent maintenance on utilitytorights-of-way 2223 consumer-owned electric utilities to conduct timely routine and prudent maintenance on utility rights-of-way on federal lands; and 2324 on federal lands; and 24 25 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West calls upon federal agencies to change the liability 2526 BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-Westfire callssuppression upon federal agenciesand to change the liability standard toITone of ordinary negligence in determining liabilities; 2627 standard to one of ordinary negligence in determining fire suppression liabilities; and 27 28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports legislation that: 28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports legislation that: 29 29 30 a. Will reduce the environmental documentation needed for fuel reduction in high fuel 3031 a. Will reduce the areas; environmental documentation needed for fuel reduction in high fuel loading/insect 3132 loading/insect areas; 32 33 b. Eliminates or severely reduces post-decision appeals; 33 b. Eliminates or severely reduces post-decision appeals; 34 34 35 c. Expedite judicial review; 35 Expedite judicial review; 36 c. 36 37 d. Fund the needed fuel reduction treatment; and 3738 d. Fund the needed fuel reduction treatment; and 38 39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports programs that accomplish fuel reduction. 39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports programs that accomplish fuel reduction.

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H. APPROPRIATE FUNDING AND COLLABORATIVE PROCESS FOR H. APPROPRIATE FUNDING COLLABORATIVE WAPA’SAND CAPITAL PROGRAM PROCESS FOR WAPA’S CAPITAL PROGRAM

2 3 4 WHEREAS, Federal Power Customers support a robust federal transmission system; and WHEREAS, Federal Power Customers support a robust federal transmission system; and 5 6 WHEREAS, for many years, the President’s budgets have not requested sufficient appropriations for WHEREAS, for many years, the President’s budgets have not requested sufficient appropriationsare forrepaid 7 Western Area Power Administration’s (WAPA’s) capital budget even though those appropriations Western Area Power Administration’s (WAPA’s) capital budget even though those appropriations are repaid 8 with interest to the U.S. Treasury by the consumer through their rates; and with 9 interest to the U.S. Treasury by the consumer through their rates; and 10 WHEREAS, WAPA’s firm power customers in each region have developed a variety of mechanisms WHEREAS, WAPA’s firm power customers in each region have– developed a variety of mechanisms 11 to fund WAPA’s investments, including its statutory core mission the marketing, including delivery, of to fund WAPA’s investments, statutory core mission facilities; – the marketing, 12 federal hydropower from including Corps andits Reclamation generating and including delivery, of federal hydropower from Corps and Reclamation generating facilities; and 13 14 WHEREAS, WAPA has not demonstrated that overall funding mechanisms – both from Congress WHEREAS, WAPA has not– demonstrated overall 15 and its firm power customers fail to meet itsthat needs; andfunding mechanisms – both from Congress and its firm power customers – fail to meet its needs; and 16 17 WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) supports adequate funding for WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers (Mid-West) supports adequate funding forand 18 federal hydropower projects, including appropriateAssociation alternative financing mechanisms (Resolution III-D); federal hydropower projects, including appropriate alternative financing mechanisms (Resolution III-D); and 19 20 WHEREAS, WAPA’s marketing areas are in five different regions, each with unique statutory WHEREAS, WAPA’s marketing areas are ainWAPA-wide five different“one regions, with uniqueunworkable; statutory and 21 authorities and responsibilities, which makes size each fits all” solution authorities and responsibilities, which makes a WAPA-wide “one size fits all” solution unworkable; and 22 23 WHEREAS, WAPA is not a utility serving retail customers and is not responsible for consumer retail WHEREAS, 24 programs; and WAPA is not a utility serving retail customers and is not responsible for consumer retail programs; and 25 26 WHEREAS, WAPA does not have load growth responsibility since its allocations to its firm power WHEREAS, WAPA 27 customers are fixed; anddoes not have load growth responsibility since its allocations to its firm power customers are fixed; and 28 29 WHEREAS, Mid-West supports WAPA’s continued development of their capital budget in WHEREAS, Mid-West supports WAPA’s continued development of their capital budget in 30 conjunction with their customers; conjunction with their customers; 31 32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West customers do support adequate NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT that Mid-West customers do support adequate 33 Congressional appropriations forRESOLVED, WAPA and remain committed to providing funding from Western States Congressional appropriations for WAPA and remain committed when to providing funding 34 Power Corporation to make up shortfalls in appropriations necessary; and from Western States Power Corporation to make up shortfalls in appropriations when necessary; and 35 36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West opposes WAPA’s access to receipts and/or funding by BE IT FURTHER Mid-West opposes access to receipts while and/orlimiting fundingvital by 37 third-parties since thatRESOLVED, would significantly increase the WAPA’s cost of capital investments third-parties since that would significantly increase the cost of capital investments while limiting vital 38 Congressional oversight and meaningful involvement of customers, who are in fact responsible for repaying Congressional oversight and meaningful involvement of customers, who are in fact responsible for repaying 39 these costs; and these costs; and 40 41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West appreciates WAPA’s latest review of its capital BE IT RESOLVED, Mid-West appreciates WAPA’s latest review of its 42 program FURTHER and urges WAPA to pursuethat a collaborative process, together with its customers, tocapital develop program and urges WAPAsolutions to pursue collaborative 43 mutually-beneficial toafuture funding process, needs. together with its customers, to develop

mutually-beneficial solutions to future funding needs.

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VI. ASSOCIATION POLICY RESOLUTIONS VI. ASSOCIATION POLICY RESOLUTIONS

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1 A. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PREFERENCE POWER A. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FOR PREFERENCE POWER 2 3 WHEREAS, the preference clause in federal law gives public power systems and rural electric WHEREAS, the preference in federal gives public power 4 systems first right to federallyclause generated powerlaw from federal dams; andsystems and rural electric systems first right to federally generated power from federal dams; and 5 6 WHEREAS, there have been attacks on the "public’s first right" established by law, including both WHEREAS, there have attacks the "public’s first right" established by law, including both 7 challenges in first right ofbeen access to thisonpower and proposals to increase the cost of this power by means of challenges in first ofproposals access to this power and proposals to increase the costand of this power by means of 8 various rate right reform thereby making the first right meaningless; various rate reform proposals thereby making the first right meaningless; and 9 10 WHEREAS, this problem is of such a serious nature that steps must continue to be taken to address WHEREAS, this which, problemultimately, is of suchmust a serious nature that steps must be taken to address 11 and combat issues be decided by members of continue Congress;toand and combat issues which, ultimately, must be decided by members of Congress; and 12 13 WHEREAS, there is a need to communicate to members of Congress the significance of the "yardstick WHEREAS, is athe need to communicate to members Congressof thepreference significance of the "yardstick 14 of competition"there which preference clause promotes, the of importance to the economic of competition" theand preference clause promotes, the importance of preference to the 15 well-beingwhich of rural urban America, and the public benefits, which result from theeconomic use of public resources, well-being of rural and urban America, the public benefits, which from the use service; of publicand resources, 16 the energy potential of the nation'sand rivers, and local control over result an essential public the energy potential of the nation's rivers, and local control over an essential public service; and 17 18 WHEREAS, the American Public Power Association (APPA) and National Rural Electric Cooperative WHEREAS, the American Publicwork Power Association (APPA) andAdministration National Ruralto Electric Cooperative 19 Association (NRECA) continually with the Congress and the preserve preference and Association (NRECA) continually work with Congress and the Administration to preserve preferencelocal and 20 cost-based rates for Federal power; and the individual consumer-owned utilities have also undertaken cost-based rates for Federal power; and individual consumer-owned utilities have also undertaken local 21 educational campaigns; and educational campaigns; and 22 23 WHEREAS, we are opposed to legislative and administrative actions, which would undermine WHEREAS, we are opposed to the legislative and administrative which would undermine 24 preference or arbitrarily increase cost of federally generatedactions, power; and preference or arbitrarily increase the cost of federally generated power; and 25 26 WHEREAS, we maintain efforts to educate the public regarding the significance of preference and WHEREAS, effortsroots to educate thesupport public for regarding the significance of preference and 27 cost-based rateswe tomaintain broaden grass political these policies; cost-based rates to broaden grass roots political support for these policies; 28 29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges its NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Mid-Westsupport Electricmajor Consumers Association urges its 30 members, APPA, and NRECA, to continue tothat aggressively educational and informational members, APPA, and NRECA, to continue support educational informational 31 efforts to revitalize and build support to foraggressively the preference clausemajor in Congress, withand state and local officials, with efforts to revitalize and build support for the preference clause in Congress, with state and local officials, with 32 the public, and the media.

the public, and the media.

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B. POWER SUPPLY COORDINATION B. POWER SUPPLY COORDINATION

WHEREAS, experience in joint planning of both power supply and transmission facilities has WHEREAS, experience in joint planning of bothmost power supply and transmission facilities has demonstrated that coordination and cooperation is the economical means to develop such resources in demonstrated coordination andcustomers; cooperationand is the most economical means to develop such resources in the Missouri that Basin for preference the Missouri Basin for preference customers; and WHEREAS, evidence of the value of coordinating power supply and transmission resources has been WHEREAS, evidenceand of operation the value of power supply andunder transmission resources has been the successful construction of coordinating the Joint Transmission System the original 1962 pooling the successful and the operation of the Joint Transmission System original Zone 1962 pooling agreement, theconstruction refinement into Integrated System in 1998, and now theunder Upperthe Missouri (UMZ) agreement, the refinement Integrated in 1998, and now the Upper Missouri Zone (UMZ) of the Southwest Power into Poolthe (SPP) Tariff;System and of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Tariff; and WHEREAS, an important element of maintaining strength among preference customers in the WHEREAS, importanttoelement of maintaining strength preference customers in the and Missouri Basin is a an willingness coordinate and cooperate in theamong development of both power supply Missouri Basin is a willingness to coordinate and cooperate in the development of both power supply and transmission facilities; and transmission facilities; and WHEREAS, the Western Area Power Administration (Western) along with many members of WHEREAS, the WesternAssociation Area Power(Mid-West) Administration alongtowith members of Mid-West Electric Consumers have(Western) joined or plan join many the SPP, a Mid-West Consumers Association (Mid-West) have joined or plan to join the SPP, a Regional Electric Transmission Organization (RTO); and Regional Transmission Organization (RTO); and WHEREAS, Mid-West supports provisions adopted by SPP that honor Western’s statutory and WHEREAS, Mid-West supports provisions adopted by to SPP that honor Western’s statutory and permit contractual obligations to sell and market at-cost hydropower preference power customers, and that contractual obligations to sell andrelationship market at-cost hydropower preference power andplanning that permit the long-standing collaborative between Westerntoand its members oncustomers, power supply to the long-standing continue; and collaborative relationship between Western and its members on power supply planning to continue; and WHEREAS, membership in SPP does not eliminate the need for a safe, reliable, and efficient WHEREAS, in SPP does not eliminate the need a safe,and reliable, efficient transmission systemmembership to deliver electricity to preference customers offor Western other and public-utility transmission system to deliver consumer loads in the region;electricity to preference customers of Western and other public-utility consumer loads in the region; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West urges its members, whether part of a regional NOW, organization THEREFORE, that Mid-Westofurges its members, whether of a regional transmission or BE not,IT to RESOLVED, continue to take advantage the benefits that come frompart coordinating and transmission or not, to continueand to take advantage of the benefits thatsupply, come from coordinating and cooperating organization in the planning, development, operation of transmission, power and demand-side cooperating theregion; planning, resources ininthe anddevelopment, and operation of transmission, power supply, and demand-side resources in the region; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports Right of First Refusal laws in the region that BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West of FirsttoRefusal lawscustomer in the region give incumbent utilities the right to construct, own, andsupports operate Right transmission serve their loadsthat in give the righttransmission to construct, providers own, and should operatenot transmission to serve their customer in the incumbent region, andutilities that third-party be permitted to construct, operate,loads and own the region, and that unless third-party transmission providers nottobe to construct, and own such transmission the incumbent utility waivesshould its right dopermitted so as authorized underoperate, state law. such transmission unless the incumbent utility waives its right to do so as authorized under state law.

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1 C. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES C. POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES 2 3 WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) recognizes that we must have a WHEREAS, Electricand Consumers Association (Mid-West) recognizes that we must have a 4 U. S. CongressMid-West that understands is sympathetic to the legislative needs of consumer-owned electric U.5 S. Congress that understands and is sympathetic to the legislative needs of consumer-owned electric utilities; and utilities; and 6 7 WHEREAS, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Action Committee for Rural WHEREAS, National Electric Cooperative for Ruralto providing 8 Electrificationthe (ACRE) andRural the American Public PowerAssociation's Association'sAction PowerCommittee PAC are dedicated Electrification (ACRE) and the campaign American of Public Power Association's PAC are dedicated to providingto the 9 assistance to the election Congressional candidatesPower who understand and are sympathetic assistance to the election campaign of Congressional candidates who understand and are sympathetic to the 10 legislative needs of public power; legislative needs of public power; 11 12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby urges all eligible consumers, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby urges all eligiblein consumers, 13 trustees, directors, and employees of consumer-owned electric utilities to participate the ACRE and Power trustees, directors, and employees of consumer-owned electric utilities to participate in the ACRE and Power 14 PAC programs.

PAC programs.

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D.UTILITY UTILITYCROSSINGS CROSSINGSAND ANDRIGHT RIGHTOF OFWAYS WAYSON ONRAILROAD RAILROADPROPERTY PROPERTY D. WHEREAS,public publicelectric electricsystems systemshave havea aduty dutytotosupply supplyservice servicetotoconsumers, consumers,which whichmay mayrequire require WHEREAS, the crossing or paralleling of railroad property; and the crossing or paralleling of railroad property; and WHEREAS,the therailroads railroadshave havesometimes sometimescharged chargedexcessive excessiveand andinconsistent inconsistentrates ratesfor forcrossing crossingoror WHEREAS, paralleling railroad properties; and paralleling railroad properties; and WHEREAS,abandoned abandonedrailroad railroadright rightofofways waysmay maymake makeideal idealutility utilitycorridors; corridors;and and WHEREAS, WHEREAS,within withinthe theexisting existingregulations, regulations,a arailroad railroadisisunder undernonoobligation obligationtotoprovide providepublic publicutility utility WHEREAS, accessupon uponabandonment abandonmentofofa arailroad railroadright rightofofway; way; access NOW,THEREFORE, THEREFORE,BE BEITITRESOLVED, RESOLVED,that thatMid-West Mid-WestElectric ElectricConsumers ConsumersAssociation Associationurges urgesthe the NOW, railroads to offer a one-time reasonable fee for utility operations crossing or paralleling railroads; and railroads to offer a one-time reasonable fee for utility operations crossing or paralleling railroads; and BEITITFURTHER FURTHERRESOLVED, RESOLVED,that thatupon upona arailroad's railroad'sintention intentiontotoabandon abandona aright-of-way right-of-waythat thatthe the BE railroads give consideration to preserving the right of way for other utility infrastructure. railroads give consideration to preserving the right of way for other utility infrastructure.

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1 E. UTILITY POLICIES ON TRIBAL LANDS E. UTILITY POLICIES ON TRIBAL LANDS 2 3 WHEREAS, the Native American (Tribes) haveencouraged been encouraged by Congress to utilize WHEREAS, the Native American Tribes Tribes (Tribes) have been by Congress to utilize 4 sovereign nation status, under the Indian Self-Determination Act, to become more self-sufficient; sovereign nation status, under the Indian Self-Determination Act, to become more self-sufficient; and and 5 6 WHEREAS, some Tribes have, andare some are to, trying to, assume jurisdiction over utilities and levy WHEREAS, some Tribes have, and some trying assume jurisdiction over utilities and levy 7 exorbitant fees and charges of service territories, right-of-way and crossings; exorbitant fees and charges for thefor usethe of use service territories, right-of-way and crossings; and and 8 9 WHEREAS, are challenging utility territorial rights are studying with federally WHEREAS, Tribes Tribes are challenging utility territorial rights and areand studying with federally 10 appropriated funds the takeover of facilities utility facilities on reservations; appropriated funds the takeover of utility on reservations; and and 11 12 WHEREAS, rural electric and municipal on democratic principles for service WHEREAS, rural electric and municipal utilitiesutilities operateoperate on democratic principles for service at the at the 13 lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business principles, and with the cooperatives, rates as approved lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business principles, and with the cooperatives, rates as approved 14 the by the Utilities Rural Utilities over 60 and years; and by Rural ServiceService over the pastthe 60past years; 15 16 WHEREAS, additional charges, territory or facilities andtaken loadtogether taken together to the WHEREAS, additional charges, territory or facilities and load all addall to add the cost ofcost of 17 service and impact the remaining consumers; and service and impact the remaining consumers; and 18 19 WHEREAS, the preference customers this region nottohave bear the burden of the Tribal WHEREAS, the preference customers of this of region shouldshould not have beartothe burden of the Tribal 20 claims against the United States government; and claims against the United States government; and 21 22 WHEREAS, the electric infrastructure is already place the reservations in theofform of WHEREAS, the electric utility utility infrastructure is already in placeinon the on reservations in the form 23 electric rural electric cooperatives, districts, or municipal systems; rural cooperatives, public public power power districts, or municipal electricelectric systems; and and 24 25 WHEREAS, splitting or building a new system utility system not a feasible solution noritdoes bode well WHEREAS, splitting or building a new utility is not aisfeasible solution nor does bodeitwell 26 for the interests of either the Tribes or the utilities; and for the interests of either the Tribes or the utilities; and 27 28 WHEREAS, the utilities want are willing workthe with the Tribes to maintain sound delivery WHEREAS, the utilities want and areand willing to worktowith Tribes to maintain a sounda delivery 29 system, which they have done both on and off the reservations; and system, which they have done both on and off the reservations; and 30 31 WHEREAS, the Energy Planning and Management Program (EPAMP), contract WHEREAS, the Energy Planning and Management Program (EPAMP), which which offeredoffered contract 32 extensions between Western Area Power Administration (Western) and existing preference customers extensions between Western Area Power Administration (Western) and existing preference customers 33 includes allocations to Tribes in the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program that will depend on an arrangement includes allocations to Tribes in the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program that will depend on an arrangement 34 between the Tribes and preference customers, will deliver the benefits of the hydropower to Tribal between the Tribes and preference customers, which which will deliver the benefits of the hydropower to Tribal 35 members; members; 36 37 THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Consumers Association NOW,NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT BE RESOLVED, that Mid-West ElectricElectric Consumers Association 38 (Mid-West) attempts to become more self-sufficient through other than: (Mid-West) would would supportsupport Tribal Tribal attempts to become more self-sufficient through means means other than: 39 40 a.Imposing Imposing to access and maintain utility property; a. chargescharges to access and maintain utility property; 41 42 b.Regulatory Regulatory by Tribal Governments, not consistent with prudent b. actionsactions by Tribal Governments, which which are notare consistent with prudent 43 utility practices and negatively utility operations; utility practices and negatively impactimpact electricelectric utility operations; 44 45 c.TakingTaking over electric utility facilities and territory; c. over electric utility facilities and territory; 46 47 d.Preferential Preferential treatment the federal government in theofareas of generation, d. treatment by the by federal government in the areas generation, 48 transmission, distribution and alternate energy development, which transmission, distribution and alternate energy development, which would would harm harm 49 existing preference customers; existing preference customers; 50 51 e.Using Bill Using Bill Crediting revenues to study, procure, or operate facilities presently e. Crediting revenues to study, procure, or operate electricelectric facilities presently 52 the Tribes; servingserving the Tribes; and and

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West work with its members to bring about an BE IT on FURTHER that Mid-West work with its members to continuing bring abouttoanpursue Tribal understanding the part ofRESOLVED, the Tribes and Congress of the consequences of their understanding on the part of the Tribes and Congress of the consequences claims at the expense of Mid-West member utilities and their customers. of their continuing to pursue Tribal claims at the expense of Mid-West member utilities and their customers.

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1 F. RESOLVING TERRITORIAL DISPUTES 2 F. RESOLVING TERRITORIAL DISPUTES 3 WHEREAS, rural electric systems and municipal public power systems are dedicated to the principles 4 ofWHEREAS, consumer ownership and consumer control whilepublic providing efficient, electricto service at the lowest rural electric systems and municipal power systemsreliable are dedicated the principles 5 possible cost; and of consumer ownership and consumer control while providing efficient, reliable electric service at the lowest 6 possible cost; and 7 WHEREAS, it is recognized that the natural growth of municipalities served by municipal public 8 power systems itwill, from time that to time, extend growth into areas by ruralserved electricbysystems, generally WHEREAS, is recognized the natural of served municipalities municipal public raising the 9 issue of the source of future electric service for those customers in newly incorporated areas depending power systems will, from time to time, extend into areas served by rural electric systems, generally raising theon the 10 state governing territorial rights respective utilities; and incorporated areas depending on the issue of thelaws source of futurethe electric service forof those customers in newly 11 state laws governing the territorial rights of respective utilities; and 12 WHEREAS, it is recognized that, without a mutually cooperative and equitable planning and 13 compensation such expansions can alead to economic hardship rural electric systems WHEREAS,process, it is recognized that, without mutually cooperative andfor equitable planning and concerning 14 territorialprocess, matters;such and expansions can lead to economic hardship for rural electric systems concerning compensation 15 territorial matters; and 16 WHEREAS, over the years since they came into being, rural electric systems and municipal public 17 power systems over havethe formed mutually haselectric resulted in the successful resolution WHEREAS, yearsasince theybeneficial came intobond being,that rural systems and municipal publicof many 18 matters, including territorial disputes, that are vital to the continued existence of each and that can serve as power systems have formed a mutually beneficial bond that has resulted in the successful resolution of many 19 examples to others; anddisputes, that are vital to the continued existence of each and that can serve as matters, including territorial 20 examples to others; and 21 WHEREAS, territorial disputes that are not dealt with in a fair and cooperative manner on the local 22 and state levelsterritorial threaten the strength thenot bond between and municipal public power systems WHEREAS, disputes thatofare dealt with inrural a fairelectric and cooperative manner on the local 23 and,levels in turn, strengthen the position investor-owned utilities (IOUs); and state threaten the strength of theofbond between rural electric and municipal public power systems 24 and, in turn, strengthen the position of investor-owned utilities (IOUs); 25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association 26 (Mid-West) urges the National Electric that Cooperative Association and the American Public Power NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT Rural RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association 27 Association to continue to work together to enhance the bond between rural electric cooperatives (Mid-West) urges the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the American Public Powerand 28 municipal public power systems, a bond that has countless threats to their progress and from federal Association to continue to work together to enhance thedeterred bond between rural electric cooperatives 29 officials, IOUs and others; and to disseminate information about the successful resolution of territorial disputes municipal public power systems, a bond that has deterred countless threats to their progress from federal 30 thatIOUs can serve as examples; officials, and others; and to and disseminate information about the successful resolution of territorial disputes 31 that can serve as examples; and 32 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West encourages individual municipal, public power and 33 rural electric cooperative systems tothat work togetherencourages toward fairindividual and equitable solutions of territorial matters BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West municipal, public power and 34 affecting them. rural electric cooperative systems to work together toward fair and equitable solutions of territorial matters

affecting them.

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VII. WATER WATERPOLICY POLICY RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS VII.





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A. NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND WATER POLICY A. NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND WATER POLICY

WHEREAS, water and power development is integral to economic stability and growth in many areas of 4 the nation and in several regions are the foundation upon which whole regional economies are based; and WHEREAS, water and power development is integral to economic stability and growth in many areas of 5 the nation and in several regions are the foundation upon which whole regional economies are based; and 6 WHEREAS, federal water resource development projects are of national importance due to their multi7 purpose objectives, rather than local or single interest issues; and WHEREAS, federal water resource development projects are of national importance due to their multi8 purpose objectives, rather than local or single interest issues; and 9 WHEREAS, the need for an adequate supply of good quality water, including domestic water needs of 10 rural and small town America and that new rural and small town domestic water systems should be given WHEREAS, the need for an adequate supply of good quality water, including domestic water needs of 11 equal priority with other federal resource development programs in federal authorization and funding; and rural and small town America and that new rural and small town domestic water systems should be given 12 equal priority with other federal resource development programs in federal authorization and funding; and 13 WHEREAS, the benefits of development of national resources belong to the people, with the federal 14 government responsible for establishing and maintaining programs that protect the public ownership interest of WHEREAS, the benefits of development of national resources belong to the people, with the federal 15 the nation as fundamental to the maximum development, conservation and utilization of the natural resources; government responsible for establishing and maintaining programs that protect the public ownership interest of 16 and the nation as fundamental to the maximum development, conservation and utilization of the natural resources; 17 and 18 WHEREAS, federally constructed hydroelectric projects pay back their costs, with interest, and are 19 enhanced by significant non-federal investment for the benefit of the projects' beneficiaries and the financial WHEREAS, federally constructed hydroelectric projects pay back their costs, with interest, and are 20 stability of the projects; and enhanced by significant non-federal investment for the benefit of the projects' beneficiaries and the financial 21 stability of the projects; and 22 WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) believes there must be a well23 defined, strong federal role in water resource development; WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) believes there must be a well24 defined, strong federal role in water resource development; 25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports a national water policy that focuses 26 on the importance of water resource development, especially western power and water development; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports a national water policy that focuses 27 provides for the orderly and timely development of projects undertaken for the public benefit; recognizes the on the importance of water resource development, especially western power and water development; 28 conservation value of dams to moderate floods and droughts and provide beneficial uses; ensures repayment provides for the orderly and timely development of projects undertaken for the public benefit; recognizes the 29 of federal investments by project beneficiaries is on a scheduled and equitable basis; and conservation value of dams to moderate floods and droughts and provide beneficial uses; ensures repayment 30 of federal investments by project beneficiaries is on a scheduled and equitable basis; and 31 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that permitting under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act protects 32 water supplies, and is not used to stifle legitimate and badly needed water resource development; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that permitting under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act protects 33 water supplies, and is not used to stifle legitimate and badly needed water resource development; and 34 BE IT FURETHER RRESOLVED, that federal policy should provide that non-federal additions or 35 upgrades at existing hydroelectric projects be made only with the full approval of the Power Marketing BE IT FURETHER RRESOLVED, that federal policy should provide that non-federal additions or 36 Administration (PMA) involved, after consultation with the affected customers; those projects be based on upgrades at existing hydroelectric projects be made only with the full approval of the Power Marketing 37 regional preference customers' needs; and that any additional power shall be marketed by that PMA to Administration (PMA) involved, after consultation with the affected customers; those projects be based on 38 preference customers. regional preference customers' needs; and that any additional power shall be marketed by that PMA to preference customers. 3

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B. CLEAN WATER ACT PROTECTIONS B.Water CLEAN ACTone PROTECTIONS WHEREAS, the Clean Act ofWATER 1972 has been of the most successful environmental laws enacted in our nation’s history and, subsequently, that law has led to the restoration of many of our nation’s WHEREAS, the Clean Water Act of 1972 has been one of the most successful environmental laws waterways; and enacted in our nation’s history and, subsequently, that law has led to the restoration of many of our nation’s waterways; and WHEREAS, the Clean Water Act defines "navigable waters" as "waters of the United States,

including the territorial seas"; and WHEREAS, the Clean Water Act defines "navigable waters" as "waters of the United States, includingWHEREAS, the territorialstate seas"; andand local governments, businesses, environmental groups, the courts and federal officials have long grappled with the question of how far federal jurisdiction extends to waters not generally WHEREAS, stateby andtraditional local governments, businesses, the courtsand and federal considered “navigable” means, such as isolatedenvironmental wetlands and groups, prairie potholes; officials have long grappled with the question of how far federal jurisdiction extends to waters not generally considered “navigable”U.S. by traditional means, such as in isolated wetlands and prairie and (2001) and WHEREAS, Supreme Court decisions SWANCC v. Army Corps potholes; of Engineers Rapanos v. United States (2006) limited federal jurisdiction over some wetlands and waterways, but did not WHEREAS, Supreme Court in SWANCC v. Army Corps ofwaters,” Engineers (2001) and the provide a bright lineU.S. on what it means todecisions have a “significant nexus” to “navigable which remains Rapanos United (2006)federal limitedjurisdiction; federal jurisdiction over some wetlands and waterways, but did not decidingv.factor inStates determining and provide a bright line on what it means to have a “significant nexus” to “navigable waters,” which remains the deciding WHEREAS, factor in determining jurisdiction; and decisions, some in the U.S. Congress have promoted since thefederal SWANCC and Rapanos legislation to explicitly expand federal protection over all waters in the United States; and WHEREAS, since the SWANCC and Rapanos decisions, some in the U.S. Congress have promoted legislation to explicitlythe expand federal protection over all Agency waters inand thethe United and of Engineers have WHEREAS, U.S. Environmental Protection U.S. States; Army Corps jointly proposed a new rule to codify a new definition of "Waters of the United States" in federal regulation, WHEREAS, Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in which they claimthe willU.S. endEnvironmental the debate overProtection what is and isn’t considered a protected waterway; and have jointly proposed a new rule to codify a new definition of "Waters of the United States" in federal regulation, in which WHEREAS, they claim will end than the debate overproblem, what is and considereddefinition a protected waterway; and rather solve the this isn’t new regulatory could severely impact agricultural operations and other routine business practices if every ditch, furrow, gutter, intermittent stream, WHEREAS, than solve thetoproblem, this new regulatory definition wetland, or potholerather is suddenly subject federal permitting and protection; and could severely impact agricultural operations and other routine business practices if every ditch, furrow, gutter, intermittent stream, wetland, WHEREAS, or pothole is suddenly federal habitat permitting and protection; wetlands subject provideto essential for migratory birds and and other wildlife, and provide an

invaluable resource for recreation, including hunting; and WHEREAS, wetlands provide essential habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, and provide an invaluable resource forfarmers recreation, hunting; and interest in clean water, and have long taken voluntary WHEREAS, and including ranchers have a vested land conservation and improvement measures, so an expansion of regulation under this rule could actually farmers and ranchers have a vested interest in cleanand water, and have long taken voluntary hinderWHEREAS, rather than help the stated goal of protecting sensitive wetlands providing clean water; land conservation and improvement measures, so an expansion of regulation under this rule could actually hinder rather than help the statedBE goal protecting sensitive wetlands and providing clean water; (MidNOW, THEREFORE, ITof RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association West) and its members oppose the definition of “Waters of the United States” rule and other attempts to THEREFORE, BE waters IT RESOLVED, thatthat Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (MidexpandNOW, federal jurisdiction over beyond those have historically been regulated under the Clean West) and its members oppose the definition of “Waters of the United States” rule and other attempts to Water Act; and expand federal jurisdiction over waters beyond those that have historically been regulated under the Clean Water Act; BEand IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports efforts to fight the rule in federal court and urges Congress to pass common-sense legislation that ensures that the goals of the Clean Water Act are BE IT imposing FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West supports effortsand to fight the rule in federal court and met without cumbersome regulations on farmers, ranchers, agriculture. urges Congress to pass common-sense legislation that ensures that the goals of the Clean Water Act are met without imposing cumbersome regulations on farmers, ranchers, and agriculture.

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1 C. MISSOURI RIVER STABILIZATION 2 MISSOURI RIVERofSTABILIZATION 3 WHEREAS, theC. protection and stabilization the banks and channel of the upper Missouri River and 4 its tributaries are of vital importance to maximize the life of the six mainstream dams and reservoirs; and WHEREAS, the protection and stabilization of the banks and channel of the upper Missouri River and 5 its6 tributaries are of vital importance to maximize the lifeignores of the six mainstream dams and reservoirs; WHEREAS, riverside development often historic flood plain information; and and 7 WHEREAS, riverside development often ignores historic flood information; 8 WHEREAS, sediment accumulates in the reservoirs at theplain approximate rate and of 89,700 acre feet per 9 year which is equivalent to 10 square miles of mud slightly more than 14 feet deep; and WHEREAS, sediment accumulates in the reservoirs at the approximate rate of 89,700 acre feet per 10 year which is equivalent to 10 milesbuildup of mudofslightly than 14 feet deep; and 11 WHEREAS, thesquare continuing deltas more and subsurface sediment at locations such as Bismarck, 12 North Dakota, and Pierre, South Dakota, not only creates very serious local problems such as ice jams and WHEREAS, the continuing of deltas power and subsurface sediment at locations as Bismarck, 13 high water tables, but also hasbuildup led to curtailed production to prevent floodingsuch of certain areas; and North Dakota, and Pierre, South Dakota, not only creates very serious local problems such as ice jams and 14 high but also has led to curtailed power production to prevent flooding ofchannel certain areas; 15 water tables, WHEREAS, protection of the banks and maintenance of a free-flowing on the and Missouri River 16 and its tributaries as a federal project purpose under the Pick-Sloan plan, including construction, operation, WHEREAS, protection ofby thethe banks maintenance of a free-flowing on the Missouri River 17 and maintenance of works U.S.and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps),channel is a federal responsibility and the and its tributaries as a federal project purpose under the Pick-Sloan plan, including construction, operation, 18 costs for which should be equitably shared by all beneficiaries; and and 19 maintenance of works by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), is a federal responsibility and the costs should be equitably shared by all beneficiaries; and 20 for whichWHEREAS, the Corps has decided to use funds intended for riverbank protection to purchase 21 rights-of-way along those banks in order to avoid having to undertake riverbank stabilization; and WHEREAS, the Corps has decided to use funds intended for riverbank protection to purchase 22 rights-of-way along those banks insiltation order to of avoid having toRiver undertake stabilization; and in higher costs 23 WHEREAS, severe the Missouri alongriverbank major tributaries has resulted 24 for power users and introduced the potential for electric system reliability problems; and WHEREAS, severe siltation of the Missouri River along major tributaries has resulted in higher costs 25 for and introduced the potential for electric system problems; and as 400,000 kilowatts in 26 power users WHEREAS, generation constraints at Oahe powerreliability plant have been as much 27 the past, and threaten to be more frequent and long-lasting as sediment continues to build up in the river WHEREAS, 28 bottom; and generation constraints at Oahe power plant have been as much as 400,000 kilowatts in the past, and threaten to be more frequent and long-lasting as sediment continues to build up in the river 29 bottom; and WHEREAS, Congress included language and authorized an appropriation in the 1999 Continuing 30 31 Budget Resolution to provide for the acquisition of lands below Oahe Dam being flooded as a result of WHEREAS, Congress included language and authorized an appropriation in the 1999 Continuing 32 unexpected levels of siltation in Lake Sharpe; Budget Resolution to provide for the acquisition of lands below Oahe Dam being flooded as a result of 33 unexpected levels of siltation in LakeBE Sharpe; 34 NOW, THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) 35 urges Congress and the Corps to budget and appropriate sufficient funds to control bank erosion and attendant NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITand RESOLVED, Consumers Association (Mid-West) 36 siltation, (thereby completing maintainingMid-West this vital Electric part of the Pick-Sloan plan), prevent interruptions of urges Congress and the Corps to budget and appropriate sufficient funds to control bank erosion and attendant 37 project operations, reductions in power generation and future land losses; and siltation, (thereby completing and maintaining this vital part of the Pick-Sloan plan), prevent interruptions of 38 project operations, in power generation and future land 39 BE ITreductions FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West urges thelosses; Corpsand to develop a comprehensive plan to use 40 appropriated funds to deal with bank stabilization and sedimentation not only through land acquisition but BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, urges sediment, the Corps or to develop comprehensive to usethe future 41 through dredging river bottoms to Mid-West address existing workingawith landowners plan to reduce appropriated funds to deal with bank stabilization and sedimentation not only through 42 sediment inflow, as appropriate, in consultation with affected user groups; and land acquisition but through dredging river bottoms to address existing sediment, or working with landowners to reduce the future 43 sediment inflow, consultationMid-West with affected user groups; and to strongly discourage development 44 BEas ITappropriate, FURTHER in RESOLVED, encourages the Corps 45 on historic flood plains; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West encourages the Corps to strongly discourage development 46 on historic flood and 47 BEplains; IT FURTHER RESOLVED, Mid-West also calls on the Corps to allocate the costs of riverbank and 48 channel protection and cost of addressing siltation problems appropriately to all project purposes for the BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 49 Pick-Sloan multipurpose projects. Mid-West also calls on the Corps to allocate the costs of riverbank and

channel protection and cost of addressing siltation problems appropriately to all project purposes for the Pick-Sloan multipurpose projects. 60 61

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D. PICK-SLOAN ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT D. PICK-SLOAN ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT

WHEREAS, the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (Pick-Sloan), originally authorized in the 1944 Flood Controlthe Act, envisioned an “ultimate in the region to serveauthorized the dual purposes WHEREAS, Pick-Sloan Missouri Basindevelopment” Program (Pick-Sloan), originally in the of downstream flood control and improved upstream economic in conditions bytothe construction of six 1944 Flood Control Act, envisioned an “ultimate development” the region serve the dual purposes stem Missouri River dams and the development of major federal irrigation and of six ofmain downstream flood control and improved upstream economic conditions by theprojects; construction main stem Missouri River dams and the development of major federal irrigation projects; and WHEREAS, the flood control functions of the Pick-Sloan Plan have averted well over $50 billion in current in downstream and WHEREAS, the dollars flood control functionsdamages; of the Pick-Sloan Plan have averted well over $50 billion in current dollars in downstream damages; and WHEREAS, only a small portion of the extensive federal irrigation to benefit the Upper Basin WHEREAS, States has actually resulting in aextensive substantial unfulfilled commitment only occurred, a small portion of the federal irrigation to benefit for the economic Upper development; Basin States has and actually occurred, resulting in a substantial unfulfilled commitment for economic development; and WHEREAS, all Pick-Sloan states have benefited from and continue to rely upon the cost-based rate principles that all govern the marketing and sale of hydropower Pick-Sloan federal preference WHEREAS, Pick-Sloan states have benefited from andfrom continue to rely under upon the cost-based laws; and that govern the marketing and sale of hydropower from Pick-Sloan under federal preference rate principles laws; and WHEREAS, the preference customers of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program are committed to the basic principles of ultimate of development, which include: i) future federal WHEREAS, the preference customers the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program are investmenttotothe improve the economic conditions in the Upper Greatinclude: Plains; ii) marketing of committed basic principles of ultimate development, which i) future federal hydroelectric generating resources according to preference at cost-based rates; and; iii) repaying with investment to improve the economic conditions in the Upper Great Plains; ii) marketing of interest the investment the power features to of preference Pick-Sloanatand meeting other obligations hydroelectric generating in resources according cost-based rates;repayment and; iii) repaying with as required by Pick-Sloan; and interest the investment in the power features of Pick-Sloan and meeting other repayment obligations as required by Pick-Sloan; and WHEREAS, preference customers have repaid on time and with interest $1.3 billion (through FY 2014) preference of the $3.1 customers billion investment allocated to the features$1.3 in the Pick-Sloan; WHEREAS, have repaid on time andpower with interest billion and (through FY 2014) of the $3.1 billion investment allocated to the power features in the Pick-Sloan; and WHEREAS, preference customers have repaid millions of dollars in additional investments in replacements to the power features, and will replacements interest as each WHEREAS, preference customers haverepay repaidfuture millions of dollarswith in additional investments in replacement is projected in the power repayment study; and replacements to the power features, and will repay future replacements with interest as each replacement is projected in the power repayment study; and WHEREAS, the preference customers under the current power repayment studies and rate designs will also repay within the customers allowable time additional millionstudies of existing irrigation WHEREAS, the preference underlimit the an current power$657 repayment and rate investment, which is beyond the irrigators’ ability to repay; and designs will also repay within the allowable time limit an additional $657 million of existing irrigation investment, which is beyond the irrigators’ ability to repay; and WHEREAS, the continuing commitment to the framework of Pick-Sloan is based on providing regional benefits for all of the system’s users, all users sharing in the overall project costs and WHEREAS, thethecontinuing commitment to with the framework of Pick-Sloan is based on providing benefits; regional benefits for the all of the system’s users, with all users sharing in the overall project costs and benefits; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West reaffirms its commitment to the regional benefits and cost-sharing the “ultimatethat development” concept defined by Pick-Sloan NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITofRESOLVED, Mid-West reaffirms its commitment to the including cost-based hydroelectric rates, and federal control, ownership and marketing of regional benefits and cost-sharing of the “ultimate development” concept defined by Pick-Sloan hydroelectricity according to preference laws; and control, ownership and marketing of including cost-based hydroelectric rates, and federal hydroelectricity according to preference laws; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West opposes any proposal to “cherry pick” repayment of the Pick-Sloan investmentRESOLVED, through reallocation of irrigation costs to proposal power customers and insists that BE IT FURTHER that Mid-West opposes any to “cherry pick” repayment of Congress continue to honor the “ultimate development” concept allocations by resisting all suggestions the Pick-Sloan investment through reallocation of irrigation costscost to power customers and insists that that portions of thetofederal investment bedevelopment” repaid before they are scheduled. Congress continue honor the “ultimate concept cost allocations by resisting all suggestions that portions of the federal investment be repaid before they are scheduled. 61 62 61 62

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1 E. WATER RELEASES AT FEDERAL RESERVOIRS 2 E. WATER RELEASES AT FEDERAL 3 WHEREAS, the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation)RESERVOIRS and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 4 (Corps) are required by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife WHEREAS, the U. S. of Bureau ofdams Reclamation (Reclamation) and theaffect U.S. Army Corps Engineers 5 Service when operation federal and reservoirs may adversely threatened orof endangered (Corps) are required 6 species; and by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when operation of federal dams and reservoirs may adversely affect threatened or endangered 7 species; and WHEREAS, these consultations can and have resulted in changes to water release schedules at federal 8 9 dams, including altered water releases at Fort Randall Dam to accommodate endangered shore birds and the WHEREAS, these consultations can and have resulted in changesoftoFlaming water release at federal 10 recommendation of the 1992 Biological Opinion on the Operation Gorgeschedules Dam to alter water dams, including altered water releases at Fort Randall Dam to accommodate endangered shore birds and the 11 releases to reflect natural flows; and recommendation of the 1992 Biological Opinion on the Operation of Flaming Gorge Dam to alter water 12 releases to reflect natural flows; andin water releases at federal reservoirs can and have adversely affected current 13 WHEREAS, changes 14 direct beneficiaries of these reservoirs; as well as the communities and businesses that have developed as a WHEREAS, in water releases at federal reservoirs and have adversely affected current 15 consequence ofchanges the construction and operations of the federalcan dams and reservoirs; and direct 16 beneficiaries of these reservoirs; as well as the communities and businesses that have developed as a consequence of the construction and operations the federal dams andhardships reservoirs; 17 WHEREAS, adverse releases also of create severe financial forand these communities and 18 businesses, including member-owners whose businesses lie within the Colorado and Missouri River Basins WHEREAS, adverse releases severe financial hardships for these communities and and 19 and whose existence depends onalso the create consistent release schedules at federal dams and reservoirs; businesses, including member-owners whose businesses lie within the Colorado and Missouri River Basins 20 and whose existence depends on the consistent release schedules at federal dams reservoirs; and of water use 21 WHEREAS, administratively-ordered changes in water releases canand alter the priorities 22 from those articulated in the original authorizing statutes; can supersede and conflict with state water WHEREAS, indisrupt water releases alter the priorities of water use 23 regulations andadministratively-ordered allocations processes; canchanges severely electric can power generation and distribution from articulated in the authorizing statutes; can supersede conflict with state waterfrom carbon24 those networks; can result inoriginal increased carbon dioxide production as theand result of increased output regulations and allocations processes; can severely disrupt electric power generation and distribution 25 based generation, can reduce the value of water used by existing beneficiaries without corresponding cost networks; can result increased carbon dioxide as the resultwith of increased carbon26 reductions; andincan lead to unbalanced waterproduction releases that conflict the publicoutput powerfrom interest; based generation, can reduce the value of water used by existing beneficiaries without corresponding cost 27 reductions; and can lead to unbalanced releases thatthat conflict with the publicConsumers power interest; 28 NOW, THEREFORE, BEwater IT RESOLVED, Mid-West Electric Association (Mid29 West) urges Reclamation, the Corps and other appropriate federal agencies to fully comply with the relevant NOW, THEREFORE, BE ITapplicable RESOLVED, thatincluding, Mid-Westcontractual Electric Consumers Association 30 authorizing statutes and other systems commitments, federal (Midregulations, West) urges Reclamation, the Corps and other appropriate federal agencies to fully comply with the relevant 31 interstate compacts and decrees, and state water laws; and authorizing statutes and other applicable systems including, contractual commitments, federal regulations, 32 interstate compacts decrees,RESOLVED, and state waterthat laws; and urges Reclamation and the Corps, before making 33 BE IT and FURTHER Mid-West 34 water management decisions, to consider the adverse effect that changes in water releases could have on one or BE IT FURTHERincluding RESOLVED, Mid-West and theare Corps, before makingfor all users 35 more beneficiaries, powerthat customers, to urges ensureReclamation that water releases fair and equitable water management 36 of the system.decisions, to consider the adverse effect that changes in water releases could have on one or

more beneficiaries, including power customers, to ensure that water releases are fair and equitable for all users of the system.

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F. OPPOSITION TO DAM REMOVAL OR BREACHING F. OPPOSITION TOmulti-purpose DAM REMOVAL OR BREACHING WHEREAS, the removal of federal dams or other navigational and impoundment facilities is not a silver bullet that would boost native fish populations or solve alleged environmental ills; and WHEREAS, the removal of federal multi-purpose dams or other navigational and impoundment facilities is not a silver this bullet that would boost populations ordisastrous solve alleged environmental WHEREAS, short-sighted policynative wouldfish create potentially economic impacts,ills; andand new environmental issues; and WHEREAS, this short-sighted policy would create potentially disastrous economic impacts, and new environmental issues; and WHEREAS, in addition to depriving the nation of clean, renewable hydropower generated by multipurpose dams, the breaching of multi-purpose dams would wreak havoc on commerce dependent on barges WHEREAS, addition tothreaten depriving nationwater of clean, renewable hydropower generated by unravel multiand other waterwayinnavigation, thethe potable supplies of hundreds of towns and cities, purpose dams, the breaching of multi-purpose dams would wreak havoc on commerce dependent on barges decades of wildlife mitigation efforts, and with regard to farmland irrigation, render large sections of the and other waterway the potable water of hundreds country dependentnavigation, upon these threaten impoundments barren andsupplies unproductive; and of towns and cities, unravel decades of wildlife mitigation efforts, and with regard to farmland irrigation, render large sections of the country dependent upon these impoundments barren and unproductive; and the nation's inventory of electric WHEREAS, removing clean, renewable hydroelectric power from

power resources, especially at a time when the demand for high-quality electricity is rising precipitously, removing clean, renewable hydroelectric power from thefriendly nation'scombustion inventory ofgeneration electric and wouldWHEREAS, require the replacement of that electricity with less environmentally power resources, especially at a time when the demand for high-quality electricity is rising precipitously, likely increase carbon dioxide with increases from carbon-based generation; would require the replacement of that electricity with less environmentally friendly combustion generation and likely increase dioxide with from carbon-based generation; NOW,carbon THEREFORE, BE increases IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges Congress to reject proposals to remove or breach federally-owned dams; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association urges Congress BE to reject proposals RESOLVED, to remove or breach federally-owned dams;throughout and IT FURTHER that federal power customers the nation should examine their dependence—and the dependence of their communities and consumers—on federal multi-purpose and IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that federal power throughout nation should examine other BE facilities and tally the adverse economic impact thatcustomers would result from the the breaching or removal of their dependence—and the dependence of their communities and consumers—on federal multi-purpose and dams so this information could be communicated to community leaders, state legislators, members of other facilities tally the adverse economic Congress andand other opinion leaders; and impact that would result from the breaching or removal of dams so this information could be communicated to community leaders, state legislators, members of Congress BE andIT other opinion leaders; and that federal power customers should identify community, state and FURTHER RESOLVED, national organizations for whom dam removal would be equally devastating and enlist their collaboration in BE ITopposition FURTHER federaltopower customers should identify community, state and advocating toRESOLVED, short-sighted that proposals destroy incredibly valuable national resources. national organizations for whom dam removal would be equally devastating and enlist their collaboration in advocating opposition to short-sighted proposals to destroy incredibly valuable national resources.

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1 G. OIL DEVELOPMENT WATER SUPPLY IMPACT 2 G. OIL DEVELOPMENT WATER SUPPLY 3 WHEREAS, the discovery of significant oil and natural gas reservesIMPACT in western North Dakota and 4 eastern Montana has created an economic boom in those regions; and WHEREAS, the discovery of significant oil and natural gas reserves in western North Dakota and 5 eastern has created an economic those regions;uses anda drilling technique known as “hydraulic 6 Montana WHEREAS, recovery of theboom oil andingas resources 7 fracturing;” and WHEREAS, recovery of the oil and gas resources uses a drilling technique known as “hydraulic 8 fracturing;” and 9 WHEREAS, hydraulic fracturing requires significant amounts of water, as much as 3.5 million gallons 10 per well, which equals 15.3 acre-feet; and WHEREAS, hydraulic fracturing requires significant amounts of water, as much as 3.5 million gallons 11 per equals 15.3water acre-feet; and 12 well, which WHEREAS, withdrawals or “depletions” may be made above and below Lake Sakakawea; and 13 WHEREAS, water although withdrawals or “depletions” may be madefor above andgas below Lake Sakakawea; and the 14 WHEREAS, the total amount of water needed oil and development is unknown, 15 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) anticipates 30,000 to 37,000 acre-feet per year being withdrawn from WHEREAS, although 16 Lake Sakakawea; and the total amount of water needed for oil and gas development is unknown, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) anticipates 30,000 to 37,000 acre-feet per year being withdrawn from 17 Lake and 18 Sakakawea; WHEREAS, depletions can reduce hydropower generation at Garrison and downstream main 19 stem dams on the Missouri River; and WHEREAS, depletions can reduce hydropower generation at Garrison and downstream main 20 stem dams onWHEREAS, the Missouriwater River;stored and and used for municipal and industrial (M&I) purposes is a reimbursable 21 22 expense and the Corps has proposed charging for storage and delivery of M&I water in Pick-Sloan reservoirs; 23 WHEREAS, water stored and used for municipal and industrial (M&I) purposes is a reimbursable expense and the Corps has proposed for storage and M&I waterAdministration in Pick-Sloan(WAPA) reservoirs; 24 NOW THEREFORE BEcharging IT RESOLVED, that thedelivery WesternofArea Power should 25 consult with the Corps to determine the value of the power capacity and energy foregone; and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) should 26 consult with the to determine the value of thethe power capacity and energy foregone; and 27 BE Corps IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association insists that, if the 28 Corps charges M&I water fees for storage, the value of the lost hydropower generation should be included in BE IT FURTHER 29 the determination of RESOLVED, those charges;that andthe Mid-West Electric Consumers Association insists that, if the Corps charges M&I water fees for storage, the value of the lost hydropower generation should be included in 30 the determination those charges; and 31 BE ITofFURTHER RESOLVED, that, in any event, WAPA should credit the value of the lost generation 32 to hydropower repayment.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in any event, WAPA should credit the value of the lost generation to hydropower repayment.

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H. COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON WATER CLARITY RESOLUTION H. COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON WATER CLARITY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, conflicts can exist between authorized purposes of federal hydro projects but should not result WHEREAS, in a detrimentconflicts to thosecan whoexist fundbetween the improvements made them possible in the first authorized which purposes of federal hydro projects butplace; shouldand not result in a detriment to those who fund the improvements which made them possible in the first place; and WHEREAS, the decades old Colorado – Big Thompson Project (C-BT) was conceived and developed as a multi-purpose to bring to 310,000 of water from the Colorado River to thedeveloped Front WHEREAS, project the decades old up Colorado – Bigacre-feet Thompson Project (C-BT) was conceived and of Colorado; and to bring up to 310,000 acre-feet of water from the Colorado River to the Front asRange a multi-purpose project Range of Colorado; and WHEREAS, the C-BT provides water for irrigation, municipal and industrial uses, recreation and approximately 200 the MW of critical hydropower of which 135 is dispatchable generation WHEREAS, C-BT provides water for generation irrigation, municipal andMW industrial uses, recreation and that would have to be replaced with non-renewable resources if it were lost; and approximately 200 MW of critical hydropower generation of which 135 MW is dispatchable generation that would have to be replaced with non-renewable resources if it were lost; and WHEREAS, hydropower recipients have paid over 70 percent of the total reimbursable capital costs, including the majority of the costs allocated to irrigation, industrial water users;capital and costs, WHEREAS, hydropower recipients have paid over municipal 70 percentand of the total reimbursable including the majority of the costs allocated to irrigation, municipal and industrial water users; and WHEREAS, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has begun its NEPA process to examine alternatives for increasing clarityofofReclamation Grand Lake;(Reclamation) has begun its NEPA process to examine WHEREAS, the U.S.the Bureau alternatives for increasing the clarity of Grand Lake; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association calls upon Reclamation to accurately the impactsthat of lost generation from theAssociation C-BT, including NOW, THEREFORE, BEassess IT RESOLVED, thehydroelectric Mid-West Electric Consumers calls the potential increasestoinaccurately carbon dioxide resulting from replacing that lost C-BT generation, and to rejectthe upon Reclamation assessoutput the impacts of lost hydroelectric generation from the C-BT, including alternatives for increasing the clarity of Grand Lake that could result in the reduction of electric generating potential increases in carbon dioxide output resulting from replacing that lost C-BT generation, and to reject capacity from the C-BT the Project. alternatives for increasing clarity of Grand Lake that could result in the reduction of electric generating capacity from the C-BT Project.

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VIII. VIII. COMMENDATIONS/CONDOLENCES COMMENDATIONS/CONDOLENCES RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTIONS





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1 A. COMMENDATION TO FEDERAL POWER PROGRAM AGENCIES 2 A. COMMENDATION TO FEDERAL POWER PROGRAM AGENCIES 3 WHEREAS, the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 4 (Reclamation), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), have given attention to the needs of the WHEREAS, the Western Power (WAPA), U.S. Bureau of Reclamation 5 preference customers whileArea at the sameAdministration time demonstrating a superior stewardship of vital Federal resources in (Reclamation), and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), have given attention to the needs of the 6 the interest of the general public; and preference customers while at the same time demonstrating a superior stewardship of vital Federal resources in 7 the the general public; and power agencies (WAPA, Reclamation, and the Corps) and the rural electric 8 interest of WHEREAS, these federal 9 systems, public power districts and municipal electric systems they serve have worked together in a WHEREAS, these federalmanner; power agencies (WAPA, Reclamation, and the Corps) and the rural electric 10 cooperative and beneficial and systems, public power districts and municipal electric systems they serve have worked together in a 11 cooperative and beneficial manner; and 12 WHEREAS, this cooperative atmosphere has resulted in a progressive effort in joint planning of 13 present and future transmission needs throughout the service area; and WHEREAS, this cooperative atmosphere has resulted in a progressive effort in joint planning of 14 present and future transmission needs the service and 15 WHEREAS, through thethroughout public process and in area; full communication and participation with its 16 customers is essential to the relationship, these federal power agencies uphold the intent of the Congress and WHEREAS, through the public and in full communication 17 discharges its responsibilities in aprocess highly commendable manner; and and participation with its customers is essential to the relationship, these federal power agencies uphold the intent of the Congress and 18 discharges its responsibilities in aelements highly commendable manner; and 19 WHEREAS, these of cooperation, open working relationships and responsible stewardship 20 have been demonstrated in the process of establishing new rates and of allocating and protecting the WHEREAS, these elements of cooperation, open working relationships and responsible stewardship 21 preference of Federal power for the preference customers; have been demonstrated in the process of establishing new rates and of allocating and protecting the 22 preference of Federal power for the preference customers; that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association supports 23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, 24 WAPA, Reclamation, and the Corps as effective and viable partners in the federal power program, and NOW, THEREFORE, RESOLVED, that and Mid-West Electric Consumers Association supports 25 commends the agencies,BE forIT their past leadership their employees for the straightforward, efficient and WAPA, Reclamation, and the Corps as effective and viable partners in the federal power program, and 26 business-like manner which has characterized the actions of Western, Reclamation, and the Corps.

commends the agencies, for their past leadership and their employees for the straightforward, efficient and business-like manner which has characterized the actions of Western, Reclamation, and the Corps.

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B. MEMORIAL RESOLUTION B. and MEMORIAL RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the public power rural electric programs have developed because of the strength and conviction of people determined to do for themselves that which otherwise would not have been done in a themanner; public power timelyWHEREAS, and economic and and rural electric programs have developed because of the strength and conviction of people determined to do for themselves that which otherwise would not have been done in a timely andWHEREAS, economic manner; andpower and rural electric programs not only supply electric power and energy to the public their consumer-owners but also aim to protect human values and the public interest; and WHEREAS, the public power and rural electric programs not only supply electric power and energy to their consumer-owners butMid-West also aim toElectric protectConsumers human values and the public interest; and WHEREAS, the Association (Mid-West) has been the recipient of the services and wisdom of many such individuals over the years; and WHEREAS, the Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) has been the recipient of the services and wisdom ofduring many this suchpast individuals overof thethese years; and leaders have passed from our midst; WHEREAS, year several stalwart WHEREAS, during this past year several of these stalwart leaders have passed from our midst; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of Mid-West express their condolences to the families of these individuals and signal the warmth and affection of those remaining by standing in a NOW, THEREFORE, BEmemory IT RESOLVED, that the members of Mid-West express their condolences moment of silent prayer in the of our departed. to the families of these individuals and signal the warmth and affection of those remaining by standing in a moment of silent prayer in the memory of our departed.

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1 C. COMMENDATION TO RETIRED DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF 2 MID-WEST MEMBERS C. COMMENDATION TO RETIRED DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES OF 3 MID-WEST 4 WHEREAS, since 1958 the major strengthMEMBERS of Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) 5 has been the many faithful, dedicated and hard-working, directors and employees of municipally-owned WHEREAS, 1958public the major strength of and Mid-West Electriccooperatives Consumers which Association (Mid-West) 6 electric utilitysince systems, power districts, rural electric support Mid-West; and has been the many faithful, dedicated and hard-working, directors and employees of municipally-owned 7 electric utility systems, public power districts, and ruralofelectric cooperatives which support 8 WHEREAS, long hours and dedication these directors and employees haveMid-West; contributedand greatly to 9 the success of Mid-West; and WHEREAS, long hours and dedication of these directors and employees have contributed greatly to 10 the success of Mid-West; and 11 WHEREAS, the members of Mid-West recognize that many directors and employees who heretofore 12 have given unstintingly of their strengths and talents to Mid-West have now retired from active service to WHEREAS, of Mid-West recognize that many directors and employees who heretofore 13 pursue the joysthe ofmembers retirement; have given unstintingly of their strengths and talents to Mid-West have now retired from active service to 14 pursue the joysNOW, of retirement; 15 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby pays special tribute to and offers its 16 sincerest thank you to the directors and employees of Mid-West member systems who have retired during this NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby pays special tribute to and offers its 17 year.

sincerest thank you to the directors and employees of Mid-West member systems who have retired during this year.

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D. COMMENDATION TO MID-WEST STAFF D. COMMENDATION TO MID-WEST STAFF WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) staff has been steadfast and faithful in serving Mid-West, its members, its policies and its objectives; and WHEREAS, Mid-West Electric Consumers Association (Mid-West) staff has been steadfast and faithful inWHEREAS, serving Mid-West, its members, its policies and itsthe objectives; and of dedication, care, and their efforts have always exemplified highest measure concern for all people; and WHEREAS, their efforts have always exemplified the highest measure of dedication, care, and concern for all people;these and efforts have often required personal sacrifice while contributing to a better way of WHEREAS, life for electric consumers in the Missouri River Basin; and WHEREAS, these efforts have often required personal sacrifice while contributing to a better way of life for electric consumers in the Missouri River Basin; and to require the full and complete attention of the staff WHEREAS, the challenges to Mid-West continue often above expectations; WHEREAS, the challenges to Mid-West continue to require the full and complete attention of the staff often above expectations; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby commends its staff and extends heartfelt thanks to them for their inspiration, farsighted leadership and courage. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West hereby commends its staff and extends heartfelt thanks to them for their inspiration, farsighted leadership and courage.

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1 E. COMMENDATION OF PICK-SLOAN CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATIONS 2 OF PICK-SLOAN DELEGATIONS 3 E. COMMENDATION WHEREAS, Congress periodically debates theCONGRESSIONAL sale of the assets of the federal power system, 4 including the power marketing administrations, threatened the power supply and stability of preference WHEREAS, Congress periodically 5 customers across the country; and debates the sale of the assets of the federal power system, including the power marketing administrations, threatened the power supply and stability of preference 6 customers across the country; 7 WHEREAS, theand members of the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation have always immediately 8 perceived the serious nature of the threat and its potential impact on the rural communities in the Missouri WHEREAS, the members of the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation have always immediately 9 River Basin; and perceived the serious nature of the threat and its potential impact on the rural communities in the Missouri 10 River Basin; and 11 WHEREAS, the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation has repeatedly mounted a strong defense of the 12 federal power program and opposed any sale of the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) or diminution WHEREAS, the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation has repeatedly mounted a strong defense of the 13 of preference customers rights; and federal power program and opposed any sale of the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) or diminution 14 of preference customers rights; 15 WHEREAS, the and Pick-Sloan delegation has led the charge to defend the federal power program and 16 have been the backbone of opposition to the sale of the PMAs; WHEREAS, the Pick-Sloan delegation has led the charge to defend the federal power program and 17 have of oppositionBE to the sale of the PMAs; 18 been the backbone NOW, THEREFORE, IT RESOLVED, that Mid-West Electric Consumers Association expresses 19 its deep gratitude and thanks to the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation for their continued stalwart defense NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT and RESOLVED, that Mid-West Consumers Association 20 of the federal power program their understanding of theElectric important role Pick-Sloan powerexpresses plays in the its deep gratitude and thanks to the Pick-Sloan congressional delegation for their continued stalwart defense 21 economic well-being of the region.

of the federal power program and their understanding of the important role Pick-Sloan power plays in the economic well-being of the region.

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