from West Central Tribune
Public power plays a vital role in shaping the federal legislative process, ensuring that communities nationwide have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. As the backbone of many local economies, municipal utilities rely on strong partnerships with federal lawmakers to advocate for policies that support infrastructure development, fair regulation, and long-term energy security. Missouri River Energy Services demonstrated this commitment by participating in the American Public Power Association’s Legislative Rally in Washington, D.C., in February.
This annual event provides MRES representatives with the opportunity to engage directly with their congressional delegation, discussing key issues that impact public power utilities and the communities they serve. Central to these discussions this year was the protection of federal hydropower, as MRES continues to advocate for preserving and enhancing this essential energy resource to ensure its long-term reliability and sustainability.
Among the highlights of the trip for our delegation of Minnesota municipalities was a meeting with Rep. Michelle Fischbach (7th-Minnesota), who represents more MRES members than any other member of Congress. As a key member of the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, where she serves on the Subcommittees on Trade and Oversight, Fischbach is instrumental in shaping tax policy and trade matters.
She also holds a seat on the House Committee on Rules, which determines the legislative agenda and how bills are considered. Her insights into trade policies, tax oversight, and legislative procedures provide valuable perspectives on advancing MRES’s priorities at the federal level. Fischbach stepped out of her busy committee hearing to meet with our members.
A West Central Tribune article on March 13 included a statement taken out of context from a Willmar Utility Commissioner. The headline raised questions about the choice for a hallway meeting, without noting that this is a common practice in Washington, DC, especially when a member of Congress is in a committee hearing. While the Willmar commissioner did express frustration with difficulty in hearing at this location, it was due to factors well beyond Fischbach’s control. The Commissioner has informed me that he is very appreciative that Rep. Fischbach did not want to miss this meeting with MRES and Minnesota representatives.
As the CEO of a four-state joint action agency, I have attended a lot of hallway meetings and applaud the members that not only show up when called upon to help their communities, but also balance a robust and fluctuating Congressional schedule. In fact, there was a hallway meeting with Minnesota Senate staff the same day. The March 13 article was not an adequate representation as to how MRES or the nine other municipalities in attendance felt about the reception from Fischbach or her team.
Overall, the APPA Legislative Rally facilitated meaningful dialogue between MRES and policymakers, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to advocating for policies that support public power utilities and the communities they serve. The Fischbach meeting was no exception. The trip proved to be a great success, strengthening relationships with legislators and ensuring that the voices of public power providers remain heard in Washington.
