Electric cooperative leaders joined President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday as he announced several executive actions aimed at protecting crucial coal-fired power plants and other always-available energy generating resources.
The actions will prevent the premature closure of essential generation, helping co-ops meet tomorrow’s energy needs and provide reliable, safe and affordable electricity as demand for power increases, said Tony Campbell, president and CEO of Winchester-based East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
“On behalf of East Kentucky Power Cooperative, NRECA and electric co-ops across America, thank you for your leadership to restore American energy dominance,” Campbell told the president during remarks at the event.
“America must keep coal plants open and running to ensure reliable electricity when we need it most,” he said. “To meet growing demand over the next decade and ensure fuel security, America will need more always-available power, such as coal.”
Campbell was joined at the White House by NRECA CEO Jim Matheson, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. President and CEO Vernon “Buddy” Hasten, Associated Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager David Tudor, Basin Electric Power Cooperative CEO and General Manager Todd Brickhouse, Minnkota Power Cooperative President and CEO Mac McLennan, Oglethorpe Power Corp. President and CEO Annalisa Bloodworth, Old Dominion Electric Cooperative President and CEO Chris Cosby, Seminole Electric Cooperative CEO and General Manager Lisa Johnson, Buckeye Power Cooperative President and CEO Craig Grooms and Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives President and CEO Chris Perry.