18 Oregon electric cooperative leaders participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s (NRECA's) annual Legislative Conference in April. The group met with Oregon’s congressional delegation and key committee staff. These photos tell some of the story of their journey to the nation’s capital.
Senator Ron Wyden, left, met with Oregon’s electric cooperative delegation with a focus on the Fix Our Forests Act, which expands the ability to manage hazard trees and streamlines federal processes that have historically slowed down wildfire mitigation efforts. Cooperative leaders shared firsthand how these reforms would make a difference in the communities they serve. Photos by Ted CaseOregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) members visited with Representative Val Hoyle, third from left, and her staff. The group led a discussion about the work cooperatives have done in Congressional District 4 to reduce wildfire risk and the importance of the FEMA Reform Act of 2025. Photo courtesy of Representative Hoyle’s OfficeMidstate Electric Cooperative CEO Jim Anderson, right, thanked Ryan Blue of Representative Janelle Bynum’s office for support of the Fix Our Forests Act. Bynum’s 5th Congressional District is home to 3 electric cooperatives.Oregon electric cooperative leaders gathered with Senator Jeff Merkley, 9th from left, to cover issues at the top of their agenda, including the impact of Oregon’s anti-hydropower lawsuit on electric rates for more than 1,000,000 Oregonians. Photo courtesy of Senator Merkley’s Office
