NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION (NRECA) for NATIONAL RURAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION (NRECA)
What was lobbied
17 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Banking BAN
Issues related to the Federal Home Loan Bank
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
Environment/Superfund ENV
H.R. 1273; 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act. Legislation to require publication online of the basis for Endangered Species Act listings H.R. 1274; State, Tribal and Local Species Transparency and Recovery Act Legislation dealing with the use of state, tribal and local information in making Endangered Species Act determinations. H.R. 717; Listing Reform Act Legislation that would require review of the economic cost of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing or critical habitat designation, and to prioritize the consideration of ESA petitions. H.R. 3131, Endangered Species Litigation Reasonable Act Legislation applies the requirements of the Equal Access to Justice Act to the recovery of attorney fees or lawsuits under the ESA citizen suit provision. Issues related to spent nuclear fuel, including H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017, which would advance finalization of a permanent repository for spent nuclear fuel, while also providing for consolidated storage options. H.R. 3144, To provide for operations of the Federal Columbia River Power System pursuant to a certain operation plan for a specified period of time, and for other purposes. Legislation requires federal agencies to operate the FCRPS in a manner that is consistent with the current operations plan, while also protecting existing hydropower resources in the Pacific Northwest. Issues related to the Migratory Bird Treat Act. Issues related to the Endangered Species Act. Issues related to the Water Resources Development Act (H.R. 8 and S. 2800), including issues dealing with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit cost sharing and use of Power Marketing Administration revenues for funding of the Inland Waterways Trust Fund. Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act of 2018 or the LIST Act of 2018. Permit Reassurances Enabling Direct Improvements for Conservation, Tenants, and Species Act of 2018 or the PREDICTS Act of 2018. Ensuring Meaningful Petition Outreach While Enhancing Rights of States Act of 2018 or the EMPOWERS Act of 2018. Stop Takings On Reserves Antithetical to Germane Encapsulation Act of 2018 or the STORAGE Act of 2018. To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to prevent land or other geographic areas within the normal operating range of an existing reservoir or artificial water delivery facility from being included in a critical habitat designation. Land Ownership Collaboration Accelerates Life Act of 2018 or the LOCAL Act of 2018. To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to encourage voluntary conservation efforts. Localizing Authority of Management Plans Act of 2018 or the LAMP Act of 2018. To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to increase state and local involvement in management plans. Permitting ESA Timing Improvements That Increase Opportunities for Non-listing of 2018 or the PETITION Act of 2018. Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to define petition backlogs and provide expedited means for discharging petitions during such backlog. Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2018 discussion draft. The discussion draft reauthorizes the ESA for the first time since 1992 H.R. 5556, the Environmental Compliance Cost Transparency Act of 2018, to require the Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs) to include in monthly billing statements estimates of the customers share of compliance with federal environmental laws impacting the conservation of fish and wildlife.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| SAMANTHA MCDONALD | — |
Energy/Nuclear ENG
Issues related to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Reliability Standards. Issues related to electric sector security including reliability, public/private and cross sector partnerships, information sharing, research and development, cyber resources and education, threats and security postures. Issues related to spare transformers. H.R.723/S.239 - Energy Savings Through Public-Private Partnerships Act of 2017. Issues related to Energy Savings Performance Contracts and hydroelectric facilities. H.R. 3050: Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act. This bill amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to provide financial assistance to states for the implementation, review, and revision of a state energy security plan that assesses the state's existing circumstances and proposes methods to strengthen the ability of the state to have a reliable, secure, and resilient energy infrastructure. H.R. 5174 Energy Emergency Leadership Act. Providing the DOE the authority for the new Assistant Secretary of CESER. Issues related to process of planning. H.R.1443/S.385 - Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. To promote energy savings in residential buildings and industry, and for other purposes. H.R. 2910. Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act. The bill would streamline the natural gas pipeline permitting process. S. 1460 - The Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017. This bill is a comprehensive energy bill that impacts several areas including streamlining the natural gas pipeline permit process; streamline hydropower approval process; improving the critical electric infrastructure; requiring reliability impact statements for major regulations and improving vegetation management within utility rights-of-ways. S. 1851 - The Advancing Grid Storage Act. To require the Secretary of Energy to establish an energy storage research program, demonstration and deployment program, and technical assistance and grant program, and for other purposes. Issues related to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. H.R. 3043 - Hydropower Policy Modernization Act of 2017. Legislation modifies the definition of renewable energy under the Energy Policy Act to include hydropower, provides the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission with discretion to extend the period of preliminary permits, and extends time limits for construction of hydropower facilities. S. 1337 - Capitalizing on American Storage Potential Act This bill amends the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to expand the Department of Energy's existing loan guarantee program to any strategic energy infrastructure project that is a regional project which supports a more effective energy market performance and that has the potential to significantly contribute to the economic resilience of the region in which the project is located. H.R. 1109, To amend section 203 of the Federal Power Act. This bill amends the Federal Power Act with respect to the prohibition regarding mergers or consolidations by a public utility. Any merger or consolidation of a public utility whose value exceeds $10 million must first be authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). H.R. 4476, PURPA Modernization Act to reform Section 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act. S. 2776 -Updating Purchase Obligations to Deploy Affordable Resources to Energy Markets Under PURPA Act HR 5240 Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act calls for DOE to carry out a program, utilizing existing efforts when possible, to accomplish training, information sharing, technical assistance, etc. with consideration of different sizes and regions. HR 5239 Cyber Sense Creates a program for DOE assessing products for cybersecurity for the BES. S. 2444 Energy Cybersecurity Act of 2018 Seeks to improve electric cybersecurity via programs to develop advanced cybersecurity applications & technologies as well as advance the security of field devices & third-party control systems, component testing for cyber resilience program, research/modeling/technical assistance for all hazard security and resilience (references EMPs & GMDs) as well as E-ISAC modeling and engagement, including a review of current structure. S. 2991 Promoting Cybersecurity for Rural Electric Utilities Act to clarify approvable uses for RUS loans. Issues related to energy use in federal buildings (sec. 433) Issues related to the Water Resources Development Act Reauthorization.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| BILJANA KAUMAYA | — |
| MONTEE WYNN | — |
Intelligence INT
Issues related to electric sector security including processes, partnerships, threats and security postures.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
Clean Air and Water (quality) CAW
Issues associated with the Administrations rulemaking on the Waters of the U.S. regulatory proposal. Issues associated with the jurisdiction for the regulation of groundwater. Issues associated with the Administrations rulemaking on the Clean Power Plan regulatory proposal and the Affordable Clean Energy Rule replacement. Issues related to the Clean Air Act, including H.R. 3127 and H.R. 3128 and draft legislation which would amend the CAA with respect to New Source Review and S. 2602, the USE IT Act, focusing on regulatory relief for and technical and financial assistance for carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) projects and CO2 pipelines. Issues related to discussions on potential legislative efforts on carbon pricing or carbon trading. S. 1934 - Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act, to prevent catastrophic failure or shutdown of remote diesel power engines due to emission control devices.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
Railroads RRR
Implementation of S.808:Public Law No: 114-110 - Rail Shipper Fairness Act of 2015 Issues affecting captive shippers.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| PAUL GUTIERREZ | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
Agriculture AGR
Issues related to Farm Bill reauthorization. Issues related to rural broadband deployment. S. 2970 Rural Broadband Act of 2018 - This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to allow financial assistance provided by the Rural Utilities Service for the deployment of broadband-capable infrastructure by a service provider to be used to provide retail fixed broadband service in an area where there is no qualifying broadband-capable infrastructure owned or operated by another service provider. H.R. 6073 Rural Broadband Act of 2018 - Reprioritizing Unserved Rural Areas and Locations for Broadband Act of 2018 or the RURAL Broadband Act of 2018. This bill amends the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to allow financial assistance provided by the Rural Utilities Service for the deployment of broadband-capable infrastructure by a service provider to be used to provide retail fixed broadband service in an area where there is no qualifying broadband-capable infrastructure owned or operated by another service provider. Issues related to rural development.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
| MONTEE WYNN | — |
Transportation TRA
Issues related to infrastructure policy. Issues related to unmanned aerial systems. H.R 302 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 S. 1405 - Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2017. Monitoring issues related to unmanned aerial systems. S.1272 Drone Federalism Act of 2017. Provides for preservation for State, Local and Tribal authorities and private property rights and other purposes with respect to UAS.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| PAUL GUTIERREZ | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Issues around tax reform as it impacts electric cooperatives. Issues related to Section 118 of the IRC as the result of H.R. 1 Issues related to grid modernization and tax credits for improvements to the electric grid. H.R. 1 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 - Overall comprehensive tax reform bill. Including technical corrections to H.R. 1 S. 2373 - A bill to amend IRC 1986 related to refined coal tax extension Issues related to the electric vehicle tax credit.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| PAUL GUTIERREZ | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN | — |
| MONTEE WYNN | — |
Disaster Planning/Emergencies DIS
Issues related to planning, preparing, mitigating and recovery from incidents, including supplemental disaster emergency funding, prioritization and FEMA processes. H.R. 4995 Due Diligence for FEMA Disaster Contractors Act of 2018 - To direct the Administrator of FEMA to establish a contractor review process with respect to certain contracts. H.R. 4251/S. 2041 Rebuilding Resilient Energy Systems Act of 2017 - To promote the use of resilient energy systems to rebuild infrastructure following disasters. H.R. 4460/S.3041 Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2017 - To improve the provision of disaster and mitigation assistance to eligible individuals and households and to eligible State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and certain private nonprofit organizations, and for other purposes. H.R. 2548 - The FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2017. To reauthorize the programs and activities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. H.R.1678/S.709 - FEMA Grant Statute of Limitations - To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act concerning the statute of limitations for actions to recover disaster or emergency assistance payments. H.R. 302, Sports Medicine Licensure Clarity Act of 2017 - language around FEMA and unmanned aerial systems. H.R. 3176/S.1641 - Post-Disaster Fairness to States Act of 2017. To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to limit certain administrative actions, and for other purposes. H.R. 1678/S.709 - Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2017. To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act concerning the statute of limitations for actions to recover disaster or emergency assistance payments, and for other purposes. H.R. 1665 - FEMA Disaster Declaration Improvement Act. Issues & legislation related to policies, processes and programs for electric cooperatives' access and application to Federal Emergency Management Disaster Relief Funds. H.R. 1214 - Disaster SAVE Act. This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish the repair cost threshold for eligibility for major disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act's simplified procedures program at $500,000 until September 30, 2021.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| BILJANA KAUMAYA | — |
Retirement RET
H.R. 761/S. 270 - Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2017. This bill prohibits provisions that increase or extend an increase of Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) premiums from being counted as an offset to determine budget points of order for legislation in the House or the Senate. DRAFT PBGC and Retirement Security legislation H.R. 1962/S.852 - Retirement Security Preservation Act. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to modify the nondiscrimination requirements for certain defined benefit retirement plans that limit participation or certain features to a closed class, such as individuals who were hired before a certain date. H.R. 3596, Rightsizing Pension Premiums Act of 2017 H.R. 5282 / S. 2526 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2018 Issues related to H.R.6757 - Family Savings Act of 2018
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| PAUL GUTIERREZ | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
| MONTEE WYNN | — |
Telecommunications TEC
Issues related to legislation to encourage broadband deployment in rural communities Issues related to Electric Cooperative exemption from FCC pole attachment regulation. Issues related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and its impact on Electric Co-ops. Issues related to proceedings at the FCC regarding Connect America Fund Phase II and Higher Ground Waiver. Issues related to spectrum allocation in FCC proceedings. Issues related to communications and grid security.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| PAUL GUTIERREZ | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
Foreign Relations FOR
Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Issues related to the funding of the Cooperative Development Program and Power Africa in the FY 2018 State and Foreign Operations.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
Health Issues HCR
S.58/H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017. This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to repeal, beginning with taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the excise tax on employer-sponsored health care coverage for which there is an excess benefit (high-cost plans).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN | — |
Small Business SMB
H.R.33/S.584 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act - to ensure reatment of co-ops as small businesses for regulatory purposes. Issues related to streamlining of regulations.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
Issues related to Agriculture Appropriations, including funding for Rural Utilities Services. Issues related to the federal budget and funding levels for agencies and programs. Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and Related Agencies Act. Department of Energy and Homeland Security. Issues related to security, research and recovery funding. Issues related to LIHEAP funding in the Labor HHS funding bill. Issues related to rural broadband deployment. Issues related to Power Marketing Administrations and federal hydropower. Issues related to Interior and Environment Appropriations, including funding for a federal coal combustion residuals permitting program. Issues related to the federal budget and funding levels for agencies and programs. Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. Issues related to funding for the Cooperative Development Program Power Africa funding and the 150 account in FY18 appropriations. Issues related to retirement security.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| ROBERT BRENDAN HAMILL | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| SAMANTHA MCDONALD | — |
| CHRISTOPHER STEPHEN | — |
| HILL THOMAS | — |
Homeland Security HOM
Issues related to electric sector security including processes, partnerships, threats and security postures. Issues related to the implementation of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. Issues related specifically to planning, assessments, research and exercises around impacts or recovering from a high-altitude nuclear attack with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) on the electric grid and other critical infrastructures. H.R. 5515 National Defense Authorization Act FY 19 Issues related to the Department of Homeland Security programs and resources available to or beneficial for critical infrastructure including clarification of the SAFETY Act in regards to significant cyber security incidents. S. 2392 Cyber Support for Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2018 (Cyber SAFETY Act) Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate cybersecurity technologies that qualify for protection under systems of risk and litigation management. S. 141/HR 3086: Space Weather Research and Forecasting Act Issues related to space weather, or Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMDs) and the electric grid. H.R. 3855/S. 1800 Securing the Electric Grid to Protect Military Readiness Act of 2017 Issues related to electric grid security risk impacts on military readiness
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| BRIDGETTE BOURGE | — |
| JOHN CASSADY | — |
| KIRK JOHNSON | — |
| BILJANA KAUMAYA | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.