[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1803]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATIONAL RENEWABLE COOPERATIVES ORGANIZATION

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                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, on the day that the House is 
considering far-reaching legislation that encourages the development of 
renewable energy please join me in applauding the efforts of the 
National Renewable Cooperatives Organization (NRCO).
  The North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation (NCEMC) recently 
announced its participation in the efforts of this newly formed 
national cooperative to help electric cooperatives develop renewable 
energy resources through projects and infrastructure improvements.
  NCEMC is a generation and transmission cooperative that supplies all 
or part of the energy needs to the state's electric cooperatives. North 
Carolina's electric cooperatives provide energy to 2.5 million people 
in 93 of 100 counties, primarily in rural parts of the State. The 
electric cooperatives own and maintain 95,000 miles of power lines, by 
far the most of any electric utility in North Carolina.
  Generation and transmission cooperatives across the nation are 
already working to further develop renewable resources and many are 
purchasing renewable energy credits. NRCO provides expertise and 
information for participating co-ops and provides the opportunity to 
match the needs of some cooperatives with the practical potential of 
others.
  It is anticipated that NRCO will work with the North Carolina's 
electric cooperatives' newly formed renewable company, GreenCo 
Solutions, Inc., to identify cost-effective projects and opportunities 
to purchase renewable energy credits that will benefit consumers in the 
future.
  By working closely together and sharing information, these electric 
cooperatives will able to minimize investment risks and maximize the 
benefits. This is an important effort with enormous potential to help 
move America toward energy independence.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in applauding the 
important outstanding collective and collaborative efforts of the North 
Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and the National Renewable 
Cooperatives Organization.

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