WASHINGTON   –  U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) will deliver remarks to the statewide legislative conference of the Missouri Electric Cooperatives tomorrow, February 2.  The conference begins at 7:30 a.m. CST in Jefferson City, and Emerson is slated to speak at 8:35 a.m.

“The electric cooperatives do so much for the rural communities in our state like those I represent in Southern Missouri,” Emerson said. “Last year’s ice storm was a huge disaster in our region, and the response of our electric cooperatives was nothing short of stellar.  They took about two months to rebuild a system that was some 80 years in the making.  I’m looking forward to the opportunity to thank them in person tomorrow.”

Emerson will also address the cap-and-trade issue, which is a leading concern to electric customers in the Eighth Congressional District.

“Proposals that would enact a new tax on electricity generation and consumption would filter down to every family and employer in our congressional district and in our country.  I’ve been fighting against this legislation for nearly a year – ever since the Obama Administration signaled its first intention to use the new tax to raise some $600 billion in federal revenue,” Emerson said.

Estimates place the effect of the legislation on the Missouri economy at losses of 3,715 jobs and $430 million in economic activity in 2012 alone.

“There is no way we can afford this economic stress, not to mention the strain on every citizen trying to keep the lights or heat on in their homes,” Emerson added.  “We must not only stop this proposal in Congress, we also have to assure that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority to impose cap-and-trade without the authorization of the legislative branch.”

The Missouri Electric Cooperatives 4th Annual State Legislative Conference will take place in the Capitol and Truman Rooms of the Capitol Plaza Hotel at 415 West McCarty Street in Jefferson City.