Legislative Affairs Update

By Sean O’Neil

Legislative Assistant

A recent assessment of the summer electric grid reliability by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation shows the clean energy transition may be getting ahead of the technologies available to keep the grid reliable.

Just about everything we make, sell, or do depends on a reliable and affordable supply of electricity. Does it make sense that this transition must occur consistent with the pace of innovation so that American competitiveness can continue to flourish during this evolution?

The electric utility sector does not yet have the tools to reliably operate a 100% clean energy grid. Technology and innovation must come first to stimulate the development and commercialization of the next generation of power production, energy storage, energy efficiency, carbon capture and other renewable technologies needed.

In the meantime, we still have to depend on the broad range of resources at our disposal to keep the lights on.

For the foreseeable future, fossil-fuel resources are necessary to balance the intermittent output by solar and wind. Natural gas has been the backbone of electric sector carbon emission reduction, but new pipeline construction has been blocked by activist groups, as have new transmission lines that are essential to meet the increasing demand for clean electrical power during this transition.

Those who block pipelines and transmission lines bear no responsibility for keeping the lights on, thereby escaping any blame if outages occur. An unfortunate outcome of dealing in ideology instead of reality could be the erosion of public support for clean energy deployment.

According to the 2021 Black & Veatch Electric Report, the clean energy revolution will involve the proliferation and integration of renewable energy sources. Industry leaders believe high costs, technological shortfalls and limitations in the transmission infrastructure will hamper domestic renewable energy growth.

Renewables have been subject to cost fluctuations related to political factors and current events such as supply chain disruptions and tariffs on imports like solar cells and modules from China. Technological shortfalls are the lack of cost-effective, long-term clean energy storage capabilities to enable seasonal load shifting. Infrastructure limitations of the power grid do not allow adequate transmission and distribution of available, low-cost energy to the areas that need it most. The technologies that will enable a net-zero emissions economy will include wind and solar generation, hydropower, geothermal energy, battery energy storage, nuclear power, hydrogen, and technologies that are yet to be created according to the report.

In the meantime, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law will help make electric vehicle charging stations as convenient in rural America as gas stations are now. The Energy and Transportation departments will distribute $5 billion to states over the next five years for the construction of electric charging stations across America’s highway network.

Intern spends summer as part of the action

Anna Hicks is interning with the National Grange this summer.

Photo by Philip J Vonada

Anna Hicks, a rising sophomore studying politics & international affairs and economics at Furman University, joined the National Grange in June as a summer intern working with Legislative Assistant Sean O’Neil and Legislative Director Burton Eller.

Anna was born and raised in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, before heading to Greenville, South Carolina to pursue an undergraduate degree at Furman.

Since beginning her studies, Anna has become heavily involved in the Furman community. She is a member of the American Sign Language Club, a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, secretary for the Outdoors Club, and a campus Title IX Peer Liaison. This upcoming year, she looks forward to becoming more involved in The Riley Institute’s Advance Team, a group of students who work to foster civil discussions about public policy and critical issues on campus.

In her free time Anna loves to read, explore the outdoors, and drink excessive amounts of coffee.

Anna is thrilled to be working with the Grange this summer to learn more about agricultural and rural policy as she begins to explore a career path in political science.

Fire Sale

and store updates

JEWELRY

All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

Member recognition pins are available in 5-year increments from 5 years through 80 years

Prices vary.

Own a part of history commemorating the National Grange’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. These limitededition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at major discounts!

Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted price. Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with space to add an engraving for your Grange. Limited number available. Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.

Sesquicentennial Challenge Coin 150th Anniversary 2.25” diameter coin, emblazoned with the “esto perpetua” logo. Was $25, now $15 plus shipping.

People, Pride, and Progress

by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization. Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.

Kelley Farm Challenge Coin Celebrating the 2013 exemplification of the 1873 Degrees at the Kelley Farm. 2.25” brushed nickel coin. On sale: $15.00 + shipping

Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

Effective Immediately, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order, in addition to the shipping fee. This includes any seals, certificates, and membership recognition applications.