SUMMERDALE, Ala. — According to Baldwin EMC leaders, proposed federal legislation could negatively impact the utility cooperative.

During Baldwin EMC’s annual meeting Friday morning in Summerdale, CEO Bucky Jakins, that legislation centers around “ever changing government regulations of carbon emissions.”

This statement to Baldwin EMC members prompted a few groans from the audience.

Jakins explained that this regulation consisted of the Environmental Protection Agency’s initiative to reduce the use of coal by 30 percent.

“To achieve this mandate, some coal-powered plants will probably shut down,” he said.

Jakins said efforts would have to be made to counteract such a loss.

“It will have to be replaced by new generation fuel,” the CEO said, “probably natural gas.”

While natural gas is currently in use, Jakins pointed out that increased demand of the resource could result in an increased price.

“This EPA proposed rule may be the greatest challenge we face in the foreseeable future,” he said.

However, Jakins expressed confidence in Baldwin EMC’s ability to overcome such a challenge.

“We have the lowest rates of any electrical cooperative south of Birmingham, including the Florida panhandle,” he said.

With 192 employees, Baldwin EMC is governed by a seven-member board of directors. The organization’s customers throughout Baldwin County are members eligible to vote. This year, a total of 19,940 members voted either by mail or in person at Friday’s meeting.

That meeting included entertainment provided by the Wayfairers, door prizes, blood-pressure checks provided by South Baldwin Regional Medical Center and free coffee, soft drinks, doughnuts and additional items such as light bulbs and note pads.