Why it matters

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association’s lobbying
blitz comes at a critical time for rural electric cooperatives in
Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Wyoming. The lobbying priorities offer a window into the policy challenges and opportunities facing all rural utilities in 2025.

By the numbers

  • $2,120,000: Total federal lobbying expenditure in Q1 2025;
  • 1313%: Increase from previous quarter’s $150,000 spending, and
  • $2,000,000: In-house lobbying expenses (up from $140,000 in Q4 2024).

The details

Tri-State’s unprecedented advocacy push centers on four key priorities:

  • DOE’s Grid Innovation and Resiliency Program (GRIP);
  • Federal permitting reform for energy infrastructure;
  • Wildfire mitigation, including the Fix Our Forests Act, and
  • USDA’s New ERA (Empowering Rural America) program for rural utilities

The players

Tri-State’s lobbying operation leverages both internal expertise and targeted external support:

  • In-house team: Led by Evan C. Jurkovich, whose background includes significant experience as Minority Professional Staff for the House Agriculture Committee (2014-2018) and Senior Legislative Assistant to Rep. Jim Jordan (2010-2014).
  • External firms: Added Forbes Tate Partners ($60,000) in Q1, briefly engaged Akin Gump ($50,000), and maintained FGS Global ($10,000)

The strategy

Tri-State has dramatically shifted resources to those that are internal.

The organization previously worked with Lot Sixteen LLC (terminated Q3 2023) and Cordone Consulting LLC (terminated Q2 2024) before adding Forbes Tate and briefly engaging Akin Gump this quarter.

The big picture

Tri-State’s massive investment signals high stakes in current energy policy debates. The focus on grid innovation, permitting reform, and rural energy programs highlights the challenges facing rural electric providers navigating the clean energy transition while maintaining reliable service.

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