Rep. Clint Owlett of Tioga/Bradford was awarded the inaugural Legislator of the Year Award by the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA). The recognition highlights his advocacy for rural electric cooperatives and their communities.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” Owlett stated. He acknowledged the essential services provided by rural electric cooperatives, emphasizing their role in electricity provision and efforts to expand rural broadband access. “I look forward to continuing to work together and achieving great things for the Northern Tier and all of rural Pennsylvania,” he added.
Owlett has been noted for his communication with local electric cooperatives such as Tri-County and Claverack. He has supported policies recognizing their contributions to rural areas, notably sponsoring Act 98 of 2020, which allows these cooperatives to use their easements for broadband facilities.
Steve Brame, PREA/Allegheny President and CEO, expressed that they are “honored to recognize Rep. Clint Owlett with our very first Legislator of the Year Award.” Brame praised Owlett’s commitment to meeting with cooperative members and addressing issues affecting Pennsylvania’s rural residents. “Rep. Owlett’s ‘concern for community’ – a core cooperative principle – truly exemplifies what this award is all about,” said Brame.
Since its establishment in 1942, PREA has served as a collective voice for electric cooperatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a nonprofit organization based in Harrisburg, it operates under a 14-member board representing each member cooperative. The award was presented at PREA’s annual legislative mixer on Tuesday evening.
