The Congressional Northwest Energy Caucus has been reorganized to once again focus on issues that affect the availability of low-cost power in the Northwest.

Reps. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., and Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., will lead the caucus and work to raise awareness and promote cooperation about Northwest issues.

The caucus will work on issues that include protecting hydropower, the future of the Columbia River Treaty and integrating electricity produced by wind turbines in the Bonneville Power Administration's transmission system.

Among the 12 caucus members from Northwestern states is Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.