Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the opportunity to put some miles on my Ford Lightning, which I have nicknamed “Bolt.” Bolt and I traveled more than 2,900 miles last month, and I am proud to note that I haven’t been stranded anywhere yet.

For nearly a century, electric cooperatives have been essential to the economic vitality and overall quality of life in communities nationwide. America’s electric cooperatives made modern living in rural America possible. In the early 1930s, nearly 90% of American farms lacked electricity.

On Earth Day, we celebrate this beautiful planet we are lucky to call home. During this day of appreciation, I encourage you to take action at home by making changes to conserve energy. If we all contribute, even small adjustments to how much energy we use can have positive impacts.

The top celestial event during April will be the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be total—the moon will completely block the sun—along a path that crosses north-central Mexico and central Texas, then continues across the midwestern and northeastern U.S.