FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Brennan Gilmore, Clean Virginia Executive Director
[email protected], (571) 733-0474
August 2, 2024
Four Republican Delegates Join Growing Bipartisan Movement of Lawmakers Refusing Political Donations from Investor-Owned Utilities
Clean Virginia Broadens Coalition for Utility Accountability
Charlottesville, VA – Clean Virginia announced today that Republican House Caucus Chair Amanda Batten (R – James City), along with Delegates Lee Ware (R – Powhatan), Carrie Coyner (R – Chesterfield), and Mike Cherry (R – Colonial Heights) are joining 55 other state lawmakers who refuse to accept political contributions from utility monopolies regulated by the State Corporation Commission.
“With the addition of House Caucus Chair Batten and Delegates Ware, Coyner and Cherry, the ranks of lawmakers committed to strengthening accountability for public utilities and lowering energy bills continue to swell,” said Clean Virginia Executive Director Brennan Gilmore. “Clean Virginia looks forward to working with our Republican colleagues to reduce the burden of high energy bills on hardworking families.”
These members join several Republican legislators currently supported by Clean Virginia, including Delegates Joe McNamara (R – Roanoke County), Republican House Caucus Campaigns Director, and Will Davis (R – Franklin County), as well as Senator David Suetterlein (R – Roanoke County).
“My priority is putting constituents first and ensuring legislators are focused on reliability, affordability and smart policymaking,” said Delegate Amanda Batten. “This means advocating for fiscal responsibility, reducing bills for hardworking families and promoting solutions that drive innovation and economic growth.”
“As a fundamental principle, I have always prioritized protecting ratepayers from monopoly powers,” said Delegate Lee Ware. “Clean Virginia has been a steadfast and indispensable ally in advancing these goals. Therefore, it is my privilege to formalize my association with Clean Virginia after many years of collaborating to restore critical regulatory oversight and pass legislation for the benefit of all Virginians.”
“Keeping life affordable for Virginia families and businesses starts with lowering energy bills and keeping the lights on for all Virginians,” said Delegate Carrie Coyner. “By focusing on utility performance, we ensure that state-regulated utilities responsibly use Virginians’ hard-earned money to deliver safe, affordable and reliable service.”
“As a strong advocate for putting money back in the pockets of Virginians, I am committed to lowering energy bills and ensuring our utilities operate efficiently and with transparency,” said Delegate Mike Cherry. “My focus remains on advancing policies that prioritize efficiency, innovation and accountability to reduce the burden on families and bolster Virginia’s economy.”
Clean Virginia supports candidates based on a variety of criteria, including responses to a candidate questionnaire and legislative records (for incumbents). All candidates supported by Clean Virginia share a public commitment against accepting contributions from, and owning stock in, Virginia’s regulated electric utility monopolies, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company.
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Clean Virginia is a 501(c)4 independent advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee, Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to fight corruption in Virginia politics in order to promote clean and affordable energy. We are motivated by the core belief that our democracy should serve everyday Virginians over special interests.