Chris Nolen Testifies on Behalf of Dominion Energy Opposing Bills to End Campaign Contributions

McGuireWoods Consulting attorney and executive vice president Chris Nolen presented testimony on behalf of Dominion Energy on two Senate bills and two House bills that would prohibit Dominion Energy from making campaign contributions. In a Feb. 1, 2022, article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch covering the hearing, Nolen referred to the legislation as unconstitutional.

"We do not believe that it is appropriate to single out one type of corporation and suppress its political speech," Nolen said. "Both of these bills go at the heart of political speech and the ability to freely associate.”

SB 45 and SB 568 from Sens. Chap Petersen and Richard Stuart respectively were voted down by the committee.

In a Feb. 2, 2022, article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch covering the hearing on companion House bills, Nolen emphasized the cause and effect relationship presented by the proposals. “This is banning political speech by two corporations,” Nolen said. “And when you do that, you elevate the speech of others.”

HB 71 and HB 524 from Delegates Lee Ware and Kelly Convirs-Fowler respectively were voted down by the committee.