Griffith Fires Back at Electric Rate Debate

Press Release

Morgan Griffith, the Republican candidate for the Ninth Congressional seat, this morning disputed criticism from his opponent that he votes for electric rate increases. His remarks came during a press conference at his Christiansburg headquarters.

Griffith says in recent mail pieces, the Incumbent Rick Boucher claims he did something to raise utility rates. "That is simply not true!"

"And he knows it," says Griffith. "He is saying these things because he wants to draw attention away from his support of, and his vote for, Cap and Trade. That legislation will drive up energy costs for everyone."

The Republican says Federal, not state laws and regulations are driving up utility rates.
"Power companies are allowed to pass on the costs of pollution controls to their customers. That's federal law and the General Assembly has nothing to do with it. The State Corporation Commission says the same thing: "A large portion of this increase is attributable to environmental improvements made to the generation facilities to comply with federal laws and regulations'."
(Ref. http://www.scc.virginia.gov/newsrel/e_aprate_08.aspx)

Boucher's criticism centers around Griffith's stance in the Virginia General Assembly.

Griffith says here is the facts:
He voted against deregulation of utility rates--twice. "Boucher knows this, but ignores it." And he supported Del. Carrico's legislation in this last Virginia House session to help utility rate payers keep $4.7 million in their pockets.

"I also opposed Ward Armstrong's legislation, which is the weak reed Boucher is basing his attack on because it didn't do anything to lower utility rates. He (Armstrong) admitted as much on the floor during debate. That's why Joe Johnson and Bud Phillips--both Democrats from southwest Virginia--joined with me in voting against it."

Griffith also pointed to the fact that Boucher has received large donations from electric utilities and individuals employed by such companies. Opensecrets.org cites $201,742 from PAC's and $141,850 from employees in 2010 alone. From 2000-2010, Boucher has taken over $1 million from energy utility companies.

"They are his top donating industry each year," says Griffith. "His hands are not clean."

Source