Congressman John McGuire Introduces FAIR Act to Protect Ratepayers, End Cronyism, and Prioritize Public Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA‑05) introduced the Fair, Affordable, and Inclusive Rates Act (FAIR Act) — legislation to ensure electric utility rates remain focused on delivering safe and affordable energy to all Americans, especially working families and rural households disproportionately impacted by rising utility costs.

“Energy is not a playground for political agendas or corporate greenwashing,” said Congressman McGuire. “The FAIR Act restores fairness to our utility system by protecting ratepayers from costly and dangerous distractions that are driving up bills, enriching executives, and putting entire communities at risk. I am proud to introduce this legislation.” 

A Public Safety and Environmental Emergency

The FAIR Act is a direct response to mounting evidence that utilities are diverting billions of dollars into ideologically driven ESG and DEI initiatives at the expense of basic maintenance, infrastructure safety, and wildfire prevention.

Ending Greenwashing, Confronting Real Environmental Threats

The FAIR Act prohibits state regulators from approving rate hikes if utilities engage in speculative ESG policies or discriminatory DEI practices that are not directly tied to public safety, environmental compliance, or delivering service.

The bill does not ban alternative energy investment or environmental compliance — it ensures such policies are scientifically justified, financially sound, and legally required, not politically fashionable.

Putting Working People First

The FAIR Act also addresses bipartisan concerns around cronyism and utility abuse of public trust. While many families are facing 20%–40% rate hikes, utility executives are collecting record bonuses — often for meeting ESG or DEI benchmarks that don’t improve safety or service quality.

A Call for Oversight

The FAIR Act ensures that every community — especially historically underserved communities — is protected from unjustified rate increases and deceptive programs that distract from meaningful reform. It restores neutrality, transparency, and public trust to our energy system, reaffirming the government’s duty to regulate in the interest of the people — not partisan ideologues or corporate shareholders.

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