Va. Rep. introduces CEA-authored FAIR Act in Congress to hold utilities accountable for DEI vs politics practices
‘Utility rates and safety should not be contingent on DEI or ESG factors,’ says Christian Employers Alliance CEO Margaret Iuculano
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congress will consider legislation authored by the Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) aimed at holding utility companies accountable for disastrous decisions that prioritize politics over people.
Introduced by Rep. John McGuire of Virgina, the CEA-authored FAIR Act (H.R. 4603) would prohibit state regulators “from approving rates charged by electric utilities that engage in certain diversity, equity, or inclusion practices, or that consider environmental, social, or governance factors, and for other purposes.”
CEA President Margaret Iuculano says prioritizing political ideologies when approving utility rates is bad business and a betrayal of public trust.
“Utilities should deliver power, not political agendas, and utility rates and safety should not be contingent on DEI or ESG factors,” Iuculano said. “The FAIR Act seeks to ensure a fair playing field for all energy consumers, regardless of their political standing.”
Iuculano says holding utilities accountable reflects two biblical business principles: good stewardship and good governance.
“Preoccupation with DEI and ESG agendas is wasteful, abusive, and poor stewardship of our God-given natural and financial resources,” Iuculano said. “Utility companies should focus on their core mission: delivering safe, reliable, and affordable energy.”
The FAIR Act emerged as a project of CEA’s Center for Biblical Business, which provides policy, legislation, and litigation support to ensure Christian-led companies are treated fairly — including in the consideration of utility rates.
Iuculano pointed to last year’s million-acre Smokehouse Creek Fire (Texas) as a consequence of utility provider Xcel Energy’s apparent prioritization of DEI and ESG ideologies over actual public interests.
“This use of monopoly power to promote political ideologies has come at the expense of reliability, affordability, and public safety,” said Iuculano. “Christian employers should take the lead in advocating for the accountability of business leaders and government officials who make destructive policy decisions that put the public at risk.”
Other communities are weighing alternatives to Xcel, such as Slayton, Minnesota, which is considering creating its own municipal utility.
CEA urges members of Congress, regulatory agencies, and the public to demand transparency, reform, and a fair playing field from politicized utilities like Xcel Energy.
“Accountability is needed,” Iuculano said. “The FAIR Act will ensure Christian employers and the communities they serve aren’t punished for staying true to their convictions.”
The Christian Employers Alliance advocates for Christian employers nationwide, defending against government mandates and promoting policies that support religious freedom and biblical principles in the workplace.
Established in 2016, CEA is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. CEA serves as the voice for America’s top Christian CEOs, spanning from Wall Street to Main Street.
