Dominion Energy Inc

Lobbying Transparency and Governance

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Direct Lobbying Transparency
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Comprehensive Dominion Energy Inc has demonstrated a comprehensive level of transparency in disclosing its climate lobbying activities. The company has clearly named specific climate policies it has engaged with, such as the Virginia Clean Economy Act, the Inflation Reduction Act, and various EPA regulations, including "40 CFR Part 98" and "40 CFR 60 Subpart OOOOa." It has also disclosed its involvement in federal-level discussions, such as supporting the "Waxman-Markey legislation" and engaging in dialogues about a "federal economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction program." These disclosures provide clear details about the policies engaged, demonstrating transparency. Dominion Energy has also been explicit about its lobbying mechanisms and targets. It engages in direct lobbying through its Government Affairs team and outside lobbyists, as well as indirect lobbying via trade associations like the American Clean Power Association and the Nuclear Energy Institute. Specific targets include state and federal policymakers, such as the Virginia General Assembly, the EPA, and the SEC. The company has disclosed its participation in public comment processes, stakeholder groups, and regulatory proceedings, providing clarity on both the mechanisms and targets of its lobbying efforts. Furthermore, Dominion Energy has been transparent about the specific outcomes it seeks through its lobbying efforts. It supports policies that align with its Net Zero emissions commitment, such as the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which facilitates renewable energy deployment and emissions reductions. The company has also expressed its opposition to repealing or weakening provisions of the Act, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining robust climate legislation. Additionally, Dominion Energy has articulated its support for federal funding opportunities under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act to advance hydrogen hubs and electric vehicle infrastructure. These disclosures clearly articulate the desired policy outcomes, showcasing a high level of transparency in its climate lobbying activities. 4
Lobbying Governance
Overall Assessment Comment Score
Comprehensive Dominion Energy demonstrates a comprehensive governance framework for climate lobbying alignment, both direct and indirect, supported by detailed disclosures and robust oversight mechanisms. The company has published a thorough review of its climate-related lobbying activities and trade association memberships, stating, "This report details the guiding principles of Dominion Energy's approach to policy engagement, our climate-related lobbying activities and associated governance and oversight practices." Dominion Energy explicitly evaluates the alignment of trade associations with its climate policy, categorizing them as aligned, partially aligned, or misaligned, and commits to monitoring and addressing misalignments, stating, "Dominion Energy commits to monitoring the positions and actions of these and other trade associations to assess whether any misalignment warrants ending our participation." The governance structure includes clear accountability measures, with the Board of Directors overseeing ESG matters, including climate-related lobbying, and the formation of a Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility (SCR) Committee to enhance oversight. Additionally, the company has established a Climate Council and a Climate Working Group, which include senior leadership and subject-matter experts, to manage sustainability strategies and initiatives. Dominion Energy's Lobbying and Political Contributions Policy further ensures alignment, requiring authorization from the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications for lobbying activities and mandating regular updates to the CEO and operating unit presidents. The policy also includes annual reporting to the Board's Audit Committee, composed entirely of independent directors, on lobbying activities, expenditures, and governing policies. Furthermore, Dominion Energy provides transparency into its trade association memberships and financial contributions, actively engaging with associations to address misalignments, stating, "When we find misalignment between our climate policy and the positions of a trade association of which we are a member, we engage with the association and its members to explore whether alignment can be achieved." This indicates a proactive and transparent approach to ensuring alignment with its climate goals. Overall, Dominion Energy's governance process for climate lobbying alignment is thorough, transparent, and includes detailed monitoring, accountability measures, and oversight structures, making it a strong example of comprehensive governance in this area. 4