Former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe Joins Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future as National Co-Chair as Campaign Expands to the Commonwealth
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future (Natural Allies) announced former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) as a National Leadership Council Co-Chair. Governor McAuliffe will join former Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), former Congressman Kendrick Meek (D-FL), former Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), and former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (D) as national leaders in the campaign to elevate the role of natural gas in reducing emissions, tackling climate change, lowering the cost of electricity for hardworking Americans, and meeting the growing demand for energy in a sustainable fashion.
McAuliffe served as the 72nd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, where he focused on improving the quality of life and building a strong economy across the Commonwealth. As governor, he pursued an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy that included nuclear and natural gas, while increasing solar, pushing for offshore wind, and calling for state government-led efficiency.
“I’m honored to join Natural Allies as a National Co-Chair in the fight to help lower Virginians’ electricity bills, strengthen the Commonwealth’s energy grid, and advance clean energy solutions,” said Governor McAuliffe. “As a Virginian who knows the importance of natural gas to my Commonwealth’s economy, I believe that we must come together to secure a reliable and affordable energy future.”
As energy demands in the Commonwealth rapidly increase, decisionmakers must recognize the vital role natural gas and its infrastructure play in achieving climate goals in a timely manner. Marrying natural gas with renewable energy sources can accelerate America’s path to a clean energy future, without relinquishing affordability and reliability. Natural Allies is committed to amplifying this important framework and informing key state policymakers.
“Governor McAuliffe joins an esteemed team of national leaders who understand the tremendous potential of natural gas to achieve a clean energy future,” added Natural Allies Executive Director Susan Waller. “We’re excited to expand into states like Virginia, where energy use continues to rise and where we need innovative, reliable solutions to meet the demand in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
“Terry McAuliffe understands the importance of a robust mix of energy generation necessary to support economic growth and prosperity,” said Natural Allies Co-Chair Mary Landrieu. “As Governor he led an economic boom in Virginia and his voice and experience will help inform leaders today about the importance of natural gas, partnered with renewables, to reduce emissions and provide the necessary energy we need to grow our economy”
“This is an exciting moment for Natural Allies. Terry McAuliffe has been a force within the Democratic Party for decades and we are thrilled to welcome him to the team,” added Natural Allies Co-Chair Tim Ryan. “His balanced, all-of-the-above energy approach is exactly what this country and our party needs right now to meet our energy needs. Together we can show Democrats they don’t have to choose between environmental progress and economic reality. We can lead on both fronts.”
About Governor Terry McAuliffe
Terry McAuliffe served as the 72nd Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2014 to 2018. As Governor, McAuliffe conducted a record 35 trade missions, bringing over 1,100 economic development projects to the Commonwealth. Under his leadership, hundreds of thousands of jobs were created and unemployment dropped from 5.7% to 3.3%, initial unemployment claims fell to a 44 year low, and personal income rose by 12.7%. Governor McAuliffe previously served as chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA) and was appointed by President Barack Obama to the NGA’s Council of Governors. Prior to his tenure as Governor of Virginia, he was appointed by President Bill Clinton as Ambassador of the Taejon Expo, co-chaired President Clinton’s 1996 re-election campaign and Inauguration, and served as chairman of the 2000 Democratic National Convention, and as chairman of Hillary Clinton’s 2008 Presidential campaign. Governor McAuliffe served as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001-2005.
