Virginia McIntyre Supports Keep the Lights Local Act to Keep America's Energy Infrastructure In American Hands

🛡️ Keep the Lights Local — Virginia McIntyre Stands Strong for American Energy Security

Congressional candidate Virginia McIntyre today announced her full support for the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487) — legislation that would prohibit foreign ownership of U.S. public utilities.

Introduced by Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19), this bill ensures our critical energy infrastructure stays under American control — protecting the power that keeps our homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses running.

“Keeping the lights on should never depend on the interests of foreign corporations. Electricity is critical infrastructure, not a luxury. Americans deserve utilities that answer to the people they serve, not foreign shareholders.” — Virginia McIntyre

With families in Rochester and Western New York already struggling with high utility bills, McIntyre is calling for bipartisan action to strengthen American energy independence, increase transparency around foreign influence, and put local communities first.

This isn’t about parties — it’s about national security and accountability.

✅ Support American-owned utilities

✅ Protect ratepayers

✅ Keep energy decisions local

Read the Full press release:

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Congressional candidate Virginia McIntyre today announced her support for the Keep the Lights Local Act (H.R. 5487), legislation that would bar foreign ownership of public utilities operating in the United States.

Introduced by Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19), the bill would ensure that the nation’s critical energy infrastructure remains under American ownership and control.

“Keeping the lights on should never depend on the interests of foreign corporations,” McIntyre said. “Electricity isn’t a luxury — it’s critical infrastructure that powers our homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and emergency services. Americans deserve to know that these essential services answer to the people they serve, not to foreign shareholders.”

McIntyre called for bipartisan support of the bill, praising it as common-sense legislation Washington should prioritize.

“This isn’t a Republican issue or a Democratic issue — it’s an American issue,” she said. “Our energy grid is a matter of national security. The more control foreign entities hold over our utility infrastructure, the more vulnerable our communities become.”

The bill comes as New Yorkers continue to confront rising utility costs and growing concern over accountability in the energy sector.

“Families across Rochester and Western New York are already stretched thin by high utility bills and the rising cost of living,” McIntyre said. “The last thing ratepayers need is foreign-owned utilities putting international investors ahead of local communities.”

McIntyre also called for greater transparency around foreign-owned utility interests and their influence on energy policy.

“Voters have a right to know who shapes energy policy and who profits from it,” she said. “Congressman Joseph Morelle’s son is a Senior VP for lobbying firm Ostroff Associates, which represents both AVANGRID and IBERDROLA clients with significant interests in the American energy market. While there is no allegation of wrongdoing, that relationship underscores why transparency and accountability matter when decisions affecting our energy future are being made.”

McIntyre said the Keep the Lights Local Act would strengthen American energy independence while keeping decisions that affect ratepayers focused on local communities.

“I applaud Congressman Josh Riley for introducing this bill,” McIntyre said. “When good ideas come from either side of the aisle, we should support them. America’s energy future should be controlled by Americans, and our utility infrastructure should remain accountable to the communities it serves.”