Dominion Supports an Open and Accessible Democratic Process
Dominion believes that an open, transparent and accessible political process is one of the most important components of a successful democracy. Accordingly, the company encourages all its stakeholders to participate in the political process. We support both the letter and the spirit of all applicable federal and state laws governing our political activities as well as all of our actions using high ethical standards.
Personal Political Participation
Employees should feel free to advance issues they personally care about. Dominion will provide employees with its position on important issues, and we respect the employees’ rights to disagree with the company positions. Because laws and regulations governing political activities and contributions are complex, employees must not act on Dominion’s behalf or in any way give the impression that their own opinions represent those of the company unless they are expressly authorized to do so. In limited circumstances, employees may engage in political activity on company time if it is approved by Dominion’s Public Policy department.
Dominion Political Action Committee (DOM PAC)
Dominion encourages its employees to be active members of their communities. Along with participation in civic, charitable and volunteer activities, this includes participation in the political process. All eligible employees of Dominion may make voluntary contributions to the Dominion Political Action Committee, also known as DOM PAC. DOM PAC is directed by a board of non-executive employees, which makes all decisions regarding DOM PAC’s budget and political contributions policy.
As a general rule, federal law prohibits corporate funds from being used in federal elections. Thus, Dominion does not contribute corporate funds to federal campaigns. DOM PAC may support candidates in congressional and presidential elections.
Each state where Dominion does business has different regulations governing political contributions in state and local elections. Dominion will participate in the political process in accordance with all state laws. From time to time, this includes using corporate funds to make contributions to 527 organizations (tax-exempt organizations that engage in political activities) with the approval of the senior governmental affairs officer.
You can view Dominion contributions in states where we do
business at the Web sites of state election boards. (These include: CT,
MA, MD,
NC, OH,
PA,
VA, WI,
WV)
Our Activity in Washington
As a general rule, federal law prohibits corporate funds
from being used in federal elections. Thus, Dominion does not contribute funds
to federal campaigns. However, on a limited basis we use corporate funds
to make contributions to 527 organizations. In 2006 we contributed $162,700
to seven such organizations.
Trade Associations
We have a voice on state and federal issues through trade
associations. The associations we join represent a broad array of professional
and industrial interests. This is because Dominion is active in both the electric
power and natural gas industries. Our trade association memberships cover four
areas: the electric industry, the nuclear power industry, the natural gas industry
and the petroleum industry. Additionally, we are active in chambers of commerce
because we actively promote the economic health of the jurisdictions we serve.
Board Oversight
At least annually, our Audit Committee receives a report on our political contributions.
