Email from Senator Tammy Mulchi Topics that should sway this election What will sway this election?   Greetings,  We are now just three weeks away from Election Day, and momentum is building by the day. As we enter the final stretch, I’m continuing my deep dive into what I believe are the four defining issues of this election: education, crime and immigration, tax reform, and the radical Green New Deal agenda. Last week, I outlined how Democrats’ weak approach to crime would set us back. This week, I want to focus on the Green New Deal policies they plan to expand if they regain power.   When Democrats last controlled the legislature in 2020, they passed a wave of Green New Deal–style mandates that we’re still paying for today. Governor Youngkin’s administration has rolled back some of the worst provisions, but many remain—and they continue to drive up your electric bills. If Democrats win this November, they’ve made clear they intend to double down. The biggest culprit is the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which requires an ever-increasing percentage of our electricity to come from wind and solar—reaching 100% by 2050. These are costly projects that utilities are forced to build, and those costs are passed directly to ratepayers. Combined with growing demand for power in our technology-driven world, Virginians are paying more every month just to keep the lights on. Virginia’s problem is compounded by the fact that we are one of the largest energy importers in the nation. Because the Clean Economy Act forced the closure of coal and natural gas plants, we no longer produce enough energy ourselves. Instead, we buy it from states that still rely on those sources—at a premium. That cost, once again, falls on you. And if Democrats regain control, it will only worsen. Their gubernatorial candidate, Abigail Spanberger, has even pledged to ban oil and gas plants entirely. Beyond affordability, these mandates also threaten local authority and rural communities. There has been legislation introduced in the General Assembly that sought to strip local governments of their ability to approve or deny large-scale solar projects—transferring that authority to Richmond bureaucrats. The proposal ultimately failed to pass, but Democrats have indicated they intend to bring it back. As Senator VanValkenburg, the bill’s patron, stated, “There’s no way we’re going to meet our clean energy goals (without this bill).” Localities should have the final say in whether solar development fits their needs—not unelected state agencies with little understanding of rural life. Perhaps the most serious concern is energy reliability. The Clean Economy Act’s aggressive phase-out of coal and natural gas in favor of intermittent renewables jeopardizes grid stability. Solar and wind cannot provide consistent, around-the-clock power—especially during peak demand or severe weather. This leaves Virginia vulnerable to blackouts and dependent on out- of-state producers who often rely on fossil fuels anyway. That’s not energy independence; it’s energy insecurity. The better path forward is an all-of-the-above energy strategy. Solar and wind can play a role, but they must be balanced with reliable sources like natural gas and nuclear. Under Governor Youngkin, Virginia has already begun work on a new nuclear facility that will strengthen our grid and provide clean, affordable energy for decades. Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears has championed this balanced approach, and her leadership will ensure Virginia continues down a path of innovation—not ideological extremism. The choice this November couldn’t be clearer: do we continue building a future based on affordability, reliability, and common sense—or return to costly Green New Deal mandates that weaken our economy and power grid? Together, we can keep Virginia strong, competitive, and energy-secure for generations to come. My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]   Early Vote Now! Early voting has begun and will continue until November 1st. You can early vote by mailing in an absentee ballot, turning in an absentee ballot at your local registrar's office, or voting in person just like you would on Election Day at your early voting locations. Early voting is open every weekday, Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the two Saturdays before the election, October 25th and November 1st. Early voting is important—bank your vote now so you can help get 10 friends to the polls! Every vote matters, so click below to find more information on early voting in your area. Early vote Today!   Virginia Sees Over 50% Drop in Fentanyl Deaths as It Only Takes One Awareness Efforts Expand to University of Virginia According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data from the National Vital Statistics System, the number of fatal overdoses attributable to fentanyl in Virginia has fallen dramatically: January 2022: 2,015 deaths (baseline at the start of the Youngkin Administration) April 2024: 1,676 deaths April 2025: 830 deaths (predicted) This represents a 50.5% decrease in fentanyl-related deaths in the past year, and a 58.8% decrease since January 2022—the lowest levels recorded since August 2018. The same dataset also shows that total drug overdose deaths in Virginia have reached their lowest point since December 2016. Fentanyl remains the leading cause of drug-related deaths in Virginia. The It Only Takes One initiative is committed to equipping Virginians with the knowledge, tools, and partnerships they need to protect their families and communities. I am so thankful to the Governor and First Lady for taking a stand on this issue. Every death related to fentanyl overdose is a tragedy and I am so glad that this administration has taken this crisis head on. Learn More Here Ceasefire Virginia Smashes Expectations According to New VCU Report Here are some great news coming from the Attorney General Jason Miyares on his hard work on Operation Ceasefire which reduces crime across the commonwealth. It's important we re-elect him to continue these tough on crime policies. Here are some highlights: Ceasefire Virginia success rates continue to outpace statewide numbers. 64% of the reduction in the murder rate and 40% of the overall violent crime rate from 2023-2024 can be attributed to Ceasefire localities. 61% of the reduction of the murder rate from 2021 through 2024 can be attributed to Ceasefire localities. From 2023-2024, all violent crime is down 13% across Virginia over a two-year period. This includes homicides, aggravated assaults, and robberies with a firearm. Ceasefire localities are responsible for 40% of the reduced violent crime rate. Ceasefire Virginia enjoys a 95% conviction rate in federal indictments. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys secured a 99% conviction rate. Click Here to view the whole Report Virginia Works is announcing two powerful funding opportunities to help Virginia employers strengthen their workforce and lead in talent development! Now more than ever, employers need smart, sustainable ways to attract and retain talent. These grants are designed to help you do just that—by supporting the development of new pipelines through youth apprenticeships and by re-engaging experienced professionals who are ready to return to work. Click here for Virginia Works' Apprenticeship Pathways Program Click here for Virginia Works' Returnship Program DONATE Email Us P.O. Box 145, Clarksville, VA 23927 (434) 374 5129 Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Senator Tammy Mulchi | P.O. Box 145 | Clarksville, VA 23927 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice