Jen Kiggans Said She Opposed Offshore Drilling, But Then Voted Against An Offshore Drilling Ban In The Virginia State Senate And Deleted Any Mention Of Her Opposition To Drilling From Her Website

Kiggans: “Despite What The Media Would Have You Believe, There Are Conservatives Out There Who Are Mindful Of Our Environment While Practicing Responsible Spending And Consideration Of Cost.” “It was an honor to receive an award tonight from Conservatives for Clean Energy recognizing my work in the Virginia Senate to consider alternative energy sources while keeping costs down for consumers. Despite what the media would have you believe, there are conservatives out there who are mindful of our environment while practicing responsible spending and consideration of cost. Thank you for the recognition and congratulations to Virginia Delegate Tony Wilt on his award in the House! #ConservativesCareToo #SenateAward #HamptonRoadsGOPGirls” [Facebook, Senator Jen Kiggans, 1/19/22]

During 2019 General Election, Kiggans’ Issue Page Expressed Her Opposition To Offshore Drilling. “Jen is opposed to offshore drilling, will work to protect our beaches, and supports beach replenishment projects. She understands the importance of keeping our beaches safe and clean for our local families and for our visitors to enjoy.” [Jen Kiggans for VA Senate, Issues, archived 11/7/19]

February 2020: Kiggans Voted Against A Bill Prohibiting Offshore Drilling In Virginia’s Coastal Waters. In February 2020, Kiggans voted against S.B. 795, which “Prohibits the granting of a lease, easement, or permit on the beds of the coastal waters of the Commonwealth that would allow any infrastructure for conveying to shore oil or gas produced from offshore drilling in the Outer Continental Shelf Planning Area and removes any oil or gas lease granted on such beds from the mandate that such lease include a royalty payment requirement. The bill removes policy statements supporting federal efforts to permit oil and gas development 50 miles or more off the Atlantic shoreline.” The bill passed, 22-18. [Virginia General Assembly, SB 795, 2/26/20]

As Of April 2020, Kiggans’ Website No Longer Mentioned Her Opposition To Offshore Drilling. [Jen Kiggans for VA Senate, Issues, archived 4/29/20]