I am writing to express my opposition to the proposal to include Virginia in the Regional Green House Gas Initiative.  This proposal has the potential to unfairly regulate and limit the use of wood-based burnable refuse for electric utilities and for the forest products industry.

The forest products industry has a long history of energy self sufficiency based on its use of wood by-products.  Burning wood for energy has been shown to be carbon neutral.  Further, healthy forest depend on sustainable wood use.

I respectfully request that you withhold any further action concerning any cap and trade strategy that could have far-reaching impacts on forestry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.