Dear Department of Environmental Quality:

I fully and unconditionally support Governor Terry McAuliffe's leadership in the very serious fight against climate change.  But our work does not stop here.  I call upon the Department of Environmental Quality to use its authority to:

• Create a rule based on the strongest available science that significantly reduces carbon pollution from Virginia's power plants
• Ensure that Virginians—and not utilities—benefit from any profits from carbon regulations
• Help reduce the burden on vulnerable communities that are disproportionally impacted by the climate crisis
• Transition Virginia to a clean energy economy by investing in wind and solar power and energy efficiency

Virginia already is seeing the devastating effects of climate change, from debilitating drought and extreme record-setting heat waves to dangerous flooding due to sea levels rising in places like Hampton Roads—home to the world's largest naval base.

It's time for the Commonwealth of Virginia to step up as a leader on climate action.  I will stand with the Governor and the Department of Environmental Quality every step of the way in implementing this visionary plan to cap carbon pollution and expand our clean energy economy.  Thank you.