As a Virginian with an academic background in the ecological consequences of climate change, I appreciate the initiative taken by Governor McAuliffe, but I know the work does not stop there. I request that the Department of Environmental Quality use its full authority to:

1. Create a rule — based on the strongest available science — that significantly reduces carbon pollution, the driver of anthropogenic climate change,  from Virginia's power plants. 
2. Ensure that Virginians — not utilities — benefit from any profits from carbon regulations.
3. Address the disproportionate environmental effects experienced by our most vulnerable communities.
4. Grow the economy and reduce carbon pollution by maximizing investments in zero-carbon wind, solar, and energy efficiency.