Support carbon reductions for Virginia

Dear Director Paylor and Members of the Air Pollution Control Board,

Climate disruption poses increasing threats to Virginians' public health, national security, environment, and economy. Communities from Appalachia to the coast are already experiencing climate change impacts, from drought stress to regular flooding. Virginia must respond now in order to mitigate the worst impacts on our citizens. 

I support linking Virginia to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a market for trading carbon emissions permits. I currently are sells my carbon credits through a California company and would like to do this in state. I also support setting the strongest possible standard to cut carbon emissions from Virginia power plants through participation in a carbon market. This is a critically important step toward reducing carbon pollution.

A report by the National Resources Defense council cites and supports such actions  "The National Climate Assessment, a recent report from 13 federal agencies, warned that impacts of human-induced climate change are being felt today andare worsening in every region of the United States." https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/clean-power-plan-state-options-VA.pdf

DEQ should adopt and implement a final rule that:

• Caps carbon pollution in the 2020 base year between 30 and 32 million tons. While the draft rule proposes 33 or 34 million tons as a base year cap, Virginia’s carbon emissions have been below 33 million tons each year since 2010. The new rule should set a cap that is more ambitious, yet still achievable.

• Covers carbon pollution from biomass facilities. All carbon pollution adds to climate disruption, regardless of what fuel is used.

• Makes explicit that carbon pollution reductions will continue in Virginia after 2030.

• Closely monitors for instances of disproportionate burdens borne by low-income and vulnerable communities.

Thank you for making the protection of  Virginia citizens and our natural resources a priority.

Sincerely,

Aileen Rivera

1200 Dotson

Henrico, VA 23231