I want Virginia to maintain its participation in RGGI, and this is important to me as a member of Temple Rodef Shalom (I am involved in sustainability efforts at the synaogue) and a parent of two daughters who are 12 and 15. We need to slow and reverse the damage we have done to our atmosphere with greenhouse gases. 

RGGI is good for Virginia as a whole reflecting well on the Administration. Since joining RGGI, Virginia’s power plant emissions have consistently decreased, dropping 16.8% overall as compared to 2020 pre-RGGI levels. These recent reductions follow a decade without RGGI, where Virginia’s emissions were flat. In just six years, participating states realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI!

RGGI helps individual Virginians with their health, employment opportunities, protection from high energy bills and housing safety. Decreased air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, premature births, and missed days of school and work. . RGGI enables more safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes to low-income families.  Participating in RGGI at least through 2030 could upgrade 130,000 homes, saving $89 million annually with average annual savings of $676 per household, and sustaining more than 2,000 jobs. Fossil fuel costs are soaring so reducing dependence allows consumers to save money on utilities at a time when costs are skyrocketing for so many things.

Lastly, repealng RGGI is against the law. The 2020 law requires that Virginia participate in RGGI. And it is a very unfavorable look for the current Administration to do something both unlawful and unethical given our environmental crisis. 

Thank you for reading my perspective. 

Stacy Leff