I oppose the repeal of the RGGI because the repeal is unlawful. Virginia law mandates that the state participate in RGGI.

RGGI is working great for Virginia. Since joining RGGI, Virginia’s power plant emissions have consistently decreased, dropping 16.8% overall as compared to 2020 pre-RGGI levels.^[3] These recent reductions follow a decade without RGGI, where Virginia’s emissions were fairly constant with no discernible trend.

RGGI improves public health. Decreased  air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, premature births, and missed days of school and work. In just six years, participating states realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI

RGGI is helping Virginians right now. Virginia’s participation in RGGI generates funds that are: 

(a) providing safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes to low-income families in ways that were never possible before RGGI. Staying 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.^[6]

(b) providing dedicated funding to localities to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding. There is a massive need for this funding. Flooding damages, for example, will cost the state $79.1 billion if left unchecked.

RGGI helps protect utility customers from high bills. Fossil fuel costs are soaring, significantly driving up customer bills. RGGI ensures that power plant owners steadily reduce reliance on fossil fuels, protecting customers from these volatile commodities.