The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a cooperative effort among states in the northeastern United States to cap and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. Governor Youngkin’s executive order proposed to remove Virginia from the RGGI should be overturned for these reasons:

Climate change impacts: The RGGI is a crucial effort to combat climate change, which poses a significant threat to Virginia and the rest of the world. By capping and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector, the RGGI helps to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and damage to ecosystems.

Public health: The RGGI has been shown to improve public health by reducing air pollution and associated health risks. A study by Abt Associates found that the RGGI has reduced sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by 47% and 40%, respectively, since 2009. These pollutants contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, which can be costly and deadly.

Economic benefits: The RGGI can also provide economic benefits, such as job creation and revenue generation for participating states. A study by the Acadia Center found that the RGGI has generated $4.7 billion in net economic benefits for the participating states since its inception. These benefits include job creation, increased economic activity, and lower energy bills for consumers.

Sources:

• "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative." RGGI, Inc., https://www.rggi.org/what-is-rggi.
• "Beacon Hill Institute: RGGI States Pay 34% More for Electricity Than Non-RGGI States." Beacon Hill Institute, 7 Oct. 2015, https://www.beaconhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/RGGI_Report_101315.pdf.
• "The Economic Impacts of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on Nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States." National Economic Research Associates, 28 May 2019, https://www.nesglobal.net/wp-content/uploads/201