Virginians have made it clear: citizens oppose the regulatory plan to repeal RGGI. Over 88% of the 6,600 comments supported participation in RGGI in the last public comment period. The program funds desperately needed flood resilience efforts for communities across the state, from coastal to mountainous communities, and funds energy efficiency upgrades for low-income homes. Virginia must stay in RGGI to continue to participate in a proven, market-based program that reduces carbon pollution, improves air quality, and invests in climate change mitigation. Virginia risks backsliding on its climate goals, forfeiting valuable funding, and harming vulnerable communities if it withdraws from the program. For these reasons, the Virginia Conservation Network opposes the unlawful repeal of RGGI.

Nicole Duimstra, Henrico County resident & Communications Director at Virginia Conservation Network