The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon credits program is a proven effective partnership among states to limit greenhouse gas emissions and to provide non-tax funding for flood prevention measures and energy saving home energy audits and retrofits from insulation to solar installation.  The increase in taxes for Virginians is small in comparison to the health benefits of cleaner air and flood prevention, and the funding the carbon credit trades provide for energy saving and flood prevention programs.  The program empowers Virginians, including the poorest among them, to make their homes more comfortable and safer and to lower their energy bills, as well as taking steps to prevent or reduce flooding in their neighborhoods.  My nephew works as an energy auditor.  He has described from experience the assessments, retrofits for energy savings and solar installations the  RGGI carbon credit payments make affordable for poor people in Richmond.  He said "Without RGGI none of this work would be possible."

Participation in RGGI is mandated by state law which was passed by our legislature.  Governor Youngkin and the DEQ do not have the authority to force this withdrawal.  To do so would result in higher carbon emissions, and higher costs for the state either for funding mitigation efforts or for paying for increased health care needs for the people subjected to air pollution, temperature extremes, violent weather events and all of the ills caused by climate change.

Please do not withdraw Virginia from participation in RGGI!!

Sincerely, Sarah Glassco, Alexandria, VA, Nature Educator and member of a Faith Community