Dear Director and Members of the Air Pollution Control Board,

I support setting the strongest possible standard to cut carbon emissions from Virginia power plants through participation in a carbon market. This is a critically important step toward reducing carbon pollution.

DEQ should adopt and implement a final rule that:

• Caps carbon pollution in the 2020 base year between 30 and 32 million tons. While the draft rule proposes 33 or 34 million tons as a base year cap, Virginia’s carbon emissions have been below 33 million tons each year since 2010. The new rule should set a cap that is more ambitious, yet still achievable.

• Covers carbon pollution from biomass facilities. All carbon pollution adds to climate disruption, regardless of what fuel is used.

• Makes explicit that carbon pollution reductions will continue in Virginia after 2030.

• Closely monitors for instances of disproportionate burdens borne by low-income and vulnerable communities.

Thank you for your efforts to protect Virginia citizens and our natural resources.

Sincerely,

Julia Hebner