I'm writing to say that RGGI makes good economic sense for Virginians. As explained by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, half of the proceeds from the RGGI directly benefit low-income energy efficiency programs. Virginia's participation in RGGI provides vital funding for energy efficiency and housing programs that reach the Commonwealth's most vulnerable citizens. Moreover, there are no alternative funding sources available -
the proceeds from RGGI auctions last year exceeded all funding sources in Virginia for energy efficiency programs combined.
RGGI-impacted programs include the Weatherization Deferral Repair (WDR) Program, which funds major home health and safety repairs, and the Affordable and Special Needs Housing (ASNH), whose funds leverage other financing options to ensure more energy-efficient affordable housing comes to market every day. Low-income energy efficiency programs cut residents' energy bills by 20% on average. RGGI
funds provide healthy, safe, and comfortable homes every day.
RGGI dollars directly benefit ALL low-income Virginia families by providing safe, healthy, and affordable homes. Your constituents are benefiting from energy efficiency projects - made possible by RGGI funding. Support line items 114 #14s and 114 #24h; flood relief money should not come out of the RGGI energy efficiency fund.