As a practicing Christian in Virginia I am strongly opposed to the repeal of RGGI.

I want my children, grandchildren, and all Virginians – both urban and rural – to have confidence in a future that is just and participatory where all life can be fully maintained in freedom and community. RGGI has already proven to be of benefit especially to those for whom air pollution has been the source of serious, chronic health conditions that in term place additional demands on the state’s health care system. RGGI has already produced significant (16.8%) decreases in emissions. The related public health savings are to be applauded. The Virginia government should be lauding its leadership in this area rather than trying to use unlawful means to set it aside.

RGGI is not an untested theoretical program. It is helping all Virginians right now. As recurrent flooding continues the costs have accelerated especially for those least able to afford it. One can hardly be pro-life and ignore the damages to life and well-being that result from the health issues already mentioned because young children are especially at risk.

A better way of leading forward would be to support RGGI, stop exploring ways to undermine it and tackle some other truly serious issues the state faces. 

“The crisis facing God’s earth is clear. We, as stewards, have failed to live into our responsibility to care for creation and have instead abused it in ways that now threaten life around the planet…As a matter of stewardship and justice, Christians must take action now to reduce global warming pollution and stand in solidarity with our siblings around the world whose land, livelihood, and lives are threatened.” United Methodist Church Statement on Climate Change.

https://ncipl.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/03/United-Methodist.pdf

Faith-based communities are a significant block of those who actively live and vote in Virginia. Maintaining and supporting RGGI is the appropriate, visionary leadership decision for Virginia.

Anne Wilson, Fairlington UMC, Alexandria VA