Action | Repeal CO 2 Budget Trading Program as required by Executive Order 9 (Revision A22) |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 3/31/2023 |
I firmly oppose the repeal of the RGGI. It would be a mistake, a definite backwards step, if our administration repeals our participation.
Data from the EPA Clean Markets Air program show that RGGI is working for Virginia. Prior to our participation in the RGGI, Virginia wasn't showing a trend in emissions at all, now we are showing that power plant emissions have decreased almost 17% overall. That is a start and a strong one! Beyond emissions, there is data that shows that RGGI is having a positive impact on public health. As fossil fuel prices are soaring, RGGI is helping Virginians keep costs down. Funding has been dedicated to help areas deal with recurrent flooding (an effect of climate change). This may not be the total solution, but surely it's a step in the right direction. We are winning in the air, we are winning on the ground, we are winning in our pockets. Don't let our governor take us backwards!