The benefits of membership in RGGI are numerous but the most important are the funds received by the Commonwealth to improve flood protections in vulnerable communities, to provide continued improvement in resilience toward water intrusion, and to support energy efficiency initiatives in low income areas of Virginia. Not only do these actions improve the quality of life to the entirety of the Commonwealth, but also provide and support strong economic development.

Living in a coastal area of Virginia makes me more aware of the problems felt by flooding. Continued flooding and water intrusion places the military readiness of our area in serious jeopardy which should be of major concern to all. Removing Virginia from RGGI without any well defined multi-faceted workable, implementable, and fully funded replacement plan is short sighted and irresponsible governance. Please retain  Virginia's membership in RGGI so we can reap the benefits that will better equip communities to address current issues, but also prepare for and mitigate against potentially catastrophic issues in the short and long-term future.