Virginia must step up and join other forward looking states and cut carbon pollution from power plants and allow us to trade carbon allowances with other states.

Burning fossil fuels has left a toxic legacy of pollution across Virginia's land, air and water. Reducing carbon emissions from power plants and incentivizing renewable energy will lower electric bills, create jobs, improve air quality, improve public health and protect and preserve Virginia's environment.

With no help coming from the federal level in addressing climate change, it’s up to states like Virginia to act. Moreover, because we’re joining up with a coalition of other states with carbon caps, action we take here in Virginia is greater than the sum of its parts.

I urge you to proceed with a strong regulation that shows Virginia is a leader in addressing climate change and protecting our health, and takes its responsibility seriously.