Communities all across the Commonwealth are being impacted by flooding, and Virginia’s RGGI proceeds represent the first dedicated stream of state funding to help localities prevent and protect against the significant damage it causes. Local governments and Native American tribes can apply for funding for flood-protection planning and projects. In Virginia, hundreds of thousands of households face crippling energy bills.

Despite what weatherization improvements can provide, Virginia has long backlogs of eligible households whose weatherization upgrades cannot be completed until certain other repairs have been made such as leaky roofs or faulty wiring. A survey of all 17 weatherization providers in Virginia found that almost 1 in 5 homes had to be deferred. In some areas, the problem is even more acute. On the Eastern Shore for example, three-quarters of eligible homes have repair issues preventing these much-needed weatherization upgrades. Virginia’s RGGI funds are being used to fill this gap—allowing these repairs to be made so that federal funds can then be used to complete the energy saving weatherization measures. This is the only source of funding available for this use. Virginia's participation in

RGGI is law, which is currently creating more energy efficient affordable housing units, helping low-income families reduce energy bills, and enhancing community flood prevention and protection efforts. It’s a great start, but we must continue to support this law to participate in RGGI.

I have copied the statement below because it succinctly states my thoughts on the RGGI. I personally see no reason to repeal this law.

Communities all across the Commonwealth are being impacted by flooding, and Virginia’s RGGI proceeds represent the first dedicated stream of state funding to help localities prevent and protect against the significant damage it causes. Local governments and Native American tribes can apply for funding for flood-protection planning and projects. In Virginia, hundreds of thousands of households face crippling energy bills.

Despite what weatherization improvements can provide, Virginia has long backlogs of eligible households whose weatherization upgrades cannot be completed until certain other repairs have been made such as leaky roofs or faulty wiring. A survey of all 17 weatherization providers in Virginia found that almost 1 in 5 homes had to be deferred. In some areas, the problem is even more acute. On the Eastern Shore for example, three-quarters of eligible homes have repair issues preventing these much-needed weatherization upgrades. Virginia’s RGGI funds are being used to fill this gap—allowing these repairs to be made so that federal funds can then be used to complete the energy saving weatherization measures. This is the only source of funding available for this use. Virginia's participation in

RGGI is law, which is currently creating more energy efficient affordable housing units, helping low-income families reduce energy bills, and enhancing community flood prevention and protection efforts. It’s a great start, but we must continue to support this law to participate in RGGI.

I support Virginia’s continued participating.  We cannot consider removing designated funding to help localities in more and more damages due to floods and storms.  We cannot consider building less efficient and affordable homes.

Withdrawing from RGGI is not going to make life cheaper for Virginians.  RGGI is a market-based solution to a real problem that is going to cost Virginians, and their insurers, fantastic sums of money over the next few decades.  Throwing it away would be penny-wise, pound-foolish nonsense.

Withdraw from RGGI, which is a hidden tax passed along to consumers.  Fund programs outright, not like this.

1) RGGI isn't a tax, it's a market driven cap and trade program. This is the private sector solution. Stop equating it to full decarbonization because you want to run for President.

2) Climate change is here whether you recognize it or not. Flooding is only going to become more prevalent throughout Virginia, especially in towns like Hurley. 

3) It is the Christian thing to care for our planet. Glenn, you claim you're a good Christian. Act like it.

I fully support removing Virginia from RGGL. Virginians should not have to financially support this burden. 

Strongly in favor of withdrawing from RGGI which is nothing more than a hidden tax on our utility bills in which customers have no say.

Virginia needs to do what is best for Virginia , not other states ! Praise to Governor Youngkin for doing what’s best for Virginia !!! 

Continue to support RGGI, it’s the law! 

I support Governor Youngkin's with drawl from the Regional Green House Gas Initiative. I agree that is a Tax buried in our utility bill. 

I believe that Governor should not have control of the flood funds. I believe the funds would be wasted on political bs. The flood resilience funds are absolutely necessary for we in recent years suffered a devastating flood in Virginia and those funds need.

more ridiculous political stunts from a terrible governor. There’s no good reason, to remove us from RGGI. this is political grandstanding and it’s actually bad for Virginia and it’s citizens.

The economic impact of air pollution and rising seas to Virginia is valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a noble program seeks to mitigate this negative impact by addressing many of problems created by climate change at a low cost to the consumer. This a free-market solution to that shifts the economic burden of pollution onto the polluters, where it should rightly fall. By raising revenue for programs that address low income weatherization assistance, coastal resilience and flood management, we are building a more resilient Virginia. We are enabling low income Virginians to repair their homes so they can stay in them. During this time of ludicrous housing and rent prices, this is a worthwhile goal. Climate change is real and is will impact ALL Virginians, whether you live in the Shenandoah Valley, Southside, NOVa or Hampton Roads. If we get rid of RGGI there is no other program that can replace this funding and the GOP has no ideas for how to address climate change. We cannot hide from the climate disaster that are coming. We cannot let our brothers and sisters in Buchanan County or Norfolk lose their houses to the floods just so we can save a couple dollars each month on our electric bill. Finally, it is completely illegal for DEQ or the State Air Pollution Control Board to unilaterally withdraw from RGGI without the express consent of the General Assembly.

I support Virginia’s continued participation in the RGGI. We need equitable solutions to combat climate change, and the GOP continues to show it cares little about protecting the environment or anyone other than its ultra wealthy donors and cronies. 

1. I support RGGI

What about reducing greenhouse gasses, investing in clean energy jobs, reducing our dependency on petroleum exporting nations run by despots and giving Virginia access to 100s of millions in flood relief is a bad thing to you?

I genuinely can’t think of any logical reason how pulling out of the RGGC would benefit Virginia or it’s residents. I implore those of you who haven’t been blinded by the bribes of oil companies to oppose this measure and make a Virginia strong for the future, not weak to the will of fossil fuels 

You realize that climate change is real. Regulations keep people from breathing in toxic air.  Stop trying to lower our life expectancy. Thanks. 

I strongly support RGGI. It is need more now, than ever before due to increasingly intense swings in climate change and increased risk of flooding. Shame on any official who tries to take away protections for their constituents.  

Flooding is a serious issue... have you seen Richmond when it floods? Horrible!!

Global warming is real and at this point I've already consigned myself to the fact that my children will die in some horrible climate war. I think the least we could do is not make that worse for cheap political points.

Keep RGGI.

RGGI is a program that protects Virginians and adds to our resilience in the face of a changing climate. Why would you deny the Commonwealth this opportunity to access federal assistance?

Mary

Please, let's look to the future. The RGGI is an incredibly important initiative, and we should remain full participants.

The RGGI is imperative to protect the climate. Everyone agrees on this and NOBODY voted Youngkin in to do this. I would like to believe Parents rights advocates are sane enough and not unintelligent to probably agree that they want their children to actually live in a climate that wont lead millions of climate refugees. Droughts and sea levels that will put so many communities and people at risk. We are actively shooting ourself in the foot if we do this and the Youngkin administration is shameless in its lobbied back positions that help the 1% pollute and destroy the climate of which all the effects will bear on literally everyone else who are already struggling

Anything you do to harm Virginia and it’s beautiful environment will be on your conscience.  Greenhouse gases are dangerous and propel the ravages of climate change.  They do nothing but destroy the planet.  You were a big capitalist CEO - can you think long term about anything other than making money and campaigning for fascists?  

Do your job as Governor and represent the will of the people.  

Our Commonwealth entered into a commitment to do several things to protect our environment and reduce the harm already caused. It will cause a change in behavior. I am in favor of honoring our commitments to the future

I support the RGGI because I support creating and keeping green jobs in Virginia. This is a win for our economy, a win for our health, and a win for our future. Why would the Governor want to take the Commonwealth backwards and endanger its citizens? 

Virginia's participation in the CO2 trading program was established by statute and cannot be voided by an executive order.  The proposed action is arbitrary and not legal.  The commonwealth will loose when this action goes to court.

Aside from that, the program makes money for the state, is not overly intrusive, will help curb air pollution in Virginia; and mitigates the effects of climate change.  In short it is an efficient, market oriented way of making the lives of all Virginians better.

RGGI is a profoundly important commitment. Virginia's participation is important. The Commonwealth should lead, not sink into the past.

RGGI is a bad deal for Virginians.  Our policies should not be dictated by other states.  Removing Virginia from RGGI is in the best interest of our commonwealth.

This is a terrible idea. RGGI is vital to protecting Virginia's environment and citizens.

It is important to remain a part of RGGI. Leaving is a terrible idea that will harm our citizens and environment.

Climate change is real and we need to take actions to stop environmental destruction.  Va needs to stay in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

As a Virginia resident, I support remaining in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which provides important benefits for Virginia families and communities both short- and long-term. Funding from the RGGI program helps with flood resilience and energy efficiency, helping to protect Virginia families from the future impact of climate change. I do not have children, but I care about the children of Virginia, and staying in RGGI is the right thing to do for them and for ourselves.

The move to abandon Virginia's participation in RGGI is short-sighted and purely political theater. Vulnerable communities are losing critical resources just to get headlines for a politician looking for a new job. Virginians deserve better.

Leaving the RGGI without a viable alternative to reducing greenhouse gases is not a smart decision. 

As a hard-working and struggling Father of Four, the previous Administration made a very bad decision to include us in this ill-considered, expensive, unproven RGGI.  I am expected to buy an Electric Car over the next few years?  Due to the Biden Administration's sinking economy, skyrocketing inflation and upcoming Recession and layoffs, there is no way that I can afford an Electric Vehicle.

The Science is still unproven on Climate Change being linked to man-made sources.  It might be.  It could also be increase in methane, solar activity, or natural cycles in our climate.  I have read practically every article there is on Climate Change, and it remains a theory.  It might be true, but we cannot prove it 100%.  So based upon an unproven theory, we are supposed to bankrupt ourselves into poverty, impoverish our children, drive our reliable fossil fuel infrastructure into the ground, all to maybe reduce US emissions by 1%, which is 1% of the global total.  China and the developing world will produce 90% of the fossil fuel emissions and the US Government does nothing about.

Bottom-line, get us OUT OF THE RGGI.  Never let us be linked to California ever again.

Brendon Kruk

Why are republicans hell bent on destroying everything that is right and good in this world?  Why are you so broken?

RGGI employs a proven, market-based cap-and-invest mechanism requiring power producers like Dominion Energy to purchase allowances for their carbon emissions, thereby accelerating the deployment of carbon-free energy production through renewable sources like wind and solar. Proceeds from these allowances are delivered proportionally to participating states. Virginia law requires that funds are spent on low-income energy efficiency programs (50%) and community flood preparedness (45%). 

Climate Action Alliance of the Valley, a grassroots coalition in the Shenandoah Valley, opposes Governor Youngkin’s attempt at RGGI withdrawal. He describes RGGI as a “carbon tax”, implying withdrawal will prevent utility rate increases from costing consumers. Utilities like Dominion Energy will seek to recover costs by increasing rates; the Governor, however, is missing the bigger picture. Dominion Energy already passes on to ratepayers the costs of fossil fuel projects, like expensive coal plants that are no longer economically viable. We ratepayers pay for these stranded assets. We are better off paying for renewable energy projects like wind and solar as long term investments. We agree with Mr. Youngkin’s concern about rising energy bills. The electricity burden (the percentage a household spends on electricity) is higher in Virginia than the national average and is unaffordable for 75% of households. Nonetheless, Virginia has an urgent need to fund flood preparedness and to lower energy costs. RGGI can help accomplish both. 

RGGI is the only dedicated source of funding in Virginia for flood preparedness, crucial not just for coastal regions but for communities in the Shenandoah Valley. Republican Delegate Will Morefield of Buchanan County understands this and introduced HB5, to keep the Community Flood Preparedness Fund intact regardless of Virginia’s participation in RGGI. (If Virginia withdraws, we’d have to find other funding sources.) 

RGGI funds are already being used to help low-income families lower their energy use, keeping the lights and heat on for less money. It’s estimated that weatherization--sealing air leaks with insulation, weatherstripping around windows and doors, repairing duct systems, replacing outdated and unsafe heating and cooling systems--could save the average Virginia family as much as $976 every year. 164,000 Virginia households pay about 31% of their income on energy costs. An additional 179,000 pay 17% of their income. Weatherization and energy efficiency are cost effective ways to reduce disproportionate energy costs.

RGGI funds are also being used to address our shortage of affordable rental units. In the initial round of funding, the state awarded eleven affordable housing grants representing 705 energy-efficient units using RGGI funds. The money will help clear the backlog of eligible households that cannot weatherize until certain home repairs are made--like leaky roofs or faulty wiring--by funding those repairs. In a few months of operation in 2021, hundreds of home repairs and weatherization services for low-income families were completed. 

We don’t have to speculate on whether RGGI is right for Virginia; we can look at how participation has already helped other states. Cutting carbon emissions also leads to reductions in other pollutants harmful to human health–mercury, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. A 2017 analysis of RGGI’s first six years found that emission reductions led to health benefits valued at $5.7 billion in participating states by lowering rates of childhood asthma, preterm births, and low birth weights. These are some of the very real externalized costs of fossil fuels rarely discussed. RGGI has also created 45,000 jobs, adding $4 billion in economic value. RGGI state economies have grown faster than non-RGGI economies by 31%. RGGI has also lowered electricity prices by 5.7% in the first nine years, in contrast to increases in non-RGGI states. Major employers in Virginia understand this; leaders from Nestlé to Unilever to Salesforce joined together to applaud lawmakers for the effort, saying RGGI would help the commonwealth “take advantage of the opportunities that accompany the transition to a low-carbon economy.”

RGGI has enormous potential to address crucial needs in Virginia, as it has done in other participating states. We strongly encourage continued participation in RGGI because of the benefits the program brings to Virginia communities like ours.

We need to become less dependant on fossil fuels and invest in clean renewable energy sources but we need to this in a cooperative manner. We need to give this goal ample time to mature.

Why would you shut VA out of the opportunity to leave our children a better and healthier environment than we inherited while also shutting Virginians out of the infrastructure and clean energy jobs that are provided by attempting to lower greenhouse gas emissions.  The government picked fossil fuels as the winners by subsidizing them and opening up public lands to their private profits, why not level the playing field and create jobs by supporting energy diversity in the Commonwealth?  Are you that beholden to dirty money from the fossil fuel lobby?

Climate change is real. Why would this administration remove participation with NO other solution proposed. In fact, climate change is such that even more aggressive measures be taken.

I strongly support staying in RGGI

Withdraw from RGGI. Enough! Get back to common sense for Virginia

Virginia should remain in the RGGI.

We need to stay in the RGGI. 

I support Virginia’s continued participating in RGGI. We cannot consider removing designated funding to help localities in more and more damages due to floods and storms.  We cannot consider building less efficient and affordable homes.

Look at what has happened to SW Virginia! 

Pollution doesn’t stay within a state. We need regional cooperation to address the problem.

Stay in. 

That's it. That's the comment. 

Florida is about to be under water and you STILL want to pretend the climate crisis isn’t happening? STAY IN THE RGGI