The climate crisis cannot be ignored, and deserves space in every discussion concerning the 2022 Virginia Energy Plan. Virginia must address greenhouse gas emissions and the challenges we face, not by returning to old patterns and "all-of-the-above" energy policy, but by funding 21st century innovation methods that accelerate our equitable transition to renewable energy. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a valuable tool that must be protected. RGGI has already earned the commonwealth more than $228 million since we joined in 2020. Proceeds from RGGI are being used to identify and mitigate flood vulnerability, and for low-income energy efficiency programs that help families reduce their energy bills. RGGI funding has allowed affordable housing developers to construct safe, energy-efficient homes and is creating jobs in these same communities. Since 2008, power sector emissions have plummeted in the states belonging to RGGI at a rate almost double the rest of the US. Critically, GDP in these states outpaced growth elsewhere by 31% over the same decade, proving states don’t have to choose between the economy and the environment.