I'm writing today to urge you not to withdraw our state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). 

A bipartisan two-thirds of Virginia voters support RGGI's climate, energy, and economy-focused initiatives. In only the first year of RGGI's operation in our Commonwealth, it has slashed pollution, provided more than $110 million to improve energy efficiency initiatives in low-income communities, delivered Virginians $34 million of health benefits annually through avoided hospital visits, and so much more. 

I have provided a great deal of energy bill analysis for low-income housing developments throughout Virginia, and I know the importance of providing funds to boost energy efficiency among these extremely energy-burdened households. Governor Youngkin's "emergency" regulation incorrectly states that the financial burden of RGGI's initiatives on Virginia's taxpayers is too high. In fact, RGGI is helping to relieve the financial burdens of climate change and the skyrocketing cost of fossil fuels for the most vulnerable Virginians.

 

Additionally, the market is heading toward decarbonization – whether we like it or not. Demand from consumers, decreasing costs for renewable energy technologies, and our own Virginia Clean Economy Act are all pushing our market toward renewable fuels and low/no carbon electricity. Withdrawing from RGGI will not change the direction of our grid’s development, but it will reduce our ability to capitalize on that change and funnel much-needed funds to Virginians in need. 

We need to stay in RGGI. Thank you for your consideration.