We are writing to oppose the governor’s attempt to remove Virginia from RGGI. This is an important climate program and Virginia should absolutely be a part of it!

For Virginia to withdraw from the RGGI is, in fact,  unlawful. The 2020 law mandates that Virginia participate in RGGI. The administration can’t just ignore the laws it disagrees with.
RGGI is working!.The data has revealed that RGGI reduces emissions. Even this administration admitted as much in a recent report, concluding that RGGI “has a long track record of emission reductions since the beginning of the program.” 
Without RGGI, Virginia has little chance of meeting climate goals that we MUST
meet as soon as possible. Especially Hampton Roads is vulnerable to the changes we are already experiencing in our climate.
RGGI improves public health. Decreased air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, fewer premature births, and fewer missed days of school and work. Participating states have realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI.[v]
AND ......RGGI is helping Virginians right now by:
Lowering energy bills for low-income households while creating good, local jobs for roofers, electricians, and HVAC professionals; and     

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• Providing dedicated funding to localities to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding.

 
We have a  massive need for RGGI funding. Flooding damages, for example, will cost the state $79.1 billion if left unchecked.
Fix the utility code; don’t remove Virginia from RGGI. Focus on utility rate reform. Our electric bills are high because monopoly utilities like Dominion and Appalachian Power have been allowed to rewrite the utility code in their favor, while over-investing in risky fossil fuel power plants. If the administration really cares about customer costs, it will abandon this unlawful attempt and instead support monopoly utility rate reforms.

 

• PLEASE ...DO NOT REMOVE VIRGINIA FROM THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE!!!!!