Executive Order 9 presents the argument that withdrawal from the RGGI provides rate relief for Virginians, particularly low income citizens.  Three arguments:

1. Keeping costs down for Virginians:  If the purpose is rate relief, the Commonwealth can help by simply denying Dominion Power's requests for rate increases.  If the purpose is helping Virginians to control their energy and climate related costs, Virginia should certainly stay in the RGGI, which has provided the Commonwealth with over $400 million in under 2 years to mitigate effects from flooding and to assist low income citizens with energy saving (hence cost saving) measures. There are no plans to replace these funds if Virginia leaves the RGGI.  To say that RGGI has not benefitted Virginia is disingenuous at best, or we could just call it a lie.

2. Hand to forehead moment:  The purpose of the Pollution Control Board is to  - pay attention here - Control Pollution.  Please do your job.

3. RGGI membership is the law, passed by a bipartisan majority in the General Assembly.  The administration is bound to issue regulations to fulfill the law, now to thwart it.