Virginia's participation in RGGI has been a net positive for Virginia's economy. In 2021 alone, Virginia received $228 million in funds from the 11-state consortium. These grants have benefitted communities across Virginia, from Buchanan County to the City of Winchester, and yes, Virginia's coastal communities, too.

According to Virginia's Department of Conservation & Recreation, "1 inch of water in a home can cause upwards of $25,000 in damages" (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/floodawareness). Funds generated by RGGI are the sole source of funding for Virginia's Community Flood Preparedness Fund. The criticality of that fund was illustrated in August 2021 when parts of Western Virginia were inundated with rain that caused flash flooding. When the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declined to provide financial support for personal losses and rebuilding, Virginia's political representatives sought alternative sources for funding. At the Federal level, Virginia's Senators and Representatives sought funding from the Appalachain Regional Commission. Virginia House Republicans, meanwhile proposed $11.4 million in state funding explicitly for survivors of the flood in Hurley, in fiscal year 2022. Del. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell County, initially introduced legislation to create a designated fund for flood victims using RGGI money. (https://www.nbc12.com/2022/04/24/political-will-funding-needed-combat-increased-flooding-issues-experts-say/)

Funding to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change will only grow in significance in the coming years. Wouldn't we be better staying in and building on the successful programs funded by RGGI?