Please do not withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This coalition is a critical investment in the future of our planet, our nation, and our state. It gives us the opportunity to develop and transition to modern, sustainable technologies and provides emergency funds for responding to climate disasters. Earlier this year, relief efforts to floods in southwestern Virignia were funded in large part by money raised by the Initiative that Virginia had because the state is part of the RGGI. If we withdraw, the state government will need to acquire funds for such efforts by other means.

The RGGI costs taxpayers only a few dollars per year, while its benefits are immeasurable. I am proud to contribute to the RGGI, and I am strictly opposed to withdrawing from it for any reason. This legislation was passed by bipartisan consensus, and it should only be ended by another bipartisan effort.