The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is vital to provide funding to deal with the negative effects of Climate Change that is impacting Virginians throughout the state. This coalition is a critical investment in the future of our planet, our nation, and our state. We need to develop and transition to modern, sustainable technologies and provide emergency funds for responding to climate disasters. RGGI will provide this critical funding. The support provided to victims of the floods in southwestern Virginia were funded in large part by money raised by Virginia participation in RGGI. If Virginia withdraws from RGGI the state government will need to fund alternative sources of funding.

I am strictly opposed to withdrawing from RGGI. We need to give this legislation the opportunity to deal with the proven science that Climate Change exists and we need to plan for the future of excess carbon in our atmosphere.  This legislation was passed by bipartisan consensus and needs to be kept in place to help Virginians that are victims of climate change disasters.