REGGI has provided a revenue stream that has made it more attractive for businesses to come to Virginia and provided ways to support Virginia's lowest income and socially challenged residents. As more and more businesses recognize that it is 'good business' to produce in a 'green' way, they are looking more and more closely at the potential location's environmental commitment. Right now, Virginia remains in their portfolios, so businesses and jobs come here. Without REGGI, they may rethink their decisions.

The stability and financing is important to businesses owners considering new sites. Until now, they were reasonable assured that Virginia energy policies provided by RGGI helps attract investors to the state, so they brought businesses and jobs here.  By maintaining our membership in RGGI, investors and energy workers will be comfortable that Virginia energy policies are going to be crafted and maintained with the best interests of the state in mind, and not changed with every new administration.  Investors do not what to see state policy that change with every new administration.

 REGGI is directly making life easier for the most vulnerable among us because it led to $1.9B in energy bill savings.  States with RGGI, including Virginia, are the leading states in energy efficiency.  This is reported in the RGGI report at https://www.rggi.org/sites/default/files/Uploads/Proceeds/RGGI_Proceeds_Report_2020.pdf that shows how RGGI investments have saved participants money on their energy bills, created jobs, and reduced carbon emissions. 

In addition, RGGI investments benefit more than just those who directly participate in RGGI-funded programs, because money not spent on energy is used in a way that boosts the economy. Avoiding investments in costly infrastructure to meet peak demand, reduces demands for energy and keeps power prices lower for everyone as detailed in this article in the Virginia Mercury:  https://www.virginiamercury.com/2022/08/25/rggi-funds-have-been-a-game-changer-for-many-low-income-homes/

With RGGI Virginia can continue to be a great state for all of its residents.