I strongly oppose withdrawal from RGGI.

First, as I understand it, existing legislation does not allow the executive branch simply to withdraw from the arrangement.  But more to the point -- RGGI works, and works very well for Virginia!  We absolutely need to lower greenhouse gases, for everybody because climate change will be catastrophic, but especially for coastal areas of Virginia which are at great risk from sea-level rises and for rural Virginia, which will be devastated by climate change that will destroy our agricultural productivity.  RGGI has proven itself effective in reducing greenhouse gases, and can serve as a model to other regions of the country, and other countries.

And since Virginia has joined RGGI, it has provided hundreds of millions of dollars to the Commonwealth, which have been used in floodplain improvements, energy-efficient affordable housing, and other needed environmentally-related projects, many of which have benefitted economically disadvantaged parts of Virginia.

Please keep this valuable program running.