I am against the Governor's efforts to pull our state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI.)

Virginia has a law, adopted in 2020, that commits us to participate in RGGI.  How is it possible for our Governor to simply ignore this law.  In addition, the Governor has not proposed any alternate plan.  

Since Virginia's commitment to RGGI, this eleven state alliance has seen documented reductions in emissions.  In RGGI’s first decade, emissions from power plants in the ten participating states dropped by 50% – twice as fast as in the rest of the country.  This initiative is providing millions of dollars to the Commonwealth, benefiting every citizen, but especially those with lesser means. HALF of RGGI funds are allocated to individuals to support home improvements that increase each home's efficiency, reducing emissions directly and reducing everyday expenses for those households.  In addition, 45% of the funds support flood preparedness. 

More specifically Alexandria has received $6 million from RGGI proceeds for flooding mitigation projects in neighborhoods, including Old Town and Arlandria.  Additionally, the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing has received RGGI funding to renovate 163 affordable rental units in Arlington and to build 80 new affordable senior housing units in Fairfax that will be more energy efficient and reduce energy bills for residents. 

 Virginia needs to keep its commitment to RGGI in order to achieve carbon-free power by 2050 as established in the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

I urge and thank you for standing up to ensure we keep moving forward to mitigate the impact of climate change for our present and future.