| Action | Repeal CO 2 Budget Trading Program as required by Executive Order 9 (Revision A22) |
| Stage | NOIRA |
| Comment Period | Ended on 10/26/2022 |
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To the members of the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board,
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is an essential and successful program that allows Virginia to cut greenhouse gas emissions and generate funding to adapt to the climate impacts that are already hitting our communities. Since our state joined RGGI last year, the program has generated over $300 million to help communities with flood preparedness and low income Virginians with energy efficiency.
We understand that you, the members of the Air Pollution Control Board, are being asked to declare an emergency and withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. We urge you to not take this action.
As faith leaders, we are proud that Virginia has become a leader on addressing the climate crisis. It is not a moment too soon, as our citizens are vulnerable now to the impacts of climate change, from sea level rise to more extreme weather. Just this past month, we saw the devastation of flooding in Buchanan County, and record heat affecting the most vulnerable in Virginia.
It is a moral imperative that we address the climate crisis at the scale and pace the science demands.The climate crisis is not an impending disaster. It is here, and we are already living with the consequences. Our children are counting on us.
We urge you to ensure that Virginia remains a full participant in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, just as the General Assembly has required by law.
Signed,
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Rev. Sarah S Scherschligt Senior Pastor Peace Lutheran Church Alexandria, VA
Cantor Rachel Rhodes Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, Virginia
Rev. Laura Martin (she/her/hers) Associate Pastor Rock Spring United Church of Christ Arlington VA 22207 Rev. Benton J. Trawick Grace Presbyterian Church Springfield, VA Rev. Katie Murchison Ross Grace Presbyterian Church Springfield, VA
Rev. Russell Heiland Unity of Fairfax Church Oakton, VA
Cantor Michael Shochet Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, Virginia Rabbi Amy Schwartzman Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, Virginia
Rabbi Alexandra Stein Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, Virginia
Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe Temple Rodef Shalom Falls Church, Virginia
Rev. Emma Chattin Metropolitan Community Church of Northern Virginia Fairfax, VA
Rev. Charlotte Lehman Bull Run Unitarian Universalists Manassas, VA |
Rob Erickson Senior Pastor Heritage Presbyterian Church Alexandria, VA
Rev. Scott Ramsey Lewinsville Presbyterian Church McLean, VA 22101
Rev. Dr. Jean Wright Co-Founder, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions and Loudoun Hub Leader American Baptist Churches/USA and United Church of Christ Ashburn, VA
The Rev. Jon Strand Church of the Holy Comforter Vienna VA
Rev. Kathy Dwyer Rock Spring UCC Arlington, VA
Deacon David Kepley Providence Presbyterian Church Fairfax, VA
Rabbi Michael Holtzman Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation Reston, VA
Rev. Jennifer Dunfee Lewinsville Presbyterian Church Lewinsville, VA
Rev. Dr. David N. Young Bethel Lutheran Church Winchester, VA
Rev. Heidi K. David-Young Bethel Lutheran Church Winchester, VA
Rev. Michael Burns Providence Presbyterian Church Fairfax, VA Rev. David Miller Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax Oakton, VA |
