In 2020 Virginia's General Assembly passed and Governor Ralph Northam signed HB 981 (chapter 1219), the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act.  This legislation authorizes the State to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  After careful consideration, the State chose this proven, cost-effective approach to address climate change, the existential issue of our time.  RGGI, a 12-State, market-based compact, auctions electric power sector carbon dioxide (CO2) allowances to reduce CO2 emissions.  This compact comprises all of the England and Mid-Atlantic States.

On his first day in office on January 15, 2022 Governor Glenn Youngkin began a process to withdraw the State from RGGI through his Executive Order Number Nine.  The State Air Pollution Control Board issued a Notice of Intended Regulatory Action (NOIRA) on September 6, 2022 with the intent to repeal Part VII of 9VAC5-140 in its entirety.  The most viable and least intrusive alternative to Governor Youngkin's proposed repeal is to continue Virginia's full participation in RGGI. 

This is a quote from a friend who will lay out reasons in her request.  I am in agreement with her.  I ask Governor Glenn Youngkin to withdraw his proposal and to keep the State of Virginia in RGGI.  Thank you.