I believe that only the state legislature can vote to remove Virginia from RGGI--it cannot be done because the governor wants to do it. Such carbon auction/trade programs are effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. RGGI carbon auctions have provided funding for low-income families in Virginia to make their homes more energy efficient and to reduce the impact of flooding. While energy efficient homes will benefit lower income families, those to whom the costs are onerous should receive relief/assistance through the budget process.

Utilities are increasingly using renewable sources of energy production, and programs such as RGGI should hasten that transition. While higher costs may be passed on to consumers, in the longer term, climate change will have far more devastating and expensive impacts for all of us.