Virginia has a law, adopted in 2020, that commits us to participate in RGGI.  It is inappropriate for our Governor to ignore this law, especially since he 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, and 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, in Alexandria, $6 million from RGGI proceeds have been received 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.

It just makes sense to continue on this ecologically sensible path of going forward that Virginia adopted several years ago.  Now is not a time to throw away our paddles as we are making such good progress going forward.

On a more personal note, I really want cleaner air and water, and less greenhouse gas emission, for my children's future. Thus I really want Virginia to stay in RGGI.

I urge you to stand against this unlawful and disastrous effort, and to keep Virginia in the RGGI.

Sincerely, Megan DeCesar