Virginia MUST stay on the strategic course and remain in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Pulling Virginia from this *successful program ( 12 States now and getting stronger) would necessitate finding other ways to reduce our carbon emissions that probably would be less effective plus costly to manage.

The VA allotted funds from RGGI CO2 auctions fund:

1- Critical nature-based *Resilience projects from living shorelines to flood prevention steps to expanding wetlands- all essential projects. These projects slow erosion and reduce the flow of sediment, nutrients and toxins to the Chesapeake Bay and her many tributaries.

2- Energy conservation (i.e.- "Negawatt") efforts- lowering difficult utility bills for many homeowners and renters with lower incomes. Reducing carbon emissions ( +associated air & water pollution), power bills and stress on the generation/Grid system are important benefits from "Negawatt" projects. Yes, Va. could add enough funds to Va. biennial Budget to gain such important benefits; but really, will that happen?

3- Practical steps toward slowing the harmful (often devastating) impacts of anthropogenic climate change.
Review of March 20, 2023 "Synthesis Report" from the IPPC (ending their 6th assessment cycle) is a must toward realizing coming damages from climate change.

I urge you-- Keep the Commonwealth of Virginia in this important RGGI program.