I am writing to oppose gov. Youngkin's attempt to remove Virginia from RGGI. A 2020 law mandates that Virginia participate in RGGI. The administration can’t just ignore the laws it disagrees with. The data is clear: RGGI reduces emissions. Even this administration admitted as much in a recent report, concluding that RGGI “has a long track record of emission reductions since the beginning of the program.” Since joining RGGI, Virginia’s power plant emissions have consistently decreased—by 12.5% between 2020 and 2021 and by nearly 8% between 2021 and 2022. Yet in the decade prior to RGGI, Virginia’s emissions were “fairly constant”. Without RGGI, Virginia’s emissions have not declined and Virginia will not be able to achieve carbon-free power by 2050 as set forth in the Virginia Clean Economy Act. Decreased air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, fewer premature births, and fewer missed days of school and work. Participating states have realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI. Virginia’s participation in RGGI generates funds that are: lowering energy bills for low-income households while creating good, local jobs for roofers, electricians, and HVAC professionals; and providing dedicated funding to localities to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding.