I'm a Virginia resident and Master's student focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency - a huge focus of my studies has been on how to best ensure our low-income and disabled Virginians have equitable access to efficient and renewable technology. Our involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative brings in essential funds to ensure our residents are healthy and comfortable and efficient, and I don't believe there is a better source of funding than this open market-based solution that allows our state to benefit from our contributions to the region's energy economy. Climate change is real, it is being caused by our dependence on fossil fuels, and the impacts are being felt - RGGI recognizes this and strives to reduce our dependence on carbon, and rewards our state for cleaner electricity generation. We are the first Southern state to join RGGI and that makes me incredibly proud. We have gotten >$500M since we first joined in 2021, and that money can improve the lives of Virginians while reducing environmental impact. It's a huge win-win - don't take our state backwards. Keep us in RGGI!

Thank you,

Brenna Thorpe, Fairfax County, Virginia