I strongly urge the Air Pollution Control Board to NOT take Virginia out of RGGI.

Most clearly, it is not even legal to withdraw by executive action because Virginia's participation in RGGI is enshrined in a state law, one that was passed with bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

Virginia's participation in RGGI so far has raised more than $400 million that could be invested back into our communities to help families lower electric bills as well as strengthen communities most impacted by climate change. Gov. Youngkin has already used RGGI funds to aid communities harmed by flooding over the summer. He has NOT proposed a plan to replace these RGGI funds if Virginia discontinues the program.  

Most states in RGGI have seen a reduction in consumer electricity prices, and states that are not participating have seen an average increase in prices since 2020.

RGGI demonstrably contributes to reductions in pollution, which in turn contributes to better health for citizens, and lower healthcare costs both for families and for the Commonwealth.