Action | Repeal CO 2 Budget Trading Program as required by Executive Order 9 (Revision A22) |
Stage | Final |
Comment Period | Ended on 8/30/2023 |
I support the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Virginians rallied for the Commonwealth to join RGGI. If Governor Youngkin withdraws from the RGGI, he is going against what the people want and need to protect their livelihoods.
My house has flooded 3 times. I've spent many hours with a broom sweeping water out of my basement. RGGI helps protect my home and others' from the extreme weather and flooding that come with climate change. Flooding damages will cost the state $79.1 billion if left unchecked. Taxpayers should not bear the weight of climate change - the polluters should. That's why I support RGGI. It charges polluters for egregious emissions and invests that money in the people and communities. It doesn't cost the taxpayer a thing and only benefits the people.
I have chronic asthma. Over the past 10 years, my asthma got progressively worse, quickly. I take prescription-strength steroids just so I can go throughout my life normally. This summer, when the smoke from the wildfires in Canada drifted down to the United States - I couldn't go outside. I was stuck inside for days because not even steroids and my inhaler could protect me from wheezing because of the smoke. RGGI improves public health. In just six years, participating states realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI. Reducing pollution means fewer asthma attacks for me, fewer premature births, and less sick days resulting in missed school and work.
RGGI is works. Data shows RGGI is working. 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.
I support RGGI because it will help decrease emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, so people don't have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars weatherizing their homes. RGGI will save the taxpayer money and it will save lives. RGGI will help hold polluters accountable and value people over profits. This is essential to protecting Virginia's future and our country's future.
Virginia has always been a leader of the south. It should remain in the RGGI because it is what the people want and it is the right thing to do. Virginia law mandates that Virginia participate in RGGI. The administration can’t just brush aside the laws it disagrees with. Put people over polluters and OPPOSE VIRGINIA'S WITHDRAWAL FROM RGGI!