Virginia needs the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI dollars are being used in every region of Virginia.  

This year we are seeing the devastating effects of climate disruption caused by greenhouse gas emissions.  A carbon cap-and-trade program is an effective state action to mitigate emissions.  Most other actions to address the climate crisis require federal government intervention.  This is the one strategy which is within Virginia’s power to act. 

No sustainable funding source has been proposed to replace the revenue from RGGI needed to address flooding. And no funds have been proposed to replace the 50% of RGGI revenue mandated to permanently reduce the energy burden on low-income households through weatherization.

The Governor’s efforts to unilaterally ignore laws, and effectively repeal them, violates the separation of powers that is the foundation of US constitutional government. Even aside from the climate crisis we must oppose such a dangerous precedent.