Virginia has a duty to its citizens and an obligation to citizens in other states and other countries to do its part in lowering greenhouse gas emissions. 

Virginia also needs to adopt mitigation measures to help prepare all of Virginia for the adverse effects of climate change - and in the coastal areas in particular.

Participation in the RGGI is a shared commitment to do both these things. It is irresponsible to withdraw from it without putting in place, in advance, measures that are likely to be at least as effective in lowering emissions and provide at least as many resources to mitigate climate risks.