The RGGI provides Virginia with much needed funds to mitigate the effects of flooding which is worsening for the Hampton Roads region due to the effects of global warming.  In October 2021, during a candidate forum for VA Governor, then candidate Glenn Youngkin was asked whether the actions of mankind are responsible for climate change.  He replied, “I don’t know what’s responsible for climate change, in all candor.”  He then added, “I’m a pretty smart guy, but I’m not that smart.”

Regardless of Youngkin’s response about not knowing enough about climate change and its consequences, every reputable scientific organization (including NOAA, NASA, Union of Concerned Scientists, et. al) agrees that global warming is real and rising sea levels and flooding are real consequences of it.  The governor and and his advisors on the Pollution Control Board and in the Natural and Historic Resources Dept. would benefit from the HALL OF FOSSILS - DEEP TIME exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. They would learn about specific destructive human activities and alternative human behavior to slow global warming. Most importantly, the governor and his advisors would understand the devastating consequences if humans continue on this path!

The Virginia Assembly voted to join the RGGI in 2020 and it should not be possible for the governor to withdraw from it simply because he doesn’t agree with the Assembly’s decision.  The governor’s disingenuous scheme to justify his decision to withdraw from RGGI was to refer the matter to the Air Pollution Control Board, which the governor packed with Republican sympathizers. Virginians can see through this sham process. What is the real reason the governor wants to withdraw from the RGGI?  

Virginia should stay in the RGGI because it is working for Virginians.