As the founder of the KidsClimateClub.org, the news of current Governor, Youngkin, setting up the next generation for complete failure in contributing to our climate crisis brings tears, not cheers, to an already failed system.  It is my suggestion that Glenn Youngkin (he doesn't deserve to be called Governor) takes one course to educate himself on the dire perils of our ever increasing climate crisis.  Actions such as removing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) will not only impede steps taken to help with our climate crisis, but Youngkin's very actions will:

1. Increase Virginia’s emissions and Virginia will not be able to achieve carbon-free power by 2050 as set forth in the Virginia Clean Economy Act;
2. The data are clear: RGGI reduces emissions. Even this administration admitted as much in a recent report, concluding that RGGI “has a long track record of emission reductions since the beginning of the program";
3. Decreased air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, fewer premature births, and fewer missed days of school and work. Participating states have realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI, including the health of our children;
4. Participation in RGGI generates funds that are:
   a. Lowering energy bills for low-income households while creating good, local jobs for roofers, electricians, and HVAC professionals; and
   b. Providing dedicated funding to localities to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding;
5. Flooding damages, for example, will cost the state $79.1 billion if left unchecked;
6. Currently, our electric bills are high because monopoly utilities like Dominion and Appalachian Power have been allowed to rewrite the utility code in their favor, while over-investing in risky fossil fuel power plants. If the administration really cares about customer costs, it will abandon this unlawful attempt and instead support monopoly utility rate reforms.

Our children in the state of Virginia need Virginia to maintain its participation in RGGI, one of the most important climate programs for the present and the future! Think of what you are doing to the future of Virginia and its most precious resources, our children and the planet they will inherit, starting with your actions Glenn!

Regards, 

Gwen Cassady, Founder Kids Climate Club