Through ED 11, Virginia will now participate in a multi-state program for the collective reduction of CO2 emissions. We have been given a tremendous opportunity to proctect our future with this carbon emissions cap. Therefore it is our job as responsible citizens of Virginia to make this new regulation a harbinger of change for the unfettered release of CO2 into the atmosphere. The comments we provide to the Department of Environmental Quality will have a direct impact on the strength of the proposal and how effective we want it to be.

While this program is best we can hope for right now, the choice we have been presented for how many annual millions of tons of CO2 to be released is simply appalling. I understand that in any negotiation there is a give and take for all parties involved, but why must we give away what has been taken from us for so long. To choose between 33 and 34 million tons of CO2 is insulting and reeks of nothing but greed. The reason we have these two choices is obviously the representatives from the major power companies of Virginia. Thank you for giving your customers options. I propose a different amount. I propose that there be an annual allotment of no more than 25 million tons of CO2 with the amount reducing by 8% each year. This goal may be agressive but easy goals is something we do not have time for.

The text of the proposal consistently refers to "fossil fuels" when discussing it's CO2 reduction. While fossil fuels are one of the worst contributors of carbon dioxide, they are not exclusive. The burning of wood or biomass  produces equal if not more CO2, so why should it be treated any different? There shall be no exemption for any power producing facility on any of their units that produce carbon dioxide in any way shape or form. Facilities that operate biomass burning power generation shall be held accountable for their CO2 emissions and will be governed as such under this regulation. Biomass as a carbon neutral power production is a myth and will not hide from this regulation like it does in Europe.

If there was ever a time in the history of the world where the strength of every living soul was needed to fight a common enemy, that time is now! That common enemy is climate change. Thank you for receiving my comment.