I write in opposition to the Governor’s plan to withdraw the Commonwealth of Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Attempts by politicians of the GOP to deny climate change have been demonstrated to be spectacularly wrong: climate change has already contributed to significant negative impacts to Virginians and the process will continue and likely accelerate in coming years. Consider for example the effects of sea-level rise in the Hampton Roads area, as but one significant examples.

The Commonwealth needs to be agreeing additional actions to reduce carbon and other emissions that contribute to global warming, needs programs that help local communities mitigate the effects of climate change, and strategies that create jobs, train workers and prove markets to power a post-carbon economy. 

Doing less on climate change is wrong-headed and ultimately will cost the Commonwealth far more than planned actions under RGGI as progress is deferred and damages amass. Please register my family’s strong opposition to withdrawing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.