As a Virginian who has lived in a super-insulated and very energy-efficient home for over 30 years, I appreciate the initiative taken by Governor McAuliffe; but I hope the DEQ will next use its authority to: 

(1) Create a science-based rule that significantly reduces carbon pollution from Virginia's power plants.

(2) Ensure that Virginians — not utilities — benefit from any profits from carbon regulations.

(3) Address the disproportionate environmental effects experienced by our most vulnerable communities.

(4) Grow the economy and reduce carbon pollution by maximizing investments in zero-carbon wind, solar, and energy efficiency.

Our home currently has its energy costs (electicity and natural gas) completely off-set by Solar Renewable Energy Credits.  This is only because Virginia had no SREC program in place when we built our home; and we were forced to register our system in the Maryland program -- which remains more generous than Virginia's current program.  Our state can and should do better.