REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE (RGGI)
Our Commitment
Maintain Virginia’s carbon reduction policy, and protect the resulting funding for low-income energy efficiency programs, home weatherization, and flood resiliency projects.
THE ISSUE
In 2020, Virginia passed the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act, allowing the commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI, pronounced ‘reggie’) and establishing the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). RGGI is a market- based program with 11 participating states that generates new funds while reducing electricity sector emissions. This pollution reduction program drives down greenhouse gas emissions which improves air quality and public health while also bringing in desperately needed revenue to help Virginia’s families with energy bills and flood protection.
The Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act directs 50% of RGGI revenue to low-income energy efficiency programs, 45% to the CFPF, and 5% to administrative costs. In Virginia’s first year of participation in RGGI, the Commonwealth received $228 million from RGGI auctions. These proceeds are already being used to create more energy-efficient, affordable housing units, help low-income families reduce energy bills, and enhance community flood prevention and protection.
RGGI FUNDING
Community Flood Preparedness Projects
Low-Income Energy Efficiency Projects
The map, provided by the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council, shows funding for the Affordable & Special Needs Housing (ASNH) program, which is fully funded through Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. These funds ensure that more energy-efficient, affordable housing is available for Virginia’s most under-served communities.
Bill of the Day: Rejoining RGGI
The General Assembly has advanced legislation that would return Virginia to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Catch Up On Our Path to 100% Clean Energy Education Series
Virginia Conservation Network hosted an educational series tailored for decision-makers and advocates to learn about Virginia's transition to clean energy.
Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) Program
Housing Innovation in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) Program has helped many families in Virginia. Let's celebrate the victories and support the program!
Bill of the Day: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
We must make sure that Virginia rejoins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as soon as possible through budget items 4-5.12 #2s and 4-5.12 #1h.
ROUNDUP: Court Rules in Favor of RGGI
The Circuit Court of Floyd County ruled that the regulatory action removing Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was “unlawful and without effect.”
Missed Opportunity to Rejoin RGGI Through the Budget
Our Partners at the Virginia League of Conservation Voters released a joint statement, signed on by VCN and several of our Partners, addressing the absence of language for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the new budget.
RESOURCES
Video: Virginia’s Clean Energy Pillars – VCEA & RGGI
Virginia Conservation Network hosted a webinar diving into two key pillars of Virginia’s clean energy transition—the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Report: Virginia’s Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) Program
The Virginia Housing Alliance released a report highlighting the impact of programs through the Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) funds.
Youngkin’s RGGI Removal Plan
The Youngkin administration’s plan to repeal RGGI through regulation [...]
Virginia Governor Youngkin is wrong about RGGI. Here’s 5 reasons why.
After Governor Youngkin's misleading report on RGGI, the Environmental Defense Fund outlined 5 key reasons why Virginia needs RGGI.
Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency Funds Map
See the Virginia Energy Efficiency Council's map of funds by region for the Affordable and Special Needs Housing program, part of the Housing Innovation Energy Efficiency funds, which are entirely funded through Virginia's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grant Locations (with Senate District Boundaries)
Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grant Locations with Senate district boundaries.