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.
ROUNDUP: Governor’s RGGI Report
Governor Youngkin released a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative report that provides a cherry-picked analysis to support a partisan effort to repeal Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - despite 67% of Virginians supporting RGGI.
Bill of the Day: Flood Resilience
Virginians are on the frontline of climate change, facing devastating sea-level rise and increasing rainfall. It is critical for Virginia to pass strong flood resilience legislation.
Bill of the Day: Defending RGGI
VCN is defending our participation in RGGI & keeping funds for families to ensure flood resiliency and energy efficiency in homes.
RGGI Projects for Energy Efficiency
See how Virginia's RGGI funds are directed towards low-income families for energy-efficient affordable housing and weatherization projects.
Community Flood Preparedness Fund Projects
RGGI is the sole source of revenue for Community Flood Preparedness Fund. See the projects in action across the state that are improving flood resiliency in Virginia.
OPINION: Pulling Out of RGGI Would Hurt Virginia Families
Gov-elect Youngkin pledged to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). In response, Virginia Conservation Network's Climate & Energy Policy Manager, Narissa Turner, explains why withdrawing from RGGI would hurt Virginia's families.
RESOURCES
How RGGI Addresses Statewide Flood Risk
Our Partners at the Environmental Defense Fund highlight the importance [...]
