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.
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.
Virginia Clean Economy Act: 4 Things To Know
One year ago, the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) established a 100% clean energy standard for Virginia by 2045.
Roundup: Historic Win for Climate with Passage of Virginia Clean Economy Act
The Virginia legislature has passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act, establishing the Commonwealth as a national leader in the fight against climate change!
Virginia’s Latest Attempt to Battle Climate Change is in Danger
The State Air Pollution Control Board will vote on the final regulations to allow the Commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which will make Virginia the first Southern state to take such a bold step in reducing carbon pollution from power plants.
RESOURCES