“The proposed action by the air board offends our democratic norms and the rule of law, bypassing the will of the people and their chosen representatives in the General Assembly. HB 981 is not a vague directive for state agencies to administer RGGI when and as they see fit. It is a mandate.

“Members of the Air Board are not intended to be political pawns at the whim of the Governor. This action is expressly political in nature, being carried out solely based on campaign promises made by the Governor. It violates the duties and distorts the character of the Air Board. It is a dangerous precedent to set that should alarm all parties invested in the existence of nonpartisan Citizen Boards which fairly administer the regulations of the Commonwealth.” – Victoria Higgins, Virginia Director

“Today, I would like to draw your attention to these important facts.

1. RGGI is working
2. RGGI is helping Virginians
3. RGGi is the Law

The Administration has claimed that RGGI is not effective at reducing emissions. In the decade prior to Virginia joining, our emissions were “fairly constant” with “no discernible trend”. Since joining, however, our emissions have consistently decreased, dropping 16.8% overall as compared to 2020 pre-RGGI levels. RGGI ensures that power plant owners steadily reduce reliance on fossil fuels, protecting customers from the volatility of fuel costs.” – Leah McCord, Policy Fellow

“Beyond the fact that DEQ and the Air Board lack the authority to take this action, withdrawing Virginia from RGGI is also bad policy. States participating in RGGI have historically reduced their emissions at a much more rapid rate than non-participants, and Virginia is no exception. Virginia’s participation in RGGI is already bringing numerous benefits to the Commonwealth, resulting in better health outcomes and a cleaner environment for Virginians. DEQ itself has acknowledged that Virginia needs to remain in RGGI to fulfill the Commonwealth’s climate goals, as set forth in the Virginia Clean Economy Act and the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act.  Moreover, the funds gained from sales of RGGI allowances are being used to protect Virginians against the worst impacts of climate change, including sea level rise. The funds are also improving the financial wellbeing and indoor air quality of low-income households across the state by increasing their energy efficiency and reducing their utility bills. These funds will be eliminated if Virginia withdraws from RGGI.”

“Since Virginia joined RGGI in 2021, it has helped thousands of us avoid health problems. Data from other RGGI states indicate that, over five years, improved air quality saved residents of those states from over 6,000 asthma attacks, over 100 preterm births, and, potentially, over 500 deaths. Those same benefits now apply to Virginians. Those arguing against RGGI say it’s too expensive for taxpayers. But sickness costs taxpayers, too. The EPA has estimated that improving air quality results in public health benefits that exceed the costs by over 30 times. Put simply, for every dollar we put into RGGI and programs like it, we taxpayers save $30 down the line–and we are healthier for it, too.” – Daniel Walden, medical student and VCCA representative

“RGGI is the most rapid pathway for Virginia to reduce its carbon emissions from energy production over the next decade because it incentivizes polluters to find alternative sources for energy production. With the reductions from RGGI, we can meet our overall goal of 100% renewable or net zero carbon emissions by 2045. More importantly, the funds paid by the energy sector go to support two critical funds – flood preparedness funding for cities, towns, and counties and energy efficiency through home weatherization for low-wealth families. Both these programs help prepare Virginians to become sustainable as climate impacts increase globally. We have seen the results of devastating floods in Pound and Buchanan over the past four years.” – Rev. Dr. Faith Harris, Executive Director

“Governor Youngkin’s ongoing efforts to take us backwards on climate action are not just wrong and misguided – they’re blatantly out of touch with the two-thirds of Virginians who soundly support staying the course on cutting power plant pollution and addressing the climate crisis. Fortunately, Virginians are speaking out – the public record soundly demonstrates Virginians’ opposition to Youngkin’s climate rollbacks, and for good reason. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is working for Virginia, bringing vital, dedicated resources to our state to protect communities from floodwaters and lower energy costs for those who need it most. In working to take Virginia out of this program, Youngkin is turning his back on our state’s most climate-impacted communities and putting politics above what’s right for our Commonwealth.” – Michael Town, Executive Director