Virginians want cleaner air to breathe. Thanks for working towards that. Power companies care about their bottom line. We the people want and need the strongest safeguards possible to lower carbon emissions from power plants. We are not blind to the consequences of climate change. We can employ lots of Virginians to work in the clean energy economy. Sun and wind will not become used up. We need to move over to those power sources.

I am glad to see Virginia taking steps to cut carbon pollution to combat climate change, despite Trump’s continued attacks on environmental protections. As a Virginian, I am eager to see the state produce a strong, equitable, and scientifically sound plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

I request that DEQ use its authority to:
• Create a rule based on the strongest available science that significantly reduces carbon pollution from Virginia’s power plants.
• Ensure that Virginia residents benefit from any profits from carbon standards, especially front-line communities.
• Address the disproportionate environmental burdens experienced by vulnerable communities.
• Grow the clean energy economy by maximizing investments in zero-carbon wind, solar, and energy efficiency.
• Provide accessible public hearing opportunities in the evenings in multiple parts of the state to ensure all concerned Virginians can fully participate in the rule-making process.

(Re: 9VAC5-140, Regulation for Emissions Trading Programs)
(NOIRA Stage: Reduce and Cap Carbon Dioxide from Fossil Fuel Fired Electric Power Generating Facilities (Rev. C17))