Climate change is the single most significant challenge we as humans face that will impact our future lifestyles and the health of our planet. Regionally, a warming planet and rising seas pose increasing threats to public health, national security, the economy and the environment. I am encouraged that Virginia leadership has recognized the efforts of states, cities, and counties across the country that understand all levels of government must be engaged and act on this issue. We must start now if we are going to respond to climate change in a way that maximizes effectiveness while minimizing impacts to our communities and the environment.

To this end, Virginia’s Climate Action Plan should establish the strongest possible standards to reduce emissions from power plants through participation in a carbon market. This is a critically important step toward carbon pollution reductions. I support the state taking immediate action to cap and reduce carbon pollution from all sources, with the ongoing goal of moving rapidly towards a renewable energy model that is safe and sustainable for all of its citizens. Our future and that of future generations depends now on strong leadership to effect these critically important steps in response to climate change.