We can and must address climate change at the state level since the Federal government under Administrator Pruitt refuses to do so. 

Climate change poses an increasing threat to Virginians' public health, national security, environment, and economy. 

Virginia should join REGII, but if not legislatively possible, should establish its own cap and trade program. 

I request that DEQ use its authority to adopt and implement a final standard that:

• Caps and reduces carbon pollution as rapidly as possible, beginning as soon as possible. The 2020 base year emissions cap should be between 30 and 32 million tons.
• Covers carbon pollution from biomass facilities, which can be more climate polluting than fossil fuel power plants.
• Sets the expectation of continued annual carbon pollution reductions in Virginia after 2030.
• Closely monitors implementation in order to respond to instances of disproportionate environmental burdens experienced by any communities, particularly low-income and vulnerable communities that have traditionally borne the brunt of pollution.
• I request that DEQ work with all other state agencies to implement carbon sequestration practices, such as having VDOT plant trees in all mediums where safely possible. As well as having all new state buildings built to a LEED platinum standard. 

I encourage the administration to establish a climate working group and incentivize private investment in carbon sequestration and offset technologies. 

Sincerely, 

Ann Jurczyk