To whom it may concern,

The regulation of carbon emissions has implications far beyond the more immediate improvements to the Commonwealth's health and well being. Limiting pollution is the first step to slowing climate change and reducing our impact on the ecosystems within Virginia. Coastal Virginia is extremely at risk due to the threat of hotter waters and more significantly rising sea levels. While sea levels around the world are projected to rise by almost two feet by the end of the century the Virginia Beach area (the largest city within the State) is projected to experience a sea level rise of almost three feet. While this impact seems small and far away rising seas of this magnitude could displace a great many residents. In conjunction with this warmer waters could lead to the end of many marine ecosystems within Virginia decimating small and local fishers who rely on the bay area and oceans as their livelihood. There is extensive research supporting that reducing our impact on the ecosystem is the number one thing we can do today to ensure prosperity 100 years from now.

Of course, it cannot be ignored that this issue will impact different actors in our Commonwealth differently and while not everyone can be made happy certain actions can and should be put in place to protect those who would be disproportionally impacted by these regulations. This regulation should also be used as a way to shepherd in the new policy to steer innovators towards new and improved ways of obtaining cleaner energy as this will promote the growth of the industry within the borders of our Commonwealth and contribute a much-needed improvement to air and water quality.

Thank you for your time and consideration.