Scientific data, national security data, and economic data show that climate change poses a significant and increasing threat to Virginia residents. The health impacts, state and national security impacts, impacts to the environment, and  the economy from climate change demand action to reduce those impacts. It is crucial that Virginia's DEQ take immediate action to begin to address the multi-pronged impacts of climate change. 

To begin to address these concerns, decreasing emissions from power plants is a crucial first step. As has been suggested by the scientific community and security councils concerned with climate change impacts, capping and reducing carbon pollution as rapidly as possible is necessary. The Virginia DEQ has the authority to take initate rulemakings to reduce carbon pollution and based on this authority, I ask the DEQ  to exercise its authority accordingly to adopt and implement a final standard that Caps and reduces carbon pollution as rapidly as possible, beginning as soon as possible.