As a Virginian who studied the geologic and atmospheric sciences of climate change in addition to social science research into climate change impacts and resiliency, and as a father of two young children, I am concerned about the impacts of changes, particularly warming and sea level rise, on the commonwealth.  Thanks to educational institutions like my alma mater, Washington and Lee University, our state’s future leaders are learning about the science and economics of this issue in the classroom, even on our conservative campuses of learning. Lawmakers who fail to take the issue seriously will be on the wrong side of history. The current and projected impacts to public health, environment, security and our economy are on balance negative.

I support a new standard that will reduce power plant emissions drastically via a carbon market. The new measures should cap and reduce emissions as soon as possible. Thank you.

Andrew Fotinos, in southwest Virginia