Fortunately for the Commonwealth, much of the anticipated historic flooding and damage along Virginia’s coastline did not occur because of Ian's change in course as it moved northward. I am grateful for the emergency personnel, law enforcement, utility workers, and other first responders who handled emergency situations and remained on standby.

Moments like these remind us that extreme weather, one of the outcomes of climate change, is our new reality. It threatens communities, impacts businesses, devastates infrastructure, and it can be deadly. The General Assembly worked hard to increase our resiliency in the face of extreme weather and the other effects of the climate catastrophes. One such effort has been joining the RGGI, a program designed to reduce carbon emissions through regional cooperation. This “cap and trade” program has brought revenues in excess of $378,000,000 to Virginia. These funds are helping the Commonwealth to shore up its coastal resiliency programs, address flooding damage, and support energy efficiency programs, as well as health and safety upgrades, in many communities.

Retreating from the RGGI alliance hurts ourselves and our neighbors, so we must maintain Virginia's participation in the RGGI program, so that we can all benefit from future sustainability for ourselves and for our children!