RGGI is one of the great collaborations of our climate challenged politically divided country. It seems that doing what is best for Virginians is now under threat so that political interests can be mollified.

One of the things that Virginia's legislature takes pride in is being a Citizen Legislature.  In other words, fighting for the best possible solutions for Virginians regardless of political affiliation or location.  RGGI is evidence that Virginia's Citizen Legislature and its focus on trying to do what is truly the right thing for Virginians is a top priority.

RGGI is critical for reducing health issues and reducing the life-threatening health conditions which otherwise may not exist.  We currently have a staggering health-care cost issue in Virginia.  Reducing emissions in compliance with the Virginia Clean Economy Act means that there will be a steady decrease in illnesses like asthma, chronic bronchial disease, pneumonia, not to mention premature births and children who suffer a host of illnesses as well as miscarriages that occur because of these toxicities in the air.  Even more this translates into people who cannot come to work - lowered productivity and in many cases longer-term disabilities.  Our younger people are crying out for this type of solution. 

RGGI is law.  Somehow, this has escaped the notice of Governor Youngkin who seems more concerned about keeping certain rich constituencies from having to make the necessary changes to ensure that Virginians welfare is at the top of the list of priorities.  

Finally, let's talk about the costs of repealing a law which will have a direct effect on the flooding and other effects of climate disasters which are assuredly on their way.  How responsible is it to repeal a plan with provides safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes to low-income families in ways never before possible?  It is tragically and recklessly irresponsible to repeal RGGI especially when it provides dedicated funding for preventative and for post-event damages from natural disasters?  

If this is repealed then our government has failed us tragically and profoundly.  Virginians deserve to be protected by this.  We are not at all free from these outcomes.  We seem to be forgetting Kentucky, Mississippi, Florida and Puerto Rico, just to name a couple of recent examples.  Are we going to tell Virginians that their best interests are not important? Do we tell our children and grandchildren that their futures are irrelevant?  If RGGI is repealed, then absolutely we tell our next generations exactly that.