I strongly oppose the repeal of RGGI for the following reasons: 

• The repeal is unlawful. The 2020 law mandates that Virginia participate in RGGI. The administration can’t simply overturn legislation. That is why we have balance of powers.
• RGGI works. The data is clear: RGGI reduces emissions. This administration admitted as much in a recent report, concluding that RGGI “has a long track record of emission reductions since the beginning of the program.” 
• Virginia needs RGGI. Without RGGI, Virginia’s emissions have not declined over the last decade and Virginia will not be able to achieve carbon free power by 2050 as set forth in the Virginia Clean Economy Act.
• RGGI improves public health. Decreased air pollution means fewer asthma attacks, premature births, and missed days of school and work. In just 10 years, participating states realized $5.7 billion in public health benefits thanks to RGGI.
• RGGI is helping Virginians right now. Virginia’s participation in RGGI generates funds that:
  • provide safe, affordable and energy-efficient homes to low-income families in ways that were never possible before RGGI; and
  • provide dedicated funding to localities to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding. ing damages, for example, will cost the state $79.1 billion if left unchecked.
• Focus should be on utility rates (stemming from Dominion's monopoly power), renewable energy, infrastructure, and other positive actions. 

We live in 2022, not 1952. Let's make our state and world a better place. Thank you.

Michael Pillow