RGGI is working for Virginians. RGGI has decreased utility bills and improved the health of Virginia families by diminishing air pollution and providing healthy, affordable and energy-efficient homes to low-income families. 

Since joining RGGI, the EPA reports that Virginia’s power plant emissions have consistently decreased as compared to 2020 pre-RGGI levels. Over the last decade, RGGI states experienced improved air quality, which resulted in an estimated $5.7 billion in economic public health benefits, 10,000 avoided asthma attacks, and prevented the premature death of close to 800 people.

Rate payers in RGGI member states also saw a measurable decline in electricity prices, while the rest of the country saw an increase in their electric utility bills.  

If the repeal is successful, Governor Youngkin’s unlawful removal from RGGI will reverse course on Virginia’s climate goals and increase reliance on, and transportation of fossil fuels in Virginia far into the future. The Governor’s assault on RGGI has given monopoly utilities like Dominion Energy cover to continue expanding methane gas use for decades, instead of accelerating our transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy. The illegitimacy of Governor Youngkin's Executive Order 9, and his administrations complacency and lack of urgency in addressing the true climate impacts of fossil fuel emissions on Virginians and the planet, is criminal. 

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of my comment opposing the withdraw of Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.