I am glad to see Virginia taking steps to cut carbon pollution in an effort to comply with the Paris Climate Accord. As a resident, and a professor of environmental science at James Madison University, I am very excited for the state to create a plan that provides an equitable and just cap that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure that the policy best benefit Virginians, the DEQ should:

- Create a rule based on the strongest available science that significantly reduces carbon pollution from Virginia’s new and existing power plants;
- Ensure that Virginians — not utilities — benefit from any profits from carbon regulations especially our front line communities;
- Address the disproportionate environmental effects experienced by our most vulnerable communities;
- Grow the economy and reduce carbon pollution by maximizing investments in zero-carbon wind, solar, and energy efficiency;
- Provide a transparent and accessible public hearing process where all concerned Virginians can fully participate in the rule making process.

My house if fully solar, because I can afford it, and Dominion let me get away with a few things because of my already highly energy efficient house. Most people cannot afford what I have done. Any money gained by this effort to reduce carbon emissions should go to those who want to pursue solar but do not have the means to do so. We need to help the poor pursue energy independence, not make the wealthy even richer.

Wayne Teel