I'm writing today to voice my support of a Executive Directive 11, the Clean Energy Virginia Initiative, as a means of cutting carbon pollution from power plants and allowing us to trade carbon allowances with other states.

In light of the current Federal administration's denial of climate change and steps to reverse environmental regulations, it’s up to states like Virginia to act. By cutting carbon emissions in Virginia, we have the opportunity to protect public health and safety and preserve a viable environment for future generations while also creating jobs in the carbon-neutral renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.

And because we’re joining up with a coalition of other states with carbon caps, action we take here in Virginia is greater than the sum of its parts.  The effectiveness of this approach to climate action has been demonstrated in the northeastern states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

I urge you to proceed with strong regulation showing that Virginia is a leader in addressing climate change.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.