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 of the Commonwealth, 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:

Recognize that the pipelines proposed across this beautiful state will do immediate and irreparable harm to the environment, and well as probably damaging multiple water resources for little if any benefit to the residents of this state who will be harmed, both visually and environmentally.

In addition-
- 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 frontline 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 rulemaking process.