As a marine scientist, I have learned first hand of the very real dangers we will experience in coming years due to climate change. Not only will it alter ecosystems and reduce biodiversity, it threatens human health, food security, national security, and coastal infrastructure. The costs of climate change to our society will be catastrophic.

It is time that we make a real change and put a cap on carbon. States can play a major role by providing incentives to industry, which will catalyze the development of additional clean energy sources. Such action does not rely on the federal government and once the momentum starts, the market forces will shift. Thank you for taking a leadership role in Virginia.