I support setting the strongest possible standard to cut Virginia emissions from power plants through participation in a carbon market. This is a critically important step toward carbon pollution reductions.

I request that DEQ use its authority to adopt and implement a final standard that:

• Caps and reduces carbon pollution as rapidly as possible, beginning as soon as possible. The 2020 base year emissions cap should be between 30 and 32 million tons.
• Covers carbon pollution from biomass facilities, which can be more climate polluting than fossil fuel power plants.
• Sets the expectation of continued annual carbon pollution reductions in Virginia after 2030.
• Closely monitors implementation in order to respond to instances of disproportionate environmental burdens experienced by any communities, particularly low-income and vulnerable communities that have traditionally borne the brunt of pollution.