Every day I worry about the state of natural resources on this planet. It is unseasonably cold in April in Richmond, VA. I am 21 and never in my life have I seen it snow in April before. This is all tied to climate change, the extraction and burning of coal and oil, and the resulting greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Natural resource depletion is limiting the future opportunities of my children and the opportunities of future generations. With the new Presidential administration, it seems that the U.S. is moving backwards on the environmental issues that effect us all and permeate all aspects of life. I firmly believe that it is up to the states and local governments to enact change. 

Climate change poses an increasing threat to Virginians' public health, national security, environment, and economy. Virginia has joined states, cities, and counties across the country that understand all levels of government must act on climate if we are to protect our communities from the worst impacts of climate change.

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.