I have comments on two topics:

First - the "all-of-the-above" energy policy.  This easily translates into "business as usual" for those who promote going back to coal and natural gas. We have in place now, due to the Virginia Clean Economy Act and other legislation, a path to a more sustainable energy future, based on renewables and perhaps nuclear. This path must stay in place since Virginia needs to remain focused on 21st century solutions by recognizing the present and growing threat of climate change and doing our part as a state and as part of the world community to help address this existential threat. To review the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change conclusions about this threat:

The IPCC 2022 report (https://www.ipcc.ch/) has warned that the world is set to reach the 1.5 degree Centigrade level of warming within the next two decades and has said that only the most drastic cuts in carbon emissions would help prevent an environmental disaster. Further the report says, " It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land." Regarding fossil fuels, the report says, "This kind of fuel should be abandoned as soon as possible, as a matter of urgency."

Upon release of the report, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said, "IPCC Working Group 1 Report is a code red for humanity. The alarm bells are deafening, and the evidence is irrefutable: greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and deforestation are choking our planet and putting billions of people at immediate risk."

Second - the benefits of staying in RGGI. RGGI has already generated $378million in irreplaceable funds and is benefiting our communities right now in two very significant ways:

-funds are supporting low-income home repair and weatherization programs. Energy efficiency upgrades - the lowest-cost energy solution - are the best way to lower electricity bills, while reducing polluting and health-compromising fossil fuel use. Virginia's funds are directed to helping those households most in need.

-funds are supporting flood mitigation planning and flood resilience infrastructure projects in Virginia.  In the face of documented and increasing flood risk throughout the state, these funds provide critical means for communities to make a plan to ensure continued community well-being and economic viability since climate impact is rapidly increasing.

-in short, RGGI is saving Virginians money, reducing health risks, and supporting the transition from volatile fossil fuels.

The Virginia Energy Plan should focus on how we maintain Virginia's place as a climate solution leader in the southeast United States by continuing to support the transition to a clean energy and clean economy future.