We, the people of Virginia, need to stay in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and demand that Governor Youngkin defend the Virginia Clean Economy Act and Advanced Clean Car Standards. Virginia must continue on the path to a clean energy future, and not backslide to the times of dirty, polluting energy that damaged our communities and our health.

The RGGI is bringing millions of dollars of investment to Virginia and benefiting our communities right now.  Virginia’s Energy Plan must continue to focus on maintaining Virginia's place in RGGI.   Neighboring states are on notice that the Virginia Clean Economy Act is the most ambitious climate action plan in the South, and the Governor's Energy Plan should ensure that Virginia continues to lead on the path toward meeting all of the critical climate goals in the Act.  The commitments by Virginia and other RGGI member states are working:

Electricity prices in RGGI states dropped by almost 6% even as they went up by nearly 9% throughout the rest of the country.  The RGGI is saving Virginians’ money and supporting the transition from volatile fossil fuels.

The RGGI has significantly improved public health by transitioning away from energy generation that pollutes air and water.

The RGGI has generated $378 million of critical funding to support low-income energy efficiency programs and flood resilience infrastructure in Virginia.  

A portion of Virginia’s funds is targeted for energy efficiency upgrades to lower electricity bills, particularly for those households most in need.

Still other funds support flood resilience infrastructure that protects Virginians against increased flooding and extreme weather events resulting from climate change.

Keep us in the RGGI!