We live in one of the most beautiful regions in this country, and in my area (Roanoke), the air already can suffer from pollutants settling in the valleys between the mountains. It is a historic fact that the valleys of the blue ridge have driven people from the area due to the increase in allergens.

In addition, we face unparalleled challenges in reigning in these nearly runaway greenhouse gas emissions. This system helps us get started. Remaining allows us to put money into Virginia to keep our lands beautiful and hale for the next generations of stewards.

Virginia needs to stay the course and remain in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Pulling us from the program would necessitate finding other ways to reduce our carbon emissions that could be less effective.

The proceeds VA receives from RGGI auctions fund critical nature-based resilience projectsfrom living shorelines to expanding wetlands. These projects slow erosion and reduce the flow of sediment and nutrients to the Chesapeake Bay. The proceeds also reduce energy usage and utility bills for renters with lower incomes as well as homeowners, further reducing carbon emissions.

Collectively, we can slow the potentially devastating impacts of climate change. I urge you to keep Virginia in this program. I am terrified of the future for my children, and we need to expand our resources, not curtail them.

Please, do the ethical thing and keep us in this system.