Climate change is not going away; Virginia has been fortunate this year in avoiding some of the largest disasters across the country, most related to changes that humans have made to the environment, often in the name of progress.  While we have learned much, we are not taking much action in our state to make substantial changes. Many grass roots efforts have been made over years to protect our beautiful state, and Virginians were proud when our government leaders voted to join RGGI. Gov. Northam’s executive order to restrict single use plastics at state agencies, colleges and universities  was another initiative reflecting our commitment to begin addressing plastic pollution which is prevalent across our lands; this was rolled back last year by Gov. Youngkin. At some point, the leaders of our Commonwealth must focus on the larger, more global concerns regarding destruction of our environment and effectively work together to make a difference.  

 

Our participation with RGGI is an important a step in this direction and we should not withdraw from the program.