As the impacts of climate change are already being felt and scientifically verified across the globe, it is more important now than ever that we address the issues being created by carbon emissions. Utilities are allowed to pollute without any ramifications, shifting the cost of that pollution to the society at large. Countless resources can be saved by dealing with that cost upfront today, by putting a price on carbon, and by distributing the income from that tax equitably across our commonwealth's population.. 

As Virginians, we appreciate the initiative taken by Governor McAuliffe, but we know our work does not come close to stopping here. We request that the Department of Environmental Quality uses its authority to:

• Create a rule — based on the strongest available science — that significantly reduces carbon pollution from Virginia’s power plants.

• Ensure that Virginians — not utilities — benefit from any profits from carbon regulations.

• Address the disproportionate environmental effects experienced by our most vulnerable communities.

• Grow the economy and reduce carbon pollution by maximizing  investments in zero-carbon wind, solar, and energy efficiency.