Virginia Carbon Reduction Plan Approved

RICHMOND, VA— Today the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board voted to approve a cap-and-trade program created by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants by 30 percent over the next ten years. 

“Climate change has already arrived in Virginia—coastal flooding, more extreme weather, heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems,” said Nate Benforado, attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.  “In the absence of leadership at the federal level, it is critical that Virginia move forward to protect its citizens and we commend DEQ for developing this sensible, market-based program that will be the first of its kind in the South.”

With the regulation approved by the Air Board, the fate of this climate change solution now rests in Governor Ralph Northam’s hands.  On April 3, 2019, the General Assembly proposed a budget bill that includes a provision designed to prevent Virginia from implementing this cost-effective program.

“Virginia needs to move forward but in order for that to happen Governor Northam must veto this bad budget provision.  There is no more time for partisan politics and delay tactics.  It is time to act.”