Virginia leaving RGGI is a step in the wrong direction

A message from Senior Attorney Nate Benforado

Virginia made news three years ago when it became the first state in the South to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – the market-based program that reduces air pollution from power plants. Now, unfortunately we’re making news once again as the state’s Air Pollution Control Board has voted to leave the successful program – this despite you and thousands of others taking action, more than 88 percent of commenters in support of the program.

The Youngkin administration’s move is not lawful and ignores the overwhelming majority of Virginians who know RGGI is working great and want Virginia to stay in the program. 

We continue to work with organizations across the state and communities on the ground that are benefiting from RGGI and advocating for a cleaner energy future. Despite this misguided vote, we are more determined than ever to defend a program that is lowering carbon pollution and bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to Virginia for flooding planning and energy efficiency investments.

We are considering every option and will continue this fight. 

We appreciate you supporting SELC and standing alongside us to protect clean air and fight the effects of climate change in Virginia and throughout the South. We will keep you apprised of future developments and opportunities to make your voice heard.