Budget item would bring Virginia back into RGGI

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Today Virginia’s budget conferees included a provision in their report that would require Virginia to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”). Following the announcement, Nate Benforado, Senior Attorney, issued the following statement:

“We are so happy to see leaders of the General Assembly stand up for this critical program. For three years RGGI has been delivering results for Virginians. We’ve seen a 22% reduction in carbon pollution, meaning Virginians have cleaner air to breathe, and our participation in RGGI has also provided steady investments that are helping low income households slash energy bills and localities combat flooding. This language would get us back into RGGI without delay, so that Virginians can continue to benefit from this highly successful program.”

The full legislative body is expected to vote on the budget on Saturday. Virginia began participating in the RGGI in 2021 after the General Assembly passed the Clean Energy and Community Flood Preparedness Act in 2020. Virginia stopped participating in RGGI on December 31, 2023, after the Air Pollution Control Board voted to repeal the regulation earlier in 2023. This action is subject to a pending lawsuit filed by SELC on behalf of its client, the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals.