Virginia Leaders’ Appreciation for Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

March 3, 2020
 

Virginia Leaders’ Appreciation for Joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Dear Governor Northam and Members of the Virginia General Assembly:

As businesses, institutions and municipalities across Virginia, we write to commend you for passing legislation directing the commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

As organizations with operations, employees and/or constituents across Virginia, we understand firsthand how climate change affects fellow Virginians, public health, and the vibrancy of our economy. Joining RGGI will not only protect our communities from the harmful impacts of climate change but will also help Virginia take advantage of the opportunities that accompany the transition to a low-carbon economy.

In joining RGGI, Virginia will take part in a proven, market-based program for reducing carbon pollution from our region’s electricity sector in a manner that protects ratepayers. We appreciate the work the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has done to date to evaluate RGGI, and we hope that this work expedites Virginia’s official participation in the program. We also appreciate that the RGGI legislation recently passed prioritizes further emissions reductions and reduction of electricity burden by focusing on energy efficiency, while also enhancing the resiliency of our communities, through the use of RGGI proceeds. In implementing RGGI in Virginia, we also encourage the Commonwealth to make decisions that prioritize environmental justice and support vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Joining RGGI is an important milestone for Virginia and we thank you for your leadership. We look forward to Virginia’s continued movement toward a low-carbon future.

Sincerely,