CCAN STATEMENT: Virginia Legislators Recklessly Block Climate Action

From the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN):

CCAN STATEMENT: Virginia Legislators Recklessly Block Climate Action

Northam Must Veto Language that Blocks Virginia from Joining RGGI

RICHMOND, VA — Yesterday, Virginia GOP lawmakers voted to block the state from taking part of a carbon cap-and-trade program with other states without the General Assembly’s explicit approval. In a party-line vote, legislators blocked the Commonwealth from using state resources to reduce dangerous carbon emissions from power plants by 30% by 2030. They also voted to eliminate future opportunities to invest revenue raised by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in critical programs like low-income energy efficiency programs and sea level rise resilience.

Harrison Wallace, Virginia Director of the CCAN Action Fund, released the following statement in response:

“Last night, the Virginia General Assembly chose to stifle innovation and climate progress by rejecting Governor Northam’s budget amendments 34 and 38. The Clean Air Act is clear: capping carbon is well within the power of the executive branch. This reckless block presents an unnecessary threat to the communities across the state that are already dealing with the harmful impacts of climate change. We call on Governor Northam to veto the budget language that blocks the Commonwealth from joining RGGI and to move forward on climate action, to protect the future of all Virginians.”