ARLINGTON, VA – Senator Barbara Favola urged the Virginia Air Pollution Control Board to keep Virginia in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in their vote on the final regulation related to a possible repeal of RGGI at their upcoming June 7, 2023 meeting at 10:30 a.m.  RGGI was enacted by law in 2020 and is a critical program that cuts pollution and channels funds to communities impacted by climate change.

“I strongly oppose the unlawful repeal of the General Assembly-approved RGGI.  Since joining RGGI, the data shows that the Commonwealth’s power plant emissions have dropped nearly 17%, which directly translates into improved public health for Virginians through fewer asthma attacks, premature births, and missed days of school and work,” said Sen. Favola.  “In just six years, participating RGGI states have seen $5.7 billion in public health benefits,” added the Senator.

According to the Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV), Virginia’s participation in RGGI generates a new funding source for safe, affordable, and energy-efficient homes to low-income families, and staying in RGGI through 2030 could upgrade 130,000 homes, saving $89 million annually with average annual savings of $676 per household, and sustaining more than 2,000 jobs.  Furthermore, flood-prone communities will be provided dedicated funding to plan for and prevent recurrent flooding.

The VALCV found that RGGI helps protect utility customers from high bills by ensuring that power plant owners steadily reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Those who submitted written public comments during the 60-day public comment period will be able to make a public comment starting at 1 p.m.  It is anticipated that the Board’s vote will occur after the end of the comment period.  To view the full meeting agenda and DEQ’s responses to the public comments submitted earlier this year, click here.

Senator Barbara A. Favola represents Virginia’s 31st district, which includes parts of Arlington and Fairfax counties, and a portion of Loudoun County.  Senator Favola serves on the Committees on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Local Government; Rules; Transportation, and Chairs the Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services.