VA Gov-Elect Will Withdraw The State From GHG Cap-And-Trade Program, Because Of Course He Will
Virginia Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin said he intends to remove the state from a regional carbon emissions trading program, a significant blow to climate policy advocates in the South. Calling the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative a "carbon tax," the Republican reportedly announced his aim to take Virginia out of the multistate program at an event this week in the Hampton Roads region of southern Virginia.
"RGGI describes itself as a regional market for carbon, but it is really a carbon tax that is fully passed on to ratepayers," said the governor-elect in a statement tweeted out by his press secretary yesterday. "It’s a bad deal for Virginians. It’s a bad deal for Virginia businesses, and as Governor, I will withdraw us from RGGI by Executive Action." First reported by the Virginia Scope political newsletter, the news was also reported by multiple regional outlets. Youngkin’s transition team could not be reached for additional comment.
The first mandatory, market-based regulatory program of its kind in the U.S., RGGI sets a cap on CO2 emissions from the power sector that is tightened annually. Eleven states in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions currently participate, but states have pulled out and rejoined over the years with changes in administrations.
In 2020, Virginia became the first state in the South to join RGGI.
EDIT
https://www.eenews.net/articles/va-governor-elect-vows-to-exit-cap-and-trade-program/
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