Northam Delays Bold Climate Action, Virginians at Risk

RICHMOND, VA (May 2, 2019) – Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today signed into law a state budget containing a terrible measure that delays a bold plan to combat climate change and impedes Virginia from linking to the successful nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. He had until May 3 to veto the measure.

The following is a statement from Walton Shepherd, Virginia policy director at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“This is a disastrous retreat. In choosing not to veto the measure, Gov. Northam is showing his subservience to big polluters and climate deniers. He doesn’t understand, or care about, the growing dangers Virginians face from climate change. His action will keep coastal communities on edge from rising seas, children breathing dirty air that worsens asthma attacks and the state’s economy at risk from damaging extreme weather.

“Northam’s unwarranted move further erodes his capacity to lead. It’s up to members of the General Assembly to stand up, in the future, for our health and the environment, and to protect Virginians from the ravages of climate change.”

For more on the issue see this blog by Shepherd: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/walton-shepherd/how-governor-northam-wins-game-thrones

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The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.​