With Spanberger’s Signature, Virginia Finalizes Return to RGGI

RICHMOND, VA -- After three years in limbo, the Commonwealth has re-secured its place in the multi-state electricity cap-and-invest system known as RGGI, with Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signature on House Bill 397/Senate Bill 802. Rejoining RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative) was among Spanberger’s pledges and agenda to address energy affordability concerns for Virginia families. State leaders expect to formally return to the program in May.

Following is a statement from Walton Shepherd, senior attorney for climate and energy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“Virginia policymakers are making good on their long-term commitment to addressing rising energy costs and building resilient homes and communities that can withstand the growing threat of extreme weather and sea-level rise. Rejoining RGGI keeps corporate polluters in check and protects the Commonwealth’s most valuable resource: our people.”

BACKGROUND
The Virginia General Assembly joined the Commonwealth to the 10-state RGGI initiative in 2020, alongside the bipartisan Virginia Clean Economy Act. Since then, Virginia slashed its power plant air pollution by 20 percent and funded $800 million in flooding resilience and energy-efficiency upgrades to low-income homes, paid for by the Commonwealth’s biggest corporate air polluters. 

In 2023, then-Gov. Glenn Youngkin instructed state agencies to end involvement in the program, which was successfully challenged in court on the grounds the governor overstepped his statutory authority. 

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).