RICHMOND, VA, June 7, 2023 – Today, Advanced Energy United, the national association of businesses working to achieve 100% clean energy and electrified transportation, expressed its disappointment in the Air Pollution Control Board’s decision to approve a regulatory repeal of Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”).

“This Initiative is working to reduce energy costs for Virginians, and withdrawing from it undermines the Commonwealth’s economy," said Kim Jemaine, Director at Advanced Energy United. “In the first two years of participation, RGGI generated $252 million for weatherization and energy efficiency projects, chiefly for low-income Virginians. RGGI has been particularly impactful for the over 200,000 low-income residents who pay a disproportionate amount of their income toward the cost of energy.”

By 2030, the statewide impact of these RGGI resources are projected to total over $2 billion in the form of jobs, investments, and financial savings. About 73,000 Virginians are currently employed in the energy efficiency workforce.

“The investments made through RGGI are already creating thousands of in-state jobs,” added Jemaine. “All of these benefits are threatened by this withdrawal, so on behalf of Virginia’s hardworking families and businesses, we are urging the Air Pollution Control Board to reconsider its decision.”

Click here to view Advanced Energy United's submitted comments.