Dear editor,
An opinion piece recently published in another reginal newspaper urging Virginia to reject the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) paints an alarming picture, but it leaves out the most important facts. As someone who values respectful, bipartisan problemsolving — the approach championed by Citizens’ Climate Lobby — I believe Virginians deserve a fuller, more constructive conversation.
RGGI is not a partisan idea. It was originally designed by Republican governors as a marketbased, businessfriendly way to reduce pollution while strengthening local economies. Here in Virginia, it has already generated more than $500 million for flood resilience and home weatherization — including over $50 million invested directly in Southwest Virginia communities. These programs lower energy bills for families who need relief the most and help protect communities across the Roanoke Valley from worsening flood risks.
The article claims RGGI will raise electricity costs, but independent analyses show that RGGI states have seen electricity prices fall, while prices in nonRGGI states have risen. Dominion’s previous RGGI charge averaged about $4–$5 per month, yet RGGIfunded efficiency upgrades routinely save lowincome households six to ten times that amount. That is a net win for affordability.
Concerns about grid reliability also deserve a levelheaded, factbased discussion. PJM and NERC have warned about the timing of fossilfuel plant retirements, not about RGGI itself. In fact, PJM has affirmed that a reliable grid is fully compatible with renewables, storage, and modern transmission — the very investments RGGI helps support. We can keep the lights on and reduce pollution at the same time.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby teaches that durable climate solutions come from listening, finding common ground, and focusing on what unites us. Virginians of all political backgrounds want lower energy bills, stronger communities, and a stable, reliable grid. RGGI helps deliver all three.
Instead of walking away from a program that protects families, strengthens resilience, and uses market forces to reduce pollution, we should build on what works. Rejoining RGGI is not only fiscally responsible — it reflects the kind of pragmatic, bipartisan stewardship that Virginians can be proud of.
William Baker
Blacksburg
