Virginia took a major step forward Thursday to join a greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program that extends from New England to Maryland.
The state’s air pollution board unanimously approved the state’s plan to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions beginning in 2020. The plan was submitted by the state’s environment agency soon after Democrat Ralph Northam won the governor’s race this month.
Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe said the rule that was approved Thursday would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent in the decade between 2020 and 2030, while linking the state to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, that currently includes nine states.
“I am thrilled that the Virginia Air Board voted unanimously to approve regulations that will make this commonwealth a leader in the global fight to cut carbon and promote clean energy technologies,” he said.
Gov statement on VA Air Board approval of Clean Energy Virginia Initiative – “I am thrilled that the Virginia Air Board voted unanimously to approve regulations that will make this Commonwealth a leader in the global fight to cut carbon and promote clean energy technologies.” pic.twitter.com/LSrCN1tElw
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) November 16, 2017
McAuliffe had contemplated joining the multi-state cap-and-trade system earlier in his term. He said Virginia is particularly vulnerable to climate change and does not “have the luxury of waiting for Washington to wake up to this threat.”
He slammed President Trump’s decision to exit the Paris climate change deal, saying he is proud to join a group of states willing to fill the “void of leadership” that the president has left.
Soon after the board’s approval, RGGI announced its board meeting will be held Monday. Virginia’s acceptance was not on the agenda.
RGGI members include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The program places a strict cap on carbon emissions from power plants.
Republican Gov. Chris Christie pulled New Jersey out of the program. But now that a Democrat won the governor’s race in the Garden State, it could rejoin.
