Emily Pomilio, Energy Generation, (480) 286-0401, emily.pomilio@sierraclub.org
Tim Cywinski, Communications Coordinator, Virginia Chapter, (540) 272-5358, tim.cywinsky@sierraclub.org
RICHMOND, VA--Today, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed the state budget with two environmentally harmful budget items. These items target interstate climate compacts, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI). One item would prohibit the state from becoming a member of RGGI, a regional carbon pollution reduction program, pulling up short the state’s work to act on climate.
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Budget Item 4-2.02 restricts the use of revenues derived from RGGI or TCI by requiring that funds be deposited in the state’s general fund, and giving the General Assembly control over how those funds are spent.
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Budget Item 4-5.11 prohibits membership in RGGI without General Assembly approval by restricting the use of appropriated funds to support membership or participation in any climate change compacts.
Kate Addleson, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Director responded with the following:
“Governor Northam’s failure to veto the budget amendments that impede climate action represents another broken promise from this administration.
“While the governor bears responsibility for today’s decision, the obstructionist climate deniers who drafted the provisions should consider themselves on notice. In 2018, the citizens of Virginia sent a clear message about the future they want. In this year's state elections, that message will be heard again."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.