RGGI
In Virginia, veto unlikely to end carbon cap fight between governor, Legislature
Even after an expected veto, Republicans in Virginia’s General Assembly will have leverage to shape RGGI effort.
Energy News Network (https://energynews.us/?tag=rggi/®ion=southeast)
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is a cooperative effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions among 10 Northeastern states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The cap-and-trade program auctions emission allowances, and generated revenue is used to fund energy efficiency improvements.
Even after an expected veto, Republicans in Virginia’s General Assembly will have leverage to shape RGGI effort.
By issuing a pair of vetoes Thursday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam sent a message to the legislature and beyond that he is intent on sticking with an aggressive carbon-cutting agenda.
The initiative is expected to create new revenue for renewable energy and climate change resilience projects.
Despite a unanimous vote by a citizen’s air pollution board earlier this month, Virginia faces several hurdles, including possible court and legislative challenges, before it could join a regional carbon emissions trading network.