Climate group praises stronger rules while criticizing Governor Youngkin’s unlawful move to remove Virginia

RICHMOND, VA – Ten Northeast states have agreed to triple the rate of power sector emissions cuts under the Regional Gas Initiative (RGGI), committing to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 10 percent annually from 2027 to 2033. The updated RGGI targets, finalized last week, will require participating states to slash carbon emissions by at least 60% by 2037 compared to 2025 levels, a move widely praised as a demonstration of strong state leadership in the face of federal backsliding on pollution. 

Maryland is among the ten states bound by these new rules, which mark the third major upgrade to RGGI. The program has already helped participating states cut power sector emissions 50 percent since 2005, almost twice as fast as the national average, while raising billions for local investments, including clean energy programs and energy bill assistance. 

Maryland’s Southern neighbor, Virginia, stopped participating in RGGI in 2023, following a directive from Governor Glenn Youngkin, a move that a Floyd County court deemed unlawful and is currently subject to appeal. While Virginia was in RGGI, power plant emissions dropped by more than 22%. In addition, RGGI generated over $800 million in the Commonwealth, supporting flood resilience and energy efficiency programs that directly benefited low-income families and communities vulnerable to flooding. Since withdrawing from RGGI, Virginia is leaving hundreds of millions of dollars on the table each year and has seen emissions rise, while critical funding for these programs dries up.  

Virginia’s Democratic candidate for Governor, Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, has already stated an intention to rejoin RGGI. 

In response to the new rules, Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Executive Director, Mike Tidwell, released the following statement:

“For decades, RGGI has delivered results. We are thrilled to see our strong regional partnership take the next step to meet this urgent moment on climate, particularly in the face of catastrophic backsliding in Washington – backsliding that will make energy more expensive for everyday families and saddle communities nationwide with dirtier air and worse health outcomes. And while Marylanders will benefit from the new rules through cleaner air and critical electricity cost-saving programs, Virginians will continue to fall behind as floods worsen and extreme heat sends electricity bills soaring. Leaving RGGI was an illegal, costly mistake.”

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network is the first grassroots organization dedicated exclusively to raising awareness about the impacts and solutions associated with global warming in the Chesapeake Bay region. Founded in 2002, CCAN has been at the center of the fight for clean energy and wise climate policy in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.