Last Update: 04/05/2026 at 2:50 PM EST
Virginia Moves To Rejoin RGGI
Coverage from Inside Climate News, WRIC ABC 8News, and others
Articles
4
Latest Article
02/25
Active Days
34
Executive Summary
Virginia is moving to rejoin RGGI, restoring carbon market revenues for efficiency, flood resilience, and lower power plant emissions
- Governor Abigail Spanberger signed budget language to restore Virginia's participation in RGGI immediately
- Attorney General Jay Jones filed a joint motion that could resolve the appeal blocking reentry
- House Democrats passed HB 397 to strengthen statutory language requiring RGGI membership
- A 2024 court ruling said Virginia's withdrawal from RGGI was unlawful and void
- Virginia received about $827 million to $830 million from RGGI since joining in 2021
- During 2021 to 2023, power plant carbon pollution in Virginia fell 22 percent
- RGGI revenues funded energy efficiency, low income household programs, and flood preparedness projects
Quick Facts
- What: Rejoining RGGI and restoring carbon market participation
- Where: Virginia and the Richmond state government
- Why: To cut emissions and fund efficiency flood resilience
- Who: Virginia Democrats led by Spanberger Jones and Herring
- When: Early 2026 after the January inauguration
Coverage Timeline: 34 Days
Featured Article
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signs budget on Friday to rejoin RGGI in Virginia.
Additional Articles
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In Virginia in January 2026, Attorney General Jay Jones and Democratic lawmakers advanced legal and legislative steps to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and restore related program funding.
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Virginia House Democrats vote on February 3 to rejoin RGGI, signaling policy action to cut carbon emissions and fund energy efficiency programs in the state.
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Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signs budget to rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, effective immediately in Virginia.