As Youngkin tries to pull Virginia out of RGGI, experts warn of looming consequences for low-income residents and threatened communities

Jake Bolster writes for Inside Climate News about how Virginia's Air Pollution Control Board has moved the state one step closer to exiting the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and fulfilling an executive order issued by Gov. Glenn Youngkin the day he took office.

In a nutshell:

The Air Pollution Control Board's decision, which repeals Virginia's participation in the initiative, has sparked legal challenges as critics argue that the board cannot reverse a binding 2020 decision by the state General Assembly. RGGI has generated over $650 million for the state, funding energy efficiency programs and climate resilience projects, but without its funds, progress in these areas could be reversed, affecting low-income communities in particular. Power plant emissions in Virginia have dropped by 16.8 percent since joining the RGGI, illustrating the program's effectiveness.

Key quote:

“It’s just a disaster of a decision,” said Nate Benforado, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center.

The big picture:

Virginia's potential withdrawal from the RGGI could have significant implications for the state's overall health outcomes. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions brings about a range of health benefits that extend beyond mitigating climate change. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels improves air quality and reduces the prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and lung diseases.

As Youngkin tries to pull Virginia out of RGGI, experts warn of looming consequences for low-income residents and threatened communities

Major hurricanes in the Northeast are rare. Could climate change make them common?

California will soon have more than 300 data centers. Where will they get their water?

Washington’s latest emissions report shows small decline

Extreme heat could impact the World Cup games. Here's what cities are doing to prepare

Critical minerals are ‘oil of 21st century’ as demand fuels poverty and pollution in poorer countries

Parrish Medical Center earns gold sustainability award in Titusville

Turning compliance into a catalyst for healthcare sustainability

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.