Court finds Virginia governor's bid to abandon greenhouse gas reduction coalition illegal

A Virginia judge ruled Gov. Glenn Youngkin lacked authority to remove the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a key program to cut emissions and fund climate resilience.

Jake Bolster reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

• A Virginia circuit court ruled Gov. Glenn Youngkin unlawfully withdrew the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without legislative approval.
• RGGI funds have supported energy efficiency programs and climate resilience projects, raising $827.7 million in Virginia from 2020 to 2023.
• Youngkin plans to appeal, calling RGGI a "hidden tax," while environmental groups argue the program has significantly cut emissions and aided low-income communities.

Key quote:

“This ruling puts Virginia back on track to address and adapt to climate change at a critical moment.”

— Nate Benforado, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center.

Why this matters:

The ruling reinforces legislative control over climate policies, ensuring programs like RGGI can provide critical funding for emission reductions and climate adaptation. Virginia’s participation impacts regional efforts to combat climate change and protect vulnerable communities.