Virginia’s Democratic lawmakers are at odds with Governor Glenn Youngkin over the allocation of funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Hurricane Helene relief efforts in southwest Virginia. The House and Senate, both controlled by Democrats, have proposed budget plans that include $25 million for ongoing relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. However, the source of these funds varies between the two chambers, with each utilizing different methods for the latest round of $102 million in utility payments from the RGGI.
Governor Youngkin, a Republican, has faced opposition from Democrats for repealing regulations to withdraw the state from RGGI, a move that was blocked by a judge. Democrats advocate for the state’s reentry into the carbon market, arguing that Youngkin’s decision has cost the state millions of dollars. While both sides present arguments in court, the fate of RGGI participation remains uncertain.
Youngkin’s budget proposal aims to use the $102 million from the last RGGI auction, along with $25 million in general funds, to establish a permanent disaster relief fund for the state. Critics of this proposal highlight the state law requiring RGGI revenues to be directed towards flood preparedness and energy efficiency, aspects that are not addressed in Youngkin’s plan. Despite Virginia’s vulnerability to sea-level rise and flooding, the budget proposal does not allocate additional funds for flood mitigation or energy efficiency.
On the other hand, the House budget plan retains the $102 million from the RGGI auction in the RGGI account, emphasizing the importance of directing these funds towards flood prevention and energy efficiency programs. The House proposes allocating an additional $25 million from the general fund specifically for disaster relief related to Hurricane Helene, with detailed requirements for its utilization.
In contrast, the Senate’s budget proposal suggests directing the $97 million from the RGGI auction to the general fund, a move that contradicts the RGGI law’s requirement for these funds to be used for flood prevention and energy efficiency. The Senate proposes allocating $50 million to the flood fund, with $25 million designated for disaster relief and another $25 million for disaster mitigation in the region.
Amidst these budget amendments, there are ongoing discussions and disagreements between Democratic and Republican lawmakers regarding the allocation of funds and the state’s participation in RGGI. House Majority Leader Charniele Herring and Senator Mamie Locke have proposed amendments aimed at resuming Virginia’s participation in RGGI, while Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell has introduced amendments to prevent legal challenges to the state’s involvement in the carbon market.
As the debate continues, it is evident that the allocation of funds from the RGGI auction and the distribution of disaster relief are crucial issues that require careful consideration. The decisions made in the coming days will have a significant impact on Virginia’s ability to address climate change, provide relief to affected communities, and bolster resilience in the face of future natural disasters.
