From DPVA
Governor Youngkin Ramps Up Anti-Environment Agenda
Attempts are made to prepare for RGGI’s exit
Air Pollution Board: Appoints antienvironment cronies
Richmond, VA Governor Youngkin has intensified the anti-environment crusade in recent days.
Youngkin announced his appointment to the Air Pollution Control Board on Saturday. Many of these people are riddled by conflicts of interest, including a former coal lobbyist, anti-renewable energy operative, and a former coal lobbyist.
Then, on Monday, Youngkin published a partisan report by Andrew Wheeler (ex-Trump EPA secretary) to set the stage for Virginia’s exit from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Since taking office, Governor Youngkin has consistently ignored Virginians’ interest in protecting our environment and instead continued pushing his personal anti-environment agenda.
Youngkin’s four new appointees to the Air Pollution Control Board point to an anti-environment agenda and raise legal concerns that Governor Youngkin violated Virginias conflict of interests laws.
These appointees will undoubtedly launch an attack on Virginia’s environment as well as our membership to RGGI. It is important that you note that theRegional Greenhouse Gas InitiativeThis program is vital for Virginia and has been shown to reverse the negative effects on climate change, improve the health of children and save families money on their energy bills.
Virginians are also strongly supportive of RGGI and other measures that protect our environment. Recent polls showed that Virginians support RGGI and measures to protect the environment.SupportBy 67% to 26%, the state membership in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has increased by 67% to 25%. Virginians are determined to save the environment and address climate change. One thing is clear: Governor Youngkins’ attempts at withdrawing from the RGGI by his far-right cronies is yet another example of him and his ineptness with Virginians.
The Democratic Party in Virginia is the only party that is committed to tackling climate change’s worsening effects. It is causing flooding in Virginia communities, polluting the air and water, and putting our future in jeopardy.Gianni Snidle (DPVA spokesperson) said.Republicans have launched attack upon our environment every day since Governor Youngkin was elected. Virginia Democrats will not compromise on protecting our environment and combating the impacts of climate change. We will ensure that these anti-environment appointees are held accountable and that Virginia will remain in the RGGI for our children’s futures.
