Governor Spanberger Signs Measure Rejoining RGGI
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday ceremonially signed into law a measure that ensured Virginia will rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) effective this week and once again participate in a program that’s been vital for cutting carbon emissions and funding resilience efforts.
Governor Spanberger signed the bill in Richmond, flanked by lawmakers who helped carry the legislation during the 2026 legislative session and partners who had advocated for rejoining.
Governor Spanberger and the legislature should be applauded for rejoining RGGI, a regional carbon trading program for power plants that generates revenue, which is then used for priorities like flood preparedness and resilience programs.
Since its inception, RGGI has been an unqualified success. It has helped participating states cut carbon emissions from the power sector by 40% and generate over $11.4 billion in proceeds to go toward clean energy and resilience efforts, according to a recent report from the Acadia Center.
In an illegal—and costly—move, former Governor Glenn Youngkin pulled the Commonwealth out of the program in 2023. Virginia had generated an estimated $827 million in auction sale proceeds from 2021-2023, with nearly all funds going toward programs aimed at bolstering flood resilience and promoting energy efficiency.
The governor on Tuesday also ceremonially signed into law a number of other measures tied to the environment, including bills aimed at bolstering Virginia’s energy storage, expanding opportunities for solar projects, and holding electric utility companies accountable.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Virginia Policy Manager Jay Ford issued the following statement:
“Virginia’s re-entry into RGGI is great news for cutting carbon emissions and making the Commonwealth more resilient in the face of climate change.”
“Through the support for RGGI and other pro-environment bills, Governor Spanberger and her administration are off to a solid start in protecting Virginia’s air and waterways for all of our residents.”
“Scare tactics from the power industry notwithstanding, we’re hopeful that elected leaders can chart a sustainable path forward on RGGI that balances vital funding for flood and energy efficiency projects with consumer protections. Virginians deserve nothing less.”
