A Virginia court ruling has thrown a wrench in Governor Glenn Youngkin’s efforts to pull the state out of a pivotal regional greenhouse gas initiative without legislative backing.
At a Glance
- Virginia cannot exit the RGGI without legislative consent according to a court ruling.
- Judge C. Randall Lowe issued the ruling, highlighting procedural boundaries.
- The court decision underscores the importance of legislative-executive collaboration in environmental policy-making.
- Yougkin’s administration plans to appeal the decision, continuing opposition to RGGI.
Ruling Establishes Legislative Consent Requirement
Retired Judge C. Randall Lowe ruled Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s attempt to withdraw from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) without the state legislature’s approval was ineffective. The ruling emphasized that complex environmental policies require legislative input to ensure decisions reflect public interest and democratic processes.
Virginia joined RGGI in 2020 under a Democratic governor and legislature, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions from power plants by requiring them to purchase allowances for emissions. Youngkin, a Republican, views the initiative as a hidden tax on energy bills and sought to challenge it on grounds of economic impact.
Big win for Virginia! A judge just ruled in favor of protecting our environment and communities, overturning the Youngkin Administration's illegal decision to pull Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) 🌍⚖️ #CleanEnergy pic.twitter.com/9lkr69Ig7b
— Virginia LCV (@VirginiaLCV) November 20, 2024
Implications of the Court’s Decision
The ruling pointed out Virginia’s Air Pollution Control Board’s overstepping in voting to exit RGGI. Youngkin’s administration announced intentions to appeal, backed by Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares, who also plans to defend the move.
The State Corporation Commission estimated potential increases in monthly energy bills, adding $2 to $2.50 from 2027 to 2030, due to RGGI participation. Dominion Energy reported substantial compliance costs but recovered a portion from customers, bringing the economic effects of the RGGI into sharp focus.
Environment Virginia Statement: Judge rules Gov. Youngkin has no authority to pull Virginia from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative https://t.co/HLhcFnXhJ7 pic.twitter.com/B7c9H0nrh2
— Blue Virginia (@bluevirginia) November 20, 2024
Broader Impacts on Virginia’s Environmental Policy
Democratic leaders like House Speaker Don Scott and Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas supported the ruling, asserting it benefits Virginians and demonstrates the necessity of coordinated climate action.
Virginia’s formal exit from RGGI at the end of 2023 highlights ongoing tensions between GOP-led economic concerns and Democratic environmental policies. As state politics navigate these complex interactions, the ruling underscores legislative oversight’s role in shaping state and regional environmental strategies.
Sources:
Judge rejects Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s bid to remove Virginia from greenhouse gas initiative
Judge Rules Virginia Governor Can’t Withdrawal From Greenhouse Gas Deal
Judge puts stop to governor’s effort to remove Virginia from greenhouse gas initiative
