This analysis examines the economic and operational effects of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) on Virginia and Pennsylvania. It highlights how cap-and-trade mechanisms can influence energy investment, power plant retirements, and electricity costs for ratepayers. The report compares Pennsylvania's experience with RGGI against Ohio, suggesting that regulatory uncertainty can deter new generation projects. It also discusses the role of natural gas in reducing CO2 emissions and the energy demands of Virginia's growing data center industry.
