Virginia lawmakers question RGGI costs and its impact on residents

Virginia lawmakers are raising questions about the costs of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a carbon market program that requires power plants to buy allowances for their emissions. Critics argue the program drives up electricity bills for residents, while supporters say it funds clean energy projects and reduces pollution. The debate centers on whether the benefits of cutting carbon emissions outweigh the financial burden on households. The outcome of this review could influence how other states approach carbon pricing. If Virginia scales back or leaves RGGI, it may signal that political support for carbon markets is fragile when costs hit consumers directly. This is a key test for carbon market design and its long-term viability in the US.