Virginia Court Blocks Youngkin's Exit from Carbon Emission Pact

Governor Youngkin's attempt to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is deemed unlawful by a state judge.

Floyd County Circuit Judge Randall Lowe ruled that only the Virginia General Assembly has the authority to repeal the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Governor Glenn Youngkin's administration attempted to exit the initiative, citing increased utility costs for Virginians as a primary concern.
The Virginia Air Pollution Control Board, with a majority of Youngkin appointees, had voted to leave the RGGI, but the court nullified this decision.
Environmental groups and Democratic lawmakers hailed the ruling, emphasizing the benefits of RGGI in reducing pollution and funding energy cost-reduction programs.
Youngkin plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that the initiative acts as a hidden tax on energy bills without effectively reducing emissions.