Attorney General Jay Jones has taken legal action to pause an appeal in the case Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board, et al., v. Association of Energy Conservation Professionals. This step could allow Virginia to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state program focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The decision follows efforts by the previous administration to withdraw Virginia from RGGI, which had led to the loss of funding for energy efficiency programs, flood protection measures, and affordable housing initiatives.
“Today, the Commonwealth reopened the door for participation in RGGI, which we know lowers costs for the most vulnerable Virginians while holding industries accountable to transition to cleaner, more stable, and more affordable sources of energy,” said Attorney General Jay Jones. “I am proud to have taken steps to correct course and set the Commonwealth back on a path toward long-term affordability and resilience.”
Jones stated that this filing is part of a larger plan to reverse policies from the prior administration and ensure that decisions about Virginia’s energy future are based on affordability, evidence, and public interest rather than ideology.
The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia provides legal counsel and representation to state entities across Virginia while upholding public safety and constitutional rights. The office also delivers consumer protection services and civil rights support for communities statewide. More information about its work can be found on its official website.
