This article discusses how Virginia may become first southern state to cap carbon. But, will GOP budget language hamstring the program?
Despite state budget language that remains in place and could cripple the program, the State Air Pollution Control Board approved a new carbon rule Friday that links Virginia to a network of carbon-trading states.
“We have full authority to move forward at this point,” said David Paylor, director of the Department of Environmental Quality. “The governor is considering all options.”
Gov. Ralph Northam has until May 3 to veto budget language that prohibits the use of state money to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative or spend proceeds from RGGI without legislative approval.