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Judge Randall Lowe Rules Youngkin's Withdrawal from RGGI Unlawful, Upholding Carbon Cap-and-Trade Market and Environmental Protections

Nov 20, 2024, 08:09 PM

A Virginia court has ruled that Governor Glenn Youngkin's attempt to withdraw the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was unlawful. Floyd County Circuit Court Judge Randall Lowe determined that Youngkin overstepped his authority by attempting to unilaterally remove Virginia from the carbon cap-and-trade program, which aims to reduce climate-changing emissions. The judge's opinion stated that the repeal of RGGI regulations is 'unlawful, and therefore null and void,' reaffirming that RGGI remains in effect. This ruling is viewed as a significant victory for environmental advocates and underscores the legal protections surrounding the initiative, which has generated millions of dollars for the state. The decision highlights the limitations of executive power in altering established environmental regulations without legislative approval.