Virginia moves to rejoin controversial climate change pact by July 1: Here’s what it means

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia is set to rejoin a multi-state agreement combating climate change after state lawmakers passed a House bill earlier this year, with regulators targeting a return to full participation in the initiative by July 1.

The move follows the General Assembly's passage of House Bill 29 on Friday, Feb. 20, which allows the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in "an expeditious manner," reversing policies enacted under the previous Republican administration.

According to the department, work is already underway to reinstate the previous carbon dioxide budget trading program, with amendments to remove outdated references and to address the time period when the rule was not in effect.

As part of that timeline, state officials expect Virginia to participate in the program's September and December 2026 carbon dioxide allowance auctions. The department said it has also been coordinating with other RGGI states on the logistics of rejoining the initiative.

According to the DEQ, the first regulatory action must be finished by Thursday, May 21, before they plan to officially reenter on July 1.

"Once the reinstatement action is completed, Virginia will formally resume participation in RGGI on July 1 when compliance with the rule will begin," the DEQ spokesperson told 8News.

The renewed push to rejoin the initiative came after Gov. Abigail Spanberger and Attorney General Jay Jones (both D) announced plans in mid-January to bring Virginia back into the program after former Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) said that he wanted to withdraw from the agreement in 2022, citing concerns about rising energy costs for Virginians.

However, a judge ruled in 2024 that the former governor lacked the authority to do so, arguing that his actions were null and void. That is on hold pending an appeal from the Youngkin administration.

RGGI is a multi-state cooperation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions that harm the environment and combat climate change. Its members include the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont.

8News reached out to both Spanbeger's and Jones's offices for comment. This article will be updated with their responses if and when we hear back.