economy
State Green New Deals invite higher energy bills
"Reclaiming Affordability" is an op-ed series in partnership between the Independent Women and the Washington Examiner. Each day this week, a policy expert at Independent Women will tackle the top voter concern of this election cycle from a different angle, putting forth realistic solutions to the affordability crisis.
TL;DR
- States have significant power over their electricity regulation, including green energy mandates.
- States with aggressive renewable energy plans are experiencing higher energy costs.
- Virginia's Clean Economy Act (VCEA) was predicted to increase energy bills significantly.
- Virginia's withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) provided a temporary reprieve from higher energy costs.
- Rejoining RGGI is viewed by some as a cost-saving measure, despite it being a carbon tax that raises energy costs.
- Subsidized wind and solar energy are criticized as unreliable and expensive.
- New natural gas and nuclear projects are proposed as solutions to meaningfully cut energy costs.
- Repealing the VCEA and building new natural gas and nuclear power plants are suggested for actual relief.