3-minute read
As health professionals in Delaware, we are deeply troubled by the prospect of our state withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI. This successful program has been a cornerstone of our state’s environmental and public health policy, delivering measurable benefits to our communities since its inception.
The evidence is clear: power plant emissions pose serious health risks to our communities. When these facilities burn fossil fuels they release soot and pollutants that cause smog. Soot and smog can travel hundreds of miles and cause a range of devastating health conditions. From preterm births to heart disease, respiratory illnesses, the health impacts are both severe and well-documented. There is even toxicity to the brain and nervous system. That inflammation is now implicated as contributing to autism.
RGGI’s approach is elegantly simple yet highly effective. Eleven Northeastern states, including Delaware, work together to set declining limits on power plant carbon dioxide emissions. Power plants must purchase allowances for their emissions, and the proceeds from these auctions are reinvested in community health initiatives and clean energy projects.
The results speak for themselves. Since 2005, RGGI has dramatically improved air quality across participating states, leading to better respiratory health in children, fewer preterm births and reduced rates of childhood autism. The program has saved our healthcare system hundreds of millions of dollars while creating jobs and lowering energy bills for residents.
RGGI has had a transformative impact for Delaware. Our state has received over $200 million in auction proceeds that has been invested in energy efficiency programs, renewable energy projects, and energy assistance for low-income families. These investments haven’t just improved public health, they’ve created jobs and helped residents save money on their energy bills.
Yes, the air we breathe is now cleaner because of RGGI. But there is no safe level of soot and smog for our bodies. The cleaner the air the healthier we and our neighbors will be. And, as the demand for electricity increases, and as temperatures rise, our air will start worsening again unless we can encourage the use of cleaner energy through RGGI.
As a coastal state, Delaware is particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. RGGI has been crucial in our efforts to combat rising sea levels and extreme weather events. Withdrawing now would not only surrender these benefits but would leave us without any systematic approach to rising temperatures and air pollution.
The choice before us is clear: we can continue benefiting from RGGI’s proven success in protecting public health and fighting climate change, or we can withdraw and watch our communities suffer the consequences. For the sake of our children’s health, our economy, and our future, Delaware must remain committed to RGGI.
Alan Greenglass is a physician. Deanna Benner, is a women’s health nurse practicioner. Both are members of the Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health.
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