Today, as part of his budget priorities, Gov. Younkin proposed diverting $102 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) into a Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Helene. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene and we understand the necessity of this support. However, removing funds earmarked to support underserved Virginia families is not the right solution, especially with a $2.2 billion budget surplus. 

The Housing Innovations in Energy Efficiency (HIEE) funds administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development are instrumental in providing healthy, safe, and energy-efficient homes. Furthermore, these homes are more resilient to hurricanes and other natural disasters. HIEE supports affordable housing built to Zero Energy Ready standards, as well as provides repairs to homes that would otherwise be deferred from the federal Weatherization Assistance Program. These measures reduce moisture and protect from high winds, making them safer for the most vulnerable of our communities. 

By pulling funds away from HIEE, the Governor is trading one disaster for another. We encourage the administration to use the budget surplus  – not RGGI – to support Virginians dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.