Youngkin Blasted for Vowing to Pull Virginia From Climate Pact

Virginia Democrats are blasting the state’s incoming Republican governor, Glenn Youngkin, for threatening this week to pull out of the 11-state cap-and-trade program known as RGGI.

Youngkin, in a speech Wednesday to the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, vowed to withdraw Virginia—which only joined the pact 17 months ago under outgoing Gov. Ralph Northam (D)—from the pact. Youngkin likened it to a carbon tax that will hurt ratepayers.

“It’s a bad deal for Virginians. It’s a bad deal for Virginia businesses,” said Youngkin, who assumes office Jan. 15.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) questioned whether the Republican can legally withdraw the ...