Bill to rejoin Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and expand flood funding passes Virginia legislature

Legislation sponsored by State Del. Charniele L. Herring, which seeks to resume carbon allowance auctions and broaden both flood mitigation and energy efficiency initiatives, passed the House and Senate, according to the Virginia State House.

The bill cleared the House with a 63-35 vote and the Senate with a 21-19 vote before being formally enrolled on March 5, 2026.

Designated as HB397 and introduced on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, the measure is summarized by the state legislature as follows: “Clean energy and community flood preparedness; market-based trading program.”

Below is a summary based on the actual bill text, which may include clarifications to help explain its contents.

Essentially, the legislation directs Virginia to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, restart carbon auction processes, and allocate proceeds to a community flood preparedness fund, low-income energy efficiency programs, and associated administrative and climate planning costs. The law expands eligibility for the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund to include federally and state-recognized tribes, requires public comment opportunities, focuses on nature-based hazard mitigation, and designates at least 25% of yearly funds for low-income communities. The bill also establishes annual energy efficiency savings goals for certain low-income and vulnerable utility customers starting in 2025, with oversight continuing through 2030.

House approval came from 63 Democrats in favor, with 35 Republicans voting against.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats supported the bill, while 19 Republicans opposed it.

The legislation was introduced by Del. Charniele L. Herring (Democrat-4th District), Del. Betsy B. Carr (Democrat-78th District), and Del. Bonita G. Anthony (Democrat-92nd District), as well as 11 co-sponsors.

Herring earned a BA from George Mason University in 1993 and a JD from Catholic University Columbus School of Law in 1997.

Herring was first elected to the Virginia State House in 2024, representing the 4th House district and succeeding William Wampler III.

Virginia’s legislative process starts with a bill’s introduction in the House of Delegates or the Senate. It is sent to committees for review and possible changes, then moves to floor debate and votes in both legislative chambers. If approved by both, it is presented to the governor, who can sign, veto, or permit it to become law without signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets in regular session every year beginning the second Monday in January. Lawmakers present hundreds of bills each session, with only some becoming law.

Details in this report were sourced from the Virginia State House. The source documents are available here.