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5/5/2021 |
Jason |
Kaiser |
Northern Vermont University |
Lyndonville |
Vermont |
The XX-3.1 Equity investment commitment is critical. The "overburdened and underserved communities" that this subsection refers to -- receiving "no less than 35 percent of the... read more The XX-3.1 Equity investment commitment is critical. The "overburdened and underserved communities" that this subsection refers to -- receiving "no less than 35 percent of the proceeds from the auction of allowances to ensure that overburdened and underserved communities benefit equitably from clean transportation projects and programs" is not a high enough percentage for these communities. Instead, the percent of revenue dedicated to equity investments must exceed the percentage of overburdended and underserved (to later be defined) communities in the state. Unlike a flat percentage, this would ensure that there’s enough money to make meaningful investments in our most vulnerable communities.
I am concerned that there is economic risk if Governor Scott and the Vermont Legislature refuse to join TCI-P. Like RGGI, most of the facilities that will have to purchase allowances are located outside of Vermont and, according to Vermont’s lead TCI negotiator, it is “possible and very likely” these companies will pass on their compliance costs to Vermonters regardless if Vermont participates. So, to take advantage of TCI-P’s economic benefits and avoid a situation where Vermonters are paying for modern infrastructure in states outside of Vermont, I urge Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Legislature to support participation in TCI-P from the get-go. |
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5/6/2021 |
Karen |
Jumisko |
Vermonter |
Randoloh |
Vermont |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P). We need to take action. I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P). We need to take action. |
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5/6/2021 |
Carl |
Martin |
Norwich University |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Transportation emissions account for almost half of climate pollution in Vermont. In order to meet our requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act, we must substantially decrease emissions... read more Transportation emissions account for almost half of climate pollution in Vermont. In order to meet our requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act, we must substantially decrease emissions in this sector. According to TCI-P designers, this program would reduce our emissions 26% over 10 years alone. We need to do more, but that’s not including the additional investments in climate infrastructure we could make with the revenue received.
Climate change is also an historical injustice that predominately harms poor and non-white communities.
Currently, TCI-P states that 35% of the revenue generated from the sale of fuel credits must be dedicated to equity measures—investments in communities historically underserved by our transportation system. This is more than what’s previously been proposed, but VPIRG believes that the percent of revenue dedicated to equity investments must exceed the percentage of underserved communities in the state. Instead of a flat percentage, this would ensure that there’s enough money to make meaningful investments in our most vulnerable communities.
Sincerely,
Carl G. Martin |
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5/11/2021 |
Gregory |
McHugo |
retired |
Strafford |
Vermont |
Vermont needs to take the lead among New England states in dealing with the transportation infrastructure. We need widespread and equitable access to transportation of many types, and we need to... read more Vermont needs to take the lead among New England states in dealing with the transportation infrastructure. We need widespread and equitable access to transportation of many types, and we need to develop it in a way that vastly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. It's now or never. It's also time to insure that the legacy of the Scott administration is favorable to future generations. Please stop aligning with big business and do what is right for the people of Vermont. |
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7/27/2021 |
Matthew |
LeFluer |
Green Mountain Self-advocates |
Alburgh |
Vermont |
Greeting staff member of TCI my name is Matthew I'm a person with Learning disability. ( Autism spectrum ). People with disabilities around the United States of America need accessible... read more Greeting staff member of TCI my name is Matthew I'm a person with Learning disability. ( Autism spectrum ). People with disabilities around the United States of America need accessible affordable reliable transportation this includes public trains Transit school buses Etc because this is so important for us with disabilities moving forward with TCI meaning more accessibility options to people with disabilities living around the United States of America within 50 States. Plus it will help economic and economy throughout Rural America rural towns cities villages need meaningful and transformable innovation modernization upgrade Bridges roads and Technology, innovations ideals In these rural markets of America. Please continue on behalf of American people with disabilities continue supporting us all that need accessible affordable transportation throughout the United States of America Please continue the efforts on making America the great place to live, Work ,And Play. Thank you all for keeping us in your minds and we look forward on working together around transportation issues throughout the United States of America. |
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4/1/2021 |
Christopher |
Labosier |
Longwood University |
Farmville |
Virginia |
Please find the attached comments. Please find the attached comments. |
Labosier_CommentLetter_4-1-21.pdf |
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4/13/2021 |
James |
Whitehead |
Concerned Citizen |
Warrenton |
Virginia |
TCI is a cleverly designed and carefully rigged machination that will
1. Kill working class jobs.
2. Raise taxes and reduce consumer spending.
3. Create a new level of... read more TCI is a cleverly designed and carefully rigged machination that will
1. Kill working class jobs.
2. Raise taxes and reduce consumer spending.
3. Create a new level of inefficient and wasteful government bureaucracy.
4. Unconstitutional since only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.
5. Anti American due to the Marxist origins.
I call on citizens to boycott and demonstrate against the money changers in government that have put forth this insidious scheme. |
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4/16/2021 |
Bryan |
Selph |
Tax Payer |
Virginia Beach |
Virginia |
This is nothing more than the creation of a bloated bureaucracy.
If you want to reduce pollution, tax the source of the pollution: fuel. Period. Increased taxes on fossil fuel... read more This is nothing more than the creation of a bloated bureaucracy.
If you want to reduce pollution, tax the source of the pollution: fuel. Period. Increased taxes on fossil fuel will eventually make 'green' power more affordable and it will do it in a controlled fashion without the waste associated with your bloated bureaucracy.
Incentives for home owners to install roof top solar power would be a nice addition to fuel taxes.
We in Virginia do NOT need this approach to pollution reduction.
Regards,
Bls |
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5/3/2021 |
Brenda |
Miller |
Virginia Resident |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
I am not in support of this initiative due to the research and the tax/increase in fuel cost. I am not in support of this initiative due to the research and the tax/increase in fuel cost. |
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5/3/2021 |
Peter M |
Walton |
Virginia citizen |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
This effort is bad policy for Virginia to adopt. It penalizes those who communte long distance and offers no benefits to either the state's road systems. Studies indicate this regressive... read more This effort is bad policy for Virginia to adopt. It penalizes those who communte long distance and offers no benefits to either the state's road systems. Studies indicate this regressive form of taxation will not have the desired effects on the enviornment, actually providing negligible benefits while disprapotionately imposing higher commuting costs on low and middle income families. |
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5/3/2021 |
Sandra |
Cuddy |
Virginia resident |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
As a resident if Virginia, such a tax would make our retired lives here very difficult. Our income is limited. I’m not sure how we could afford transportation to the supermarket, doctor... read more As a resident if Virginia, such a tax would make our retired lives here very difficult. Our income is limited. I’m not sure how we could afford transportation to the supermarket, doctor appointments, volunteer opportunities, visits to our sons and grandchild who are an hour away, etc. We don’t live next to a main highway with mass transportation. The winters are too cold, the ice too slippery, no sidewalks, distances too far and we are too old to walk everywhere. We might have to move to a state that is more senior-friendly. I can’t even begin to imagine the hardship this will cause: gas or meds, gas or food, gas or internet, gas or life??? |
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5/4/2021 |
Katherine |
Nicholson |
Spotsylvania County Schools |
Spotsylvania |
Virginia |
I do not agree with this carbon emissions control. Raising the gas prices and cutting fixing the roads by 20% is not solving the problem of climate control. There is a toxic battery in the... read more I do not agree with this carbon emissions control. Raising the gas prices and cutting fixing the roads by 20% is not solving the problem of climate control. There is a toxic battery in the electric vehicles that need to find a safe way to dispose of them. It is no win, win situation. |
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5/4/2021 |
Jeffrey |
Williams |
Private citizen |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
As noted in the Free Lance-Star, this is an "all pain and no gain" proposal for drivers, especially low income rural and those who commute distances because they can't afford to... read more As noted in the Free Lance-Star, this is an "all pain and no gain" proposal for drivers, especially low income rural and those who commute distances because they can't afford to live in high cost cities. This proposal would take away critical funds needed to maintain roads that are still needed even if electric vehicle usage is increased, and cause hardship due to the prices increases passed on to consumers, all for .000018 degree C reduction in global warming (according to Dr. David Schnare, a 34 year veteran of the EPA). Add that to the madness of pushing electric vehicles which have a massive production impact on global warming and the environment that takes years to break even on from reduced emissions, and it is clear to see how the TCI-P is a bad idea. |
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5/4/2021 |
Glen |
Swain |
Virginia resident |
Spotsylvania |
Virginia |
No, this is a terrible idea. One former EPA veteran said of this plan, “In sum, TCI has no environmental benefits but would cost Virginians billions of dollars. That is an ‘all pain and no gain’... read more No, this is a terrible idea. One former EPA veteran said of this plan, “In sum, TCI has no environmental benefits but would cost Virginians billions of dollars. That is an ‘all pain and no gain’ program." No thanks! |
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5/4/2021 |
James |
Riordan |
Citizen |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
As stated in a recent Fredericksburg Free Lance Star article, this initiative is "all pain and no gain" for the citizens of Virginia. Imposing a significant tax on gas-powered vehicles... read more As stated in a recent Fredericksburg Free Lance Star article, this initiative is "all pain and no gain" for the citizens of Virginia. Imposing a significant tax on gas-powered vehicles while not taxing EVs, which actually cause a greater carbon deficit during their manufacture, is absurd. |
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5/4/2021 |
Kim |
McClellan |
private citizen |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
This seems like a terrible idea to me and will only serve to punish average citizens who do not want nor can they afford an electric vehicle. My job is 5 miles north, my kids go to school 10... read more This seems like a terrible idea to me and will only serve to punish average citizens who do not want nor can they afford an electric vehicle. My job is 5 miles north, my kids go to school 10 miles east and my husband works 50 miles away in DC. How exactly is increased transit going to efficiently and effectively deliver us all where we need to be? It won't, and the increased tax to purchase gasoline due to the TCI will be a huge burden to my family and others like us. The worst part is that the science is clear that electric vehicles are not the environmental panacea that the media would have us believe. They are carbon-intensive to produce and leave behind toxic used batteries. The most disgusting part of this is that it will yield so little positive impacts and seems to be just be yet another government overreach intended to control the way people live and take away any sort of individual decision-making. |
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5/4/2021 |
Mark |
Strickler |
Life-long Virginia Resident & Retired Virginia Educator |
Locust Grove |
Virginia |
The proposal for Virginia to join this initiative presents a lose-lose situation for the state and its citizens. The transportation corridors in Virginia are some of the most heavily traveled on... read more The proposal for Virginia to join this initiative presents a lose-lose situation for the state and its citizens. The transportation corridors in Virginia are some of the most heavily traveled on the East Coast and have NEVER been adequately maintained due to the political decision making at the Federal level, while the lifeline to the Federal government lies in the direct availability to Washington provided by Virginia's highways, which are maintained poorly with waning help from the area that benefits most from it.
There is a net negative benefit to Virginia's highway maintenance coffers with an almost infinitesimal reduction (0.000018 degrees Celsius) in the global temperature as a result. The cost of increased taxes levied on corporations will be passed on to consumers who will additionally pay higher energy costs. Virginia taxpayers lose all the way around.
Virginia should NOT join this fools errand. |
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5/4/2021 |
Matthew |
Ball |
VCU |
Richmond |
Virginia |
Please don’t add this tax. We cannot afford a program that yields virtually no benefit. Please don’t add this tax. We cannot afford a program that yields virtually no benefit. |
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5/4/2021 |
Anne |
Riordan |
Virginia Resident & Tax Payer |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
Studies and research project that this initiative (TCI) will only reduce global temperature by a minute amount; while costing Virginians an exorbitant (regressive) carbon tax on the fuel they need... read more Studies and research project that this initiative (TCI) will only reduce global temperature by a minute amount; while costing Virginians an exorbitant (regressive) carbon tax on the fuel they need to travel all the while - reducing the revenue needed to maintain our roads. Electric vehicles' manufacturing process result in its own pollutants for a long time, and EV batteries are toxic and currently not being disposed of safely. There is no 'cost-benefit' to this proposed rule. As always, any increases in costs to companies will simply be passed along to their consumers. I am against this proposed rule and TCI. It flies in the face of logic. |
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5/4/2021 |
Andrew |
Stockner |
America |
Abingdon |
Virginia |
According to the International Energy Agency’s May 2019 Global Electric
Vehicle Outlook, EVs start out with a carbon deficit due to the amount of pollutants
released. However, the... read more According to the International Energy Agency’s May 2019 Global Electric
Vehicle Outlook, EVs start out with a carbon deficit due to the amount of pollutants
released. However, the Electrical Vehicle (EV) manufacturing process—including mining of rare earth metals
for batteries— actually produces greater carbon emissions than the production of manufacturing
internal combustion vehicles. Depending on the source of electricity they use, the EV
can take years to break even on the carbon front, not to mention the still unsolved
problem of how to safely dispose of the toxic battery.
In addition, a recent study by the Virginia-based Thomas Jefferson Institute for
Public Policy estimated that this “carbon tax” would reduce the current revenue
needed by the commonwealth for road maintenance about 20 percent by 2022. |
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