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5/4/2021 |
Barbara |
Huibregtse |
Vermont resident |
Danville |
Vermont |
I support a strong TCI as a response to the climate crisis and the need to decarbonize the economy in a time when transportation shares such a high contribution to emissions. In addition,... read more I support a strong TCI as a response to the climate crisis and the need to decarbonize the economy in a time when transportation shares such a high contribution to emissions. In addition, resources should be allocated in a way that achieves other benefits, too, such as improving air quality in the communities with the worst air now, typically low-income and minority communities, and saving overall healthcare costs for low-income communities, and potentially reducing public health costs as well. |
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5/5/2021 |
Barbara |
Taylor |
Citizen |
Abingdon |
Virginia |
I'm STRONGLY opposed to Virginia joining the TCI. It will cost me as a consumer and businesses alike too much at the gas pump. read more I'm STRONGLY opposed to Virginia joining the TCI. It will cost me as a consumer and businesses alike too much at the gas pump. |
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5/6/2021 |
Barbara |
Moore |
private citizen |
Charlottesville |
Virginia |
Virginians cannot afford to join the TCI. This is all well and good on paper--save the planet, etc. But in reality it's to line the pockets of certain people at the expense of the average... read more Virginians cannot afford to join the TCI. This is all well and good on paper--save the planet, etc. But in reality it's to line the pockets of certain people at the expense of the average citizens. It will cost the regular Virginians too much at the pump, when we're already struggling. You serve us! Think of the cost/benefit and don't join. |
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5/7/2021 |
Barbara |
Duerk |
CONNECT NOW |
Roanoke |
Virginia |
Climate and air quality are directly related to a healthy community. Community design should be walking and bicycling friendly. HEALTHY community includes neighborhood schools where children can... read more Climate and air quality are directly related to a healthy community. Community design should be walking and bicycling friendly. HEALTHY community includes neighborhood schools where children can walk or bicycle to school. HEALTHY communities need village centers where people can access jobs, services, medical care and entertainment. HEALTHY communities provide alternative multimodal Greenways, Blueways, and activities to breakdown barriers and build bridges between communities.
Promote CAR FREE days. Provide incentives for TAKE TRANSIT. BIKE TO WORK DAY during BIKE MONTH.
Note: Electric cars are dangerous for cyclists because they can not be heard. It is better to encourage other programs to eliminate (at least reduce) transportation congestion and medigate air quality. Community design and walking and bicycling would make a huge difference.
Thank you for listening,
Barbara N. Duerk
2607 Rosalind Ave., S.W., Roanoke, VA 24014 |
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5/7/2021 |
Becky |
Daiss |
self |
Arlington |
Virginia |
I am writing in strong support of the TCI-P as a much needed collaborative effort to put a brake on carbon emissions while investing in cleaner, more equitable and resilient transportation systems... read more I am writing in strong support of the TCI-P as a much needed collaborative effort to put a brake on carbon emissions while investing in cleaner, more equitable and resilient transportation systems. I am also writing to stand against fossil fuel interests that are quite predictably lining up to oppose this first-of-its-kind initiative because they don’t want to be held accountable for the pollution from the fuel they sell. We must finally hold the line against the environmental destruction that the fossil fuel industry has wrought. Virginia has made great strides in supporting renewable energy, protecting clean air and cutting pollution in the process.
TCI ensures that these efforts don’t stop at the state-line, that we’re working collaboratively with our neighbors to the north and south to address climate change while making investments that cut pollution, protect public health, safeguard vulnerable communities, and advance a modern, sustainable transportation system. This is a must do. |
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5/5/2021 |
Beth |
Gayman |
? |
Charlottesville |
Virginia |
This will certainly depress the economy in Virginia. There is no way this is helpful or useful. We cannot throw money at a vague concepts that are not understood and vastly overstated for some as... read more This will certainly depress the economy in Virginia. There is no way this is helpful or useful. We cannot throw money at a vague concepts that are not understood and vastly overstated for some as yet undeclared purpose. |
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5/5/2021 |
Beth |
Gayman |
? |
Charlottesville |
Virginia |
This will certainly depress the economy in Virginia. There is no way this is helpful or useful. We cannot throw money at a vague concepts that are not understood and vastly overstated for some as... read more This will certainly depress the economy in Virginia. There is no way this is helpful or useful. We cannot throw money at a vague concepts that are not understood and vastly overstated for some as yet undeclared purpose. |
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5/7/2021 |
Betty Byrne |
Ware |
Sierra Club |
Richmond |
Virginia |
Global warming is a crisis we must address - mainly get rid of carbon emissions. I support this effort! Global warming is a crisis we must address - mainly get rid of carbon emissions. I support this effort! |
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5/7/2021 |
Bill |
Pugh |
individual resident of TCI state |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
I strongly support the model-rule for the TCI program. A regional cap-and-trade program is essential to lower climate emissions of the biggest source here in my home state of Virginia.
... read more I strongly support the model-rule for the TCI program. A regional cap-and-trade program is essential to lower climate emissions of the biggest source here in my home state of Virginia.
Improvements to the as proposed rule would be:
- A more stringent cap to result in even larger GHG reductions. This is a nickel or dime on the cost of gas, which is already too cheap.
- A minimum investment in revenues to make sure overburdened and underserved communities in VA get more-then-proportional share of investments from the program.
- Acknowledgement that sufficient reductions require additional measures by TCI jurisdictions to reduce VMT and electrify their auto and truck fleets.
- Inclusion of affordable housing near transit as an eligible investment for TCI revenues.
Thank you.
Bill Pugh
Alexandria, VA |
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6/15/2021 |
bill |
peabody |
fcta.org |
springfield |
Virginia |
Why not complete the Anna and Surrey nuke sites before raising taxes Why not complete the Anna and Surrey nuke sites before raising taxes |
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8/13/2021 |
Bill |
Pugh |
Coalition for Smarter Growth |
Washington, DC |
District of Columbia |
See attached comments by the Coalition for Smarter Growth on the draft TCI-P documents released June 10, 2020.
In summary, we recommend that TCI-P track and report on Vehicle Miles... read more See attached comments by the Coalition for Smarter Growth on the draft TCI-P documents released June 10, 2020.
In summary, we recommend that TCI-P track and report on Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) by jurisdiction to gauge accountability and progress (in addition to air quality monitoring), and that the region coordination strategies include land use strategies, such as encouraging and coordinating transit-oriented development and affordable housing near transit. |
CSG TCI-P document comments Aug 13 2021.pdf |
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5/7/2021 |
Blair |
St. Ledger-Olson |
Generation180 |
Charlottesville |
Virginia |
I support a strong TCI-P Model Rule that (1) ensures meaningful climate action to address Virginia's largest driver of our climate crisis, (2) directs significant investments to correcting... read more I support a strong TCI-P Model Rule that (1) ensures meaningful climate action to address Virginia's largest driver of our climate crisis, (2) directs significant investments to correcting historic inequities in overburdened and underserved communities; and (3) affords Virginia the opportunity for a cleaner, healthier transportation system.
In addition, I call for the TCI-P Model Rule to include (1) a minimum investment amount to ensure overburdened and underserved communities in Virginia receive a greater-then-proportional share of investments from the program, (2) integration of air quality commitments across Virginia, and (3) robust empowerment of Virginia's Equity Advisory Body. |
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5/5/2021 |
Bob |
Shippee |
Private Citizen |
Henrico |
Virginia |
The transportation sector is the largest generator of greenhouse gases in Virginia. I support a strong TCI-P Model Rule that ensures significant climate action to address this major contributor to... read more The transportation sector is the largest generator of greenhouse gases in Virginia. I support a strong TCI-P Model Rule that ensures significant climate action to address this major contributor to the climate crisis, directs investments to correcting inequities in overburdened and underserved communities; and gives Virginians a cleaner, healthier transportation system. |
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5/8/2021 |
Bob |
Erdman |
Self |
Potomac |
Maryland |
The cost of climate change will be reduced by programs such as the TCI-P. The longer we wait to mitigate climate change, the more it will cost in the future.
Transportation is... read more The cost of climate change will be reduced by programs such as the TCI-P. The longer we wait to mitigate climate change, the more it will cost in the future.
Transportation is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the region, as well as dangerous particulates that cause health problems like asthma. Particulate emissions especially impact those near major roads, which often include lower income and minority communities. To solve these problems we need to move to a clean transportation system, and a clean-energy economy. TCI-P will greatly help the region do this – it will improve air quality, lower health care costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate revenue for other environmental initiatives to further accelerate our progress.
I support a strong TCI-P Model Rule that (1) ensures meaningful climate action to address the largest driver of our climate crisis, (2) directs significant investments to correcting historic inequities in overburdened and underserved communities; and (3) affords the opportunity for a cleaner, healthier transportation system. I call for the TCI-P Model Rule to include (1) a minimum investment amount to ensure overburdened and underserved communities receive a greater-then-proportional share of investments from the program, (2) integration of air quality commitments across the region, and (3) robust empowerment of state equity advisory bodies |
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5/7/2021 |
Bonnie |
Caplinger |
Nursing |
Broadway |
Virginia |
What is our governor thinking??? People just are able to become mobile again. Now Biden's increase the price of gas by stopping the gas line from being built. Does the government think we... read more What is our governor thinking??? People just are able to become mobile again. Now Biden's increase the price of gas by stopping the gas line from being built. Does the government think we are idiots???? When gas goes up so do groceries, cost of building homes, rent everything!!! It always gets passed on to the consumers. Mostly the people at the bottom of the totem pole. BUT, they always say they are looking out for them. Really?? Oh but some of you got a stimulus package. Was it spent on paying bills? Probably not. Keep gas prices down! Keep taxes down! Working people are tired of paying for people who don't want to work who depend on the government to pay their way!!! It's bad when the government has made it so it's cheaper to stay at home rather than work!! |
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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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5/5/2021 |
Brenda |
Griswold |
Public citizen |
Ruckersville |
Virginia |
If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” |
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5/5/2021 |
Brenda |
Griswold |
Public citizen |
Ruckersville |
Virginia |
If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” |
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5/5/2021 |
Brenda |
Griswold |
UVA |
Ruckersville |
Virginia |
If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” If you want to bankrupt the U.S. citizens, go ahead with this tax hike. I vote “No.” |
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5/7/2021 |
Brett |
Barry |
Clean Energy |
Newport Beach |
California |
Clean Energy greatly appreciates the opportunity to comment on the (TCI) Draft Model Rule for the TCI-Program (TCI-P). We also applaud your dedication to this long-term effort to meaningfully... read more Clean Energy greatly appreciates the opportunity to comment on the (TCI) Draft Model Rule for the TCI-Program (TCI-P). We also applaud your dedication to this long-term effort to meaningfully address transportation sector emissions and their negative effects on both air quality and climate change.
THE LOWEST CARBON FUEL AVAILABLE
As North America’s largest provider of carbon negative vehicle fuel, Clean Energy is proud to deliver renewable natural gas (RNG) to the country’s leading fleets such as UPS, Waste Management, NYMTA, and Amazon. In 2020, the California Air Resources Board certified RNG as the first and only carbon negative fuel (-17.95 gCO2e/MJ ), based on the weighted average under the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS). Individual RNG fuel pathways have been certified with carbon intensity scores as low as -532 gCO2e/MJ . It is important to note that the weighted average of battery electric power has a carbon intensity score in California of 16.6 gCO2e/MJ , thereby making RNG the lowest carbon fuel available.
With similar operational performance benefits as diesel trucks, in terms or range and payload, RNG vehicles are the leading technology for reducing carbon emissions from the medium and heavy-duty vehicle sector. In addition to providing climate change benefits, vehicles powered by near-zero engines and fueled with RNG can reduce NOx emissions by 90-99 percent and eliminate diesel particulate matter emissions.
LARGE-SCALE DEPLOYMENT CAPABLE
Whether its mass transit buses or long-haul trucks, renewable natural gas vehicles surpass all other alternative fuels in terms of operational deployment in the heavy-duty sector. For example, in early 2021 New York MTA, the nation’s largest mass transit authority, signed a contract to fuel 800 of their buses with RNG. LA Metro, the nations’ second largest mass transit authority operates over 2,300 RNG buses and recently placed an order for 300 more. In contrast, Toronto currently operates the largest electric-battery bus fleet in North America with a total of 60 buses. While every industry has their own studies, the proof is in the deployments.
EV technology has advanced over the past decade but is still not deployable on a large-scale. This is due to cost, performance, infrastructure, and upstream energy issues that may or may not be renewable. Additionally, the lack of availability for heavy duty applications is not expected to resolve itself in the near to mid-term.
PROVIDING RELIEF TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE COMMUNITIES NOW
The Draft Model Rule specifically addresses environmental justice communities by mandating 35 percent of the funds collected address air quality in said neighborhoods. This is a powerful and necessary policy. Many environmental justice communities are located around heavily industrialized areas which are often plagued by heavy diesel truck traffic. Clean Energy’s vast network of over 530 refueling stations are enabling trucking fleets to provide these communities immediate and effective relief today. National trucking fleets have taken the lead in deploying thousands of RNG trucks across the country with the most recent development being Amazon’s announcement to deploy over 700 RNG trucks across its national operations. Local and regional fleets in these communities also have independently started to adopt RNG, as evidenced by our Hunts Point station in the South Bronx where small fleets such as a local concrete company utilize this green fuel.
CONCLUSION
TCI can be a great success if states implement a program which focuses on results by not restricting the means. Electrification is a part of the solution, but electrification alone could guarantee diesel’s domination for decades along with the associated air pollution and carbon emissions. Large-scale deployments of RNG vehicles by leading national fleets provide clear evidence that to achieve significant emissions reductions now, RNG must play a significant role in the TCI-P. We look forward to continued participation in the process and request that the TCI organization place greater emphasis on the important role that renewable fuels play in our carbon free future.
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TCI Comments 5-7-21.docx |
