View Public Input on TCI-P

I support TCI-P as an effort to lower emission from the transportation sector and to raise revenue to fund the infrastructure we need to further reduce emissions and to support frontline communities who are disproportionately affected by pollution from transportation. I support efforts that recognize that market mechanisms can benefit environmental justice efforts and have the potential to build a broad base of political support. As a Christian and a dad I want to take aggressive action to give my kids a livable future and to steward God's beautiful creation.

No issue is more important than addressing the climate crisis and everything that can reasonably be done to minimize GHG emissions from the transportation sector should be undertaken. Please take into account that proposed actions by the Biden Administration should lessen the burden on the states and localities by providing funding for new infrastructure including charging stations and rail transit.

Transportation emissions are a huge driver of climate change, accounting for nearly half of Virginia’s carbon output, while also emitting toxic air pollution that falls disproportionately on low-income populations and communities of color.

The Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P) is a welcome step forward to addressing this major source of pollution, while steering needed investments in a modern, sustainable transportation system.

Funding provided by the TCI-P could help with ongoing efforts to put more electric vehicles on the road in Virginia along with equitably distributed charging infrastructure across the state.

The TCI-P also presents the opportunity to drive investments in a cleaner transportation system in the communities that have suffered the most from vehicle pollution. While the model rule calls for at least 35 percent of TCI proceeds to go toward frontline, impacted communities, here in Virginia I would hope we go above and beyond that benchmark, investing at least half of our TCI revenue in programs and infrastructure that will lower this disproportionate pollution burden.

I hope this important framework moves forward for the good of our climate, our health and our future.

I do not have the background to understand the technical aspects of your draft model. However, I do feel that it is important to make known to the public the plans being incorporated in the various districts. This can be through church organizations, climate change groups, and those involved in civic review. I just received this request for input this afternoon from Virginia Interfaith Power and Light the last day of comment period, but the last day was to be April 1st. It appears to me that there needs to be better outreach to grassroots organizations. The LWV of Richmond Metro has a Transportation Committee that want to know about these efforts and could spread the word in the community. It seems to me that more needs to be planned in the outreach area if you truly want to have the underserved and overly burdened to be able to have a say in what is happening.

Please see the attached file for The Nature Conservancy's comments on the TCI-P Draft Model Rule

I strongly support Virginia's participation in a regional transportation and climate initiative. Virginia must move forward to do its share in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, and regional compacts are a smart and economically sound tool to help with that. So, my bottom line is that VIRGINIA'S PARTICIPATION is essential. The exact nature of it isn't nearly as important as making sure we are participating.

I support any guidelines that will lead to reducing carbon emissions/pollution from any transportation area.

I strongly support TCI-P. Transportation emissions are a major contributor to climate change and in Virginia, amount to nearly half of Virginia’s carbon output. The science is clear and the clock is ticking. We must aggressively address emissions from this sector if we hope to make real progress on combatting climate change.

TCI-P will also help reduce harmful air pollutants emitted by transportation sources. Accordingly to the American Lung Association, while these pollutants impact the health of everyone, they have a disproportionate impact on low-income populations and communities of color.

TCI-P generated funding will allow Virginia to invest in a modern, sustainable transportation system. It will support ongoing efforts to increase the electric vehicles and ensure adequate and equitably distributed charging infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth.

I urge you to support for this critical framework to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis, allow us to invest in a modern cleaner transportation system, and improve the health in communities hurt the most by transportation related pollution.

Thank you,
Sharon Shutler

With roughly 16% of all deaths worldwide being due to air pollution, it's long past time that we curb air pollution caused by exhaust from poorly maintained vehicles. Emissions needs to be part of the state inspection and drivers (whether they own or lease) should be required to keep emissions under control.

Taking things a step further, the government should actively incentivize the purchase of electric vehicles by making them much more affordable to the working class.