View Public Input on TCI-P

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.

I'm opposed to Virginia joining the TCI. It will cost consumers and businesses too much at the gas pump.

It is unconscionable to consider reducing the current emissions allowance! We must constantly limit the amount of emissions in order to attain attain a sustainable level in our environment! As always once a ruling is in place, it must be allowed to reach levels and maintain them. It is only when regulations are in place, we see progress. We must address this source of pollution to protect clean air, tackle the climate crisis, and begin the hard work of remedying years of systemic discrimination that resulted in more car exhaust and dirtier air in overburdened, underserved communities.

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.

Please find attached supportive comments for the TCI-P Model Rule from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Virginia should not join TCI. Especially at this point in time with the recovery from Covid barely underway, it will impact average citizens, truckers and businesses alike.

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. Thank you for your consideration of this important issue for our future generations.

I am a Fairfax County resident working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the Countywide Energy and Climate Action Plan. It is critical that we all urgently work to reduce the biggest source of GHG emissions in our Commonwealth – transportation. TCI-P will help our county and all of Virginia improve air quality near roads and highways, lower health problems like asthma, lower healthcare costs and generate revenue for many environmental initiatives! This will particularly correct historic inequities in overburdened and underserved communities that are more greatly impacted by environmental pollution. We must have a vision to move toward a future using clean, renewable energy. TCI-P can help us do that.