View Public Input on TCI-P

I feel strongly that the percentage of fuel credit revenue dedicated to equity investments must exceed the percentage of underserved communities in the state. Instead of a flat percentage, currently 35%, this would ensure that there’s enough money to make meaningful investments in our most vulnerable communities.

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

l would like for the TCI-P Model Rule to include these three items:
* a minimum investment amount to ensure overburdened and underserved communities in Virginia receive
a greater-then-proportional share of investments from the program,
* the integration of air quality commitments across Virginia, and
* a robust empowerment of Virginia's Equity Advisory Body.

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

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!

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.