View Public Input on TCI-P

Transportation is a large emitter of gasses that contribute to climate change. I'm also tired of the terrible traffic due to a underdeveloped and underfunded public transportation system. 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. I fully support cleaning up our environment and reducing traffic in the area. Please invest at least half of our TCI revenue in programs and infrastructure that will lower this disproportionate pollution burden. Thank you.

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.

Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and a significant source of particulate pollution in Virginia and that is why 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.

Overburdened and underserved communities have historically borne a disproportionate burden from transportation emission impacts including diesel exhaust from heavy duty vehicles that traverse their communities. As such, I would like 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.

Virginia cannot afford to join the TCI. The cost to the energy sector will trickle down and impact all Virginians using fuel.

Please see attached comments from the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), the National Association of Truckstop Operators (NATSO), and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America (SIGMA), regarding the Draft Model Rule for the Transportation and Climate Initiative.

Submission 1 of 2

Please see the NGVAmerica comment letter on the TCI-P draft materials that is attached. NOTE that I will send a second attachment that is referenced in our letter next (the portal does not seem to allow 2 documents to be attached). Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Sherrie Merrow
NGVAmerica
smerrow@ngvamerica.org

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