5/5/2021 |
Kathleen |
Guinness |
Ms |
Poultney |
Vermont |
It is important to dedicate funds to TCIP and ensure equity for the vulnerable. VT can do both and effect real climate change for the better. Please don't let us down on this. Thank you. read more It is important to dedicate funds to TCIP and ensure equity for the vulnerable. VT can do both and effect real climate change for the better. Please don't let us down on this. Thank you. |
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5/5/2021 |
Lisa |
Kent |
Democrat |
Shelburne |
Vermont |
Please, let’s see Vermont join the other states in the TCI-P. It makes so much sense for our environment AND our people. Please, let’s see Vermont join the other states in the TCI-P. It makes so much sense for our environment AND our people. |
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5/5/2021 |
Edward |
Heys |
Vermont resident |
Bennington |
Vermont |
I urge Vermont Governor Phil Scott and state legislators to support and join our fellow Northeastern states in the TCI-P. It is critical to our area and our country. We must all do what we can to... read more I urge Vermont Governor Phil Scott and state legislators to support and join our fellow Northeastern states in the TCI-P. It is critical to our area and our country. We must all do what we can to reduce carbon emissions, as we do with our PHEV. |
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5/5/2021 |
James |
Burde |
Vermonter |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P).
TCI-P is a strong, equitable transportation policy that centers low-income and marginalized... read more I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P).
TCI-P is a strong, equitable transportation policy that centers low-income and marginalized communities. TCI-P, like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), is a regional program that will reduce transportation emissions while allowing participating states to better invest in communities that must not be left out of our transition away from fossil fuels.
Transportation emissions account for almost half of climate pollution in Vermont. In order to meet our requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act, we must substantially decrease emissions in this sector. According to TCI-P designers, this program would reduce our emissions 26% over 10 years alone. TCI-P will strengthen the economy.
According to Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR) – who represents thousands of Vermont businesses – roughly $1.5 billion a year of the $2.0 billion we spend on fossil fuels is sent out of state. TCI-P will allow us to substantially increase deployment of renewable energy, decreasing the amount of money leaving and increasing the number of well-paying jobs for hundreds of Vermont families.
With your support we can make sure that the TCI-P program both reduces climate emissions and helps those who need it most.
Thank you. |
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5/5/2021 |
Terry |
Bosworth |
democrat |
Westford |
Vermont |
Terrific plan! Reduce pollution, stimulate the economy, focus on the most needy, cooperate with other states. Please support TCI-P Terrific plan! Reduce pollution, stimulate the economy, focus on the most needy, cooperate with other states. Please support TCI-P |
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5/5/2021 |
Jacob |
Hansen |
VPIRG |
Starksboro |
Vermont |
I strongly agree with the TCI-P, as it will advance protection of our environment both here in Vermont and across all of New England. I urge you to act on the TCI-P to improve our lifestyle... read more I strongly agree with the TCI-P, as it will advance protection of our environment both here in Vermont and across all of New England. I urge you to act on the TCI-P to improve our lifestyle while advancing care for our creation. |
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5/5/2021 |
Tim |
Marr |
VPIRG member |
Bennington |
Vermont |
Please sign on the TCI-P with other northeastern states, with emphasis on equity and action. Many good paying jobs will result! Thank you. Please sign on the TCI-P with other northeastern states, with emphasis on equity and action. Many good paying jobs will result! Thank you. |
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5/5/2021 |
Linda |
Gray |
Norwich Energy Committee (for identification purposes only) |
Norwich |
Vermont |
Vermont's participation in TCI-P is one of our best avenues for reducing transportation emissions. It offers us a unique opportunity, and there's plenty of leeway to target how TCI-P... read more Vermont's participation in TCI-P is one of our best avenues for reducing transportation emissions. It offers us a unique opportunity, and there's plenty of leeway to target how TCI-P revenue is spent and address equity issues. But we can't make those policy choices if we don't join TCI-P, so let's sign on. |
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5/5/2021 |
James |
O'Hanlon |
Business owner/EV owner |
Worcester |
Vermont |
Hello,
I am a business owner and environmentally minded resident of Vermont. I am also an EV driver and have been since 2014. Since I purchased my first EV 7 years ago I have seen the... read more Hello,
I am a business owner and environmentally minded resident of Vermont. I am also an EV driver and have been since 2014. Since I purchased my first EV 7 years ago I have seen the number of electric vehicle in Vermont increase substantially, yet the charging infrastructure has remained almost unchanged. How can the state claim to encourage EV ownership and use without providing the charging infrastructure to support that? Specifically, Level II chargers are good for park and ride and workplace locations only. Regular drivers need Level III chargers in locations near stores, restaurants or other facilities in order to make EV's a viable option. Level II chargers in easy to find locations with multiple chargers. This is what Tesla did from the beginning. The gas car companies that are producing the rest of the EV's on the road are apparently not interested in providing the charging infrastructure to support their products, so it must then fall to the state. Level III chargers. The state does not need to expend any more funds on Level II chargers. These are inexpensive and businesses can provide these as a courtesy to their employees. Level III chargers allow EV drivers the freedom and mobility to take longer trips and go more places without worrying about running out of charge. Level III chargers please, and at least 4 at each location. Thank you |
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5/5/2021 |
Molly |
Feldman |
VPIRG |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Governor Scott,
Our beautiful state is regarded as a sustainable, forward thinking place that takes bold action to mitigate our present climate crisis. But ultimately, we are... read more Governor Scott,
Our beautiful state is regarded as a sustainable, forward thinking place that takes bold action to mitigate our present climate crisis. But ultimately, we are nowhere near our emission goals, and as you well know, we are in a unique moment with immense opportunity to right this ship and secure a livable planet for current and future generations, and do to so in a just manner. Joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative regional program is one of the many steps we need to take in order to implement the promises we keep making to ourselves and to marginalized people who are experiencing the crisis more acutely. You, as the Governor, have the responsibility to lead your administration and our state towards action that meets the needs of the times. Please, along with the General Assembly, join the TCI-P so we can reduce our transportation emissions by up to 26% over 10 years and do so with equity. Also, while I'm here, I urge you to invest at LEAST $200 million in ARPA funds towards climate justice.
Thank you! |
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5/5/2021 |
Peter |
Bergstrom |
Concerned citizen |
SAXTONS RIVER |
Vermont |
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,... read more 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. |
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5/5/2021 |
Josie |
Carothers |
East Valley Community Group |
Randolph Center |
Vermont |
Please help keep Vermonters' dollars in state through use of electric vehicles rather fossil-fueled ones--thus improving our economy.
Please help fight climate change--thus improving... read more Please help keep Vermonters' dollars in state through use of electric vehicles rather fossil-fueled ones--thus improving our economy.
Please help fight climate change--thus improving our future.
Please join the large regional efforts to deal with transportation problems that cripple our economy--thus improving regional cooperation on difficult problems. |
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5/5/2021 |
Edward |
Darling |
retired |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
Please pass this long-awaited and much-needed initiative! Please pass this long-awaited and much-needed initiative! |
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5/5/2021 |
Natalee |
Braun |
350VT Burlington School District |
Essex |
Vermont |
I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This is a pivotal moment in our history - we need to act decisively now to cut carbon emissions or the results will be... read more I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This is a pivotal moment in our history - we need to act decisively now to cut carbon emissions or the results will be cataclysmic - the impacts of climate change are already felt around the world. Volunteers with 350VT and other climate justice organizations are working steadily to address the challenge of transportation, Vermont's most carbon intensive sector. The TCI provides an excellent structure for reducing emissions while providing funding for a transportation infrastructure that reflects the need for a radical reduction in greenhouse gasses. As a psychologist working primarily with the next generation, I know firsthand young people's significant concerns about the health of our planet. For that reason alone investment in TCI is a winning collaboration to help preserve what we can of the natural world and its myriad benefits to earth's inhabitants. |
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5/5/2021 |
Jason |
Kaiser |
Northern Vermont University |
Lyndonville |
Vermont |
The XX-3.1 Equity investment commitment is critical. The "overburdened and underserved communities" that this subsection refers to -- receiving "no less than 35 percent of the... read more The XX-3.1 Equity investment commitment is critical. The "overburdened and underserved communities" that this subsection refers to -- receiving "no less than 35 percent of the proceeds from the auction of allowances to ensure that overburdened and underserved communities benefit equitably from clean transportation projects and programs" is not a high enough percentage for these communities. Instead, the percent of revenue dedicated to equity investments must exceed the percentage of overburdended and underserved (to later be defined) communities in the state. Unlike a flat percentage, this would ensure that there’s enough money to make meaningful investments in our most vulnerable communities.
I am concerned that there is economic risk if Governor Scott and the Vermont Legislature refuse to join TCI-P. Like RGGI, most of the facilities that will have to purchase allowances are located outside of Vermont and, according to Vermont’s lead TCI negotiator, it is “possible and very likely” these companies will pass on their compliance costs to Vermonters regardless if Vermont participates. So, to take advantage of TCI-P’s economic benefits and avoid a situation where Vermonters are paying for modern infrastructure in states outside of Vermont, I urge Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Legislature to support participation in TCI-P from the get-go. |
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5/6/2021 |
Karen |
Jumisko |
Vermonter |
Randoloh |
Vermont |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P). We need to take action. I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P). We need to take action. |
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5/6/2021 |
Carl |
Martin |
Norwich University |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Transportation emissions account for almost half of climate pollution in Vermont. In order to meet our requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act, we must substantially decrease emissions... read more Transportation emissions account for almost half of climate pollution in Vermont. In order to meet our requirements under the Global Warming Solutions Act, we must substantially decrease emissions in this sector. According to TCI-P designers, this program would reduce our emissions 26% over 10 years alone. We need to do more, but that’s not including the additional investments in climate infrastructure we could make with the revenue received.
Climate change is also an historical injustice that predominately harms poor and non-white communities.
Currently, TCI-P states that 35% of the revenue generated from the sale of fuel credits must be dedicated to equity measures—investments in communities historically underserved by our transportation system. This is more than what’s previously been proposed, but VPIRG believes that the percent of revenue dedicated to equity investments must exceed the percentage of underserved communities in the state. Instead of a flat percentage, this would ensure that there’s enough money to make meaningful investments in our most vulnerable communities.
Sincerely,
Carl G. Martin |
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5/11/2021 |
Gregory |
McHugo |
retired |
Strafford |
Vermont |
Vermont needs to take the lead among New England states in dealing with the transportation infrastructure. We need widespread and equitable access to transportation of many types, and we need to... read more Vermont needs to take the lead among New England states in dealing with the transportation infrastructure. We need widespread and equitable access to transportation of many types, and we need to develop it in a way that vastly reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. It's now or never. It's also time to insure that the legacy of the Scott administration is favorable to future generations. Please stop aligning with big business and do what is right for the people of Vermont. |
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7/27/2021 |
Matthew |
LeFluer |
Green Mountain Self-advocates |
Alburgh |
Vermont |
Greeting staff member of TCI my name is Matthew I'm a person with Learning disability. ( Autism spectrum ). People with disabilities around the United States of America need accessible... read more Greeting staff member of TCI my name is Matthew I'm a person with Learning disability. ( Autism spectrum ). People with disabilities around the United States of America need accessible affordable reliable transportation this includes public trains Transit school buses Etc because this is so important for us with disabilities moving forward with TCI meaning more accessibility options to people with disabilities living around the United States of America within 50 States. Plus it will help economic and economy throughout Rural America rural towns cities villages need meaningful and transformable innovation modernization upgrade Bridges roads and Technology, innovations ideals In these rural markets of America. Please continue on behalf of American people with disabilities continue supporting us all that need accessible affordable transportation throughout the United States of America Please continue the efforts on making America the great place to live, Work ,And Play. Thank you all for keeping us in your minds and we look forward on working together around transportation issues throughout the United States of America. |
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5/7/2021 |
Jeff |
Schafer |
None |
Everett |
Washington |
TCI-P,
"According to soil scientists, at current rates of soil destruction (i.e. decarbonization,.....),....we will literally no longer have enough arable topsoil to feed ourselves.... read more TCI-P,
"According to soil scientists, at current rates of soil destruction (i.e. decarbonization,.....),....we will literally no longer have enough arable topsoil to feed ourselves."
DECARBONIZATION is causing Soil Destruction!!!
What we NEED is to take the extra Carbon out of the air & put it directly into the ground, where it is needed.
We do not need to fully decarbonize the transportation sector, nor is it desirable as it will CREATE other severe problems like Soil Destruction.
We need to cut-out the middlemen, like the transportation sector, & simply use Carbon Capture to take excess CO2 out of the air & inject it into the soil where it is needed most.
Way too much emphasis has been put on Carbon in the atmosphere (which is very benign) & not enough focus on gases far more dangerous to Climate Change, from refrigerant used in Air Conditioners to Methane Gas (Methane's "global warming potential is 86 times higher than carbon dioxide when averaged over 20 years").
We NEED Energy Diversity, & not rely on just 1 type of energy (like electricity), to have a BALANCED approach to a Healthy Environment while meeting our Energy Needs in a Common-Sense Clean manner (like with Renewable Gasoline, Renewable Diesel, & other Biofuels for transportation, ALL of which are made from recycled EXISTING CO2).
We should NOT be wasting Time nor Money "reinventing the wheel", which creates additional unnecessary pollution.
Nor should we go to the extremes of fully decarbonization which will lead to other More Severe Environmental problems.
Keep in mind "The current industrial food system is responsible for 44 to 57% of all global greenhouse gas emissions." (The "current industrial food system", NOT transportation.) https://regenerationinternational.org/why-regenerative-agriculture
Regards,
Jeff |
'DECARBONIZATION' is causing 'SOIL DESTRUCTION' (from Regenerative Agriculture site) [WORD version].docx |