TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

I want to voice my support for this initiative, which I hope will decrease the use of carbon-based fuels by pricing them to reflect at least some of their external costs. For me the projected at-the-gas-pump price increases that have been bandied about in the media (well shy of 25 cents per gallon) are in fact all too modest to represent much of a price signal at all, especially given the large fluctuations in fuel prices that everyone has endured over the last twenty years, and the current low prices.

At the same time I recognize that many people are not able easily to absorb even small increases in fuel costs, and so this initiative must include a very strong equity component. Housing costs force trade-offs in commuting distances. Beyond applying revenues from this initiative to mitigation of carbon fuels' external costs generally, a substantial portion of the revenues should be directed toward mitigation of disadvantaged populations' costs specifically.

Such mitigation could take the form of support for affordable housing that allows shorter commutes (enlarged rental voucher programs, direct subsidizing of affordable housing construction, for example). It could take the form of support for dramatically expanded public transit options, although this approach seems likely to bypass large geographic areas that have no existing public transit framework upon which to build. It could take the form of additional incentives for gas-efficient vehicles. It could even take the form of odometer-based tax credits available to low-income filers, which, being based on miles traveled rather than fuel consumed, would still reward the use of low-emission and zero-emission vehicles.

This equity concern strikes me as particularly important for the Massachusetts governor in view of the public stance that he has taken on the inequitable nature of congestion pricing schemes.

I will be impressed and supportive of any administration that supports an initiative such as this one. In my view we are years behind where we should be. It is long past the time where we can afford to reject proposals because they are not perfect in every respect. We are at a point where we must move forward and try something, doing our best to provide flexibility to adjust as we assess our progress. Please be bold!

Thank you for taking comments about transportation in our crowded tri-state region. I just ask that you consider air quality, especially in light of our forests and farms giving way to buildings, with imperious surfaces for ever more vehicles. Too often I see abandoned factories and stores not rehabbed and reused, but rather trees cut down. Trees, which are the lungs of the planet. It is so wrong!

Climate change is one of the greatest problems of our times. Providing efficient tranportation can greatly reduce emissions that harm the environment. This plan is a step in the right direction.

A better mass transportation system is needed to replace cars and planes for travel, business or pleasure, for short distances of up to 500 miles.

Does mills know what happened in France when Macron put a
Carbon tax on workers in France..The yellow vests movement.
We all know TCI is about destroying the citizens free will. It's not about carbon and Mills
Wouldn't know carbon if she breathed it..
It's about destroying the citizens..Greedy government.

I care about what happens to the environment as much as anybody else does but not everyone who drives into Boston for a job makes over $100,000 and can afford to pay extra money for gas . They already went up on the tolls and when is it going to stop ? When I can't afford to drive to work anymore

As a Virginia resident, I have witnessed the increasing vehicle air pollution and periods of dangerous air quality with concern. Reducing vehicle emissions must be a priority for the sake of the health of area residents, particularly children (with developing respiratory systems), and many with health vulnerabilities. Virginia should formally join the regional initiative to reduce emissions and take direct action to invest in clean solutions to achieve reductions in areas that have high levels of pollution.
I am grateful that this regional bipartisan initiative is taking us forward to cleaner air, while the federal government is moving backwards.
Thank you for your consideration.

It is vitally important that everyone (individuals but also governments and corporations) begin to seriously address global warming emissions from all sources as quickly as possible. The Transportation and Climate Initiative is a great way to reduce emissions from the largest sector of such emissions, and so should have the greatest impact in a short amount of time.

Massachusetts has long been a leader in many areas including innovative ways to address environmental issues. It is important that we show the way for other states and countries in terms of taking global warming solutions seriously, putting detailed effective ideas on the table, AND being willing to pursue them. We must prioritize clean energy investments and provide equal access to underserved communities. Thus I respectfully urge you to formally join the Transportation and Climate Initiative's plan to reduce emissions. I realize it sounds far-fetched, but our willingness to address these issues directly affects the kind of future we leave for our children and grandchildren.

Thank you for hearing me and considering my views. Furthermore thank you for working with all political sides and not letting this devolve into a missed opportunity.