TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Hello, we need to invest in low-carbon or carbon-neutral methods of mobility and where possible, capitalize on opportunities to increase options for and use of public transportation. Doing so with 1) reduce our carbon emissions and therefore impact both our ecological health and human health, 2) transfer our expenditures from external (oil from the Middle East) to local or regional sources, thereby supporting and strengthening the local economy, and 3) reducing our need to build larger roads and highways, thereby avoiding those expenses and habitat losses. What does these opportunities look like? More investment and focus on electric mobility (buses, cars, vans). More investment in rail for the southern part of the state, spanning between Brunswick and the NH border. These technologies and solutions are available now. Thanks for taking my comment. Noah

This is a terrible initiative and will adversely affect the lives of all residents of states that adopt this initiative. It will drive up costs for goods transported by trucking and the general population that must travel for work,doctor appointments, grocery shopping, etc. All expenses that rural residents can not afford due to long distance travel to anywhere . This CANNOT be adopted.

I am against the disguised tax!

First, the government(s) should not be in the business of choosing winners and losers in the marketplace with the use of taxes, rebates, tax incentives, or any other artificial economic drivers. Let the marketplace function freely, and the most efficient and fair solutions will arise free of government interference, which has proven to be a poor substitute for the market time and time again.

Second, the need for infrastructure improvements and repairs (long lived assets) can be financed with long term bonds when we are in a very attractive borrowing cycle, but only if needed. This at least matches the asset life with the debt duration.

Third, Maine's budget is long on spending on "soft" programs to the detriment of hard spending. That reflects a fundamental difference that needs bi-partisan cooperation to solve, the likes of which we've not seen from Mills, Jackson, Gideon.

Fourth, Maine has some of the highest rates of overall taxation in the entire USA, while not representing any particular reason for that excessive spending. Perhaps Maine needs to review overall finances in a comprehensive manner.

Fifth, taxes should be direct, at the pump, and honest. This is neither. If you want to encourage conservative, a pump tax will have a subtle, direct effect. Not one I agree with, but it is honest.

I vote NO!

I am on a tight fixed income and have reduced my driving as much as possible. For me to take on this ridiculous increase when it doesn’t benefit our state is just wrong. Mainers are frugal and respectful of our rural state. Throwing on another tax which doesn’t address our rural areas is just wrong!

This taxation is going to cripple our Maine citizens. Fuel costs are already high enough to discourage travel for a large portion of Mainers. Additionally, if this tax was to be applied to home heating fuel, there will be many homes setting the heat to an absolute minimum to keep pipes from freezing. Not all will even be able to afford to do that, therefore, causing serious damage to homes if the pipes were to burst. This tax CANNOT pass.

I support making our communities far safer for bicyclists and pedestrians. Walkability and bikeability should be high priorities.

Development of low carbon public transportation is incredibly important to our city of Portland ME and our region....
AND to our global future. Thanks for your work on this implementation.

What the hell is this women doing. I am totally against this...i can't use a battery operated car. Where i live...why are they forcing this deal down our throats..janet open your eyes. It's hard enough to make a living in the poor part of maine...aka western mountains..why are you trying to make it harder...didnt vote for you....and encourage people not to support you...

Maine's residents are already struggling. Working folks and retired people all must use fuel for transportation on a daily basis. Elderly folks must get to Dr's. appointments, grocery stores, etc. Loggers, farmers, manufacturers must pay to have their products shipped out as well to have items/supplies delivered to them. All of Maine's citizens will be hurt by an increase in gasoline/diesel fuel prices. Even at the rate we must pay now...without any increase..we do not have extra money for medicines and emergency needs. Please give this some serious thought. Please DO NOT increase fuel costs.