2/28/2020 |
Jeffrey |
Russell |
None |
Keedysville |
Maryland |
I support the Transportation and Climate Change Initiative as a positive step toward combating global warming. I support the Transportation and Climate Change Initiative as a positive step toward combating global warming. |
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2/28/2020 |
Frank |
Porter |
owner |
Island Falls |
Maine |
I own and operate a small business in Maine. To service our customers we average about 200k miles per year on our fleet of vehicles. Maine is already at a competitive disadvantage due to our... read more I own and operate a small business in Maine. To service our customers we average about 200k miles per year on our fleet of vehicles. Maine is already at a competitive disadvantage due to our geographical make-up, high cost of electricity and one of the highest overall tax rates in the Union.
We have limited public transportation which require most folks from Maine to commute via vehicle to and from work. In addition, we have to rely on our vehicles to purchase groceries, visit local clothing stores, transport our children to school events, etc.. This list goes on and on. We cannot simply park our vehicles and chose another mode of transportation.
To include Maine in this initiative will be catastrophic to our economy. As a business owner I will be forced to pass this cost on to my Customers. They in turn will have less disposable income to fuel the economy in Maine. I cannot speak to how this will impact other states, but I suspect outside of the large cities (Which already have large participation rates in public transportation) the rural areas will be in a similar situation as many of us in Maine.
I hope common sense will prevail.
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2/28/2020 |
Leta |
Kopp |
citizen |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
Please support TCI as we need to reduce our carbon footprint every way we can and soon. Save the earth for our children and grandchildren ++ Please support TCI as we need to reduce our carbon footprint every way we can and soon. Save the earth for our children and grandchildren ++ |
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2/28/2020 |
Elizabeth |
Ezerman |
citizen |
Williston |
Vermont |
I am retired and this would be a hardship, but I think it is absolutely critical that we start to get a handle on what we pump into the atmosphere.
To borrow from another responder, "... read more I am retired and this would be a hardship, but I think it is absolutely critical that we start to get a handle on what we pump into the atmosphere.
To borrow from another responder, " TCI seems to be an effective way to help us reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions while providing important funds to invest in clean transportation initiatives." We can't afford to wait any longer, nor can the climate wait for us to act. I totally support this initiative. |
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2/28/2020 |
Marie |
France |
Ms. |
Cabin John |
Maryland |
Our family supports TCI and would like to see it implemented as soon as possible. Our family supports TCI and would like to see it implemented as soon as possible. |
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2/28/2020 |
John |
Marotta, Jr |
Maryland Resident |
Takoma Park |
Maryland |
As a Maryland resident, environmental policy professional, and father, I believe that Maryland should make a make a firm commitment to adopt a regional transportation policy that achieves a... read more As a Maryland resident, environmental policy professional, and father, I believe that Maryland should make a make a firm commitment to adopt a regional transportation policy that achieves a minimum 40 percent reduction in transportation sector climate pollution by 2030, to keep us on track to meet the climate goals updated by the General Assembly in 2016.
Investment and policy decisions should be made based on pollution reduction and equity goals, as well as robust engagement opportunities from the public‒particularly those most overburdened by transportation pollution and undeserved by our current transportation system. |
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2/28/2020 |
Katherine |
Rainone |
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission |
Hampton Roads |
Virginia |
Thank you for providing the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization with the opportunity to comment on the Transportation and Climate... read more Thank you for providing the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission and Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization with the opportunity to comment on the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Draft Memorandum of Understanding, and thank you for your continued leadership towards the development of a robust and equitable regional clean transportation policy. Please see attached for our comments on the MOU. |
HRPDC_HRTPO TCI MOU Comments.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Kergan |
Thomann |
citizen |
Northport |
Maine |
As I private citizen in Maine I find it financially hard to live here .The cost of food, income tax, use tax. sales tax ,fuel tax , property tax the list goes on and now an additional tax to try... read more As I private citizen in Maine I find it financially hard to live here .The cost of food, income tax, use tax. sales tax ,fuel tax , property tax the list goes on and now an additional tax to try to get me to go electronic vehicles. First I would not have the money to even trade vehicles.So I am penalized with additional tax expense to even get to my job. Second what happens after most Maine residents finally get there electronic vehicle and the additional tax money dries up ? When do you start taxing the electricity to increase the dollars to the state again? The rural public transportation system is almost non existent, the rail system has been dismantled , do we all have to move to a city to survive. This is a rushed poorly thought out plan that will devastate the Maine economy. All under the feel good idea we will be stopping Global warming. We haven't heard what the additional cost to Global Warming will be to excavate more raw material to produce more batteries for solar power and wind, and the new electronic cars. The grid system will have to be increased to handle the increased electricity use and all the diesel generators that will have to run to keep up with peak demand until the grid is bigger. And lets not forget there is only one supplier I can buy from CMP not sure I want to trust them to do the right thing. Please reconsider this issue it is not good for me or anyone in Maine.No one gains form this initiative. Should this pass I will be considering leaving the state to find a state were my limited income will support me. |
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2/28/2020 |
Jean |
Deschene |
Salem CLC |
Salem |
Massachusetts |
We must encourage more shared transportation rides, more walking and more consciousness of conservation and priority use of fuels. More carrots for doing the right thing. We must encourage more shared transportation rides, more walking and more consciousness of conservation and priority use of fuels. More carrots for doing the right thing. |
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2/28/2020 |
Margaret |
Heale |
Ms. |
Saxtons River |
Vermont |
I attended an informational meeting regarding the initiative and am impressed at the detail and processes that are apparent that will make it plausible. Vermont is a leader in ways to promote... read more I attended an informational meeting regarding the initiative and am impressed at the detail and processes that are apparent that will make it plausible. Vermont is a leader in ways to promote sustainable changes that positively impact our environment, we need to do this. |
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2/28/2020 |
Charles |
Huber |
Maryland taxpayer |
Westminster |
Maryland |
I support initiatives that will fund high capacity public transit as a way to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion and also provide transportation options for those without access to a... read more I support initiatives that will fund high capacity public transit as a way to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion and also provide transportation options for those without access to a personal vehicle. We must develop the political will required to make mass transit a viable option for regional transportation solutions that also encourage movement towards a healthier environment and a more efficient transportation system as a whole. |
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2/28/2020 |
Gale |
Quist |
Heron Point |
Chestertown |
Maryland |
TCI is moving us in the right direction to radically reduce carbon emmissions in Maryland, the US, and globally. We must take every such opportunity to make transportation more efficient and less... read more TCI is moving us in the right direction to radically reduce carbon emmissions in Maryland, the US, and globally. We must take every such opportunity to make transportation more efficient and less polluting. Please support TCI. |
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2/28/2020 |
Doc |
Leadbetter |
Maryland State Master Naturalist |
Frederick |
Maryland |
I support the TCI plan as a sound effort to improve climate improvement goals. Transportation caused carbon emissions represents one of the world's greatest challenges to conserving a more... read more I support the TCI plan as a sound effort to improve climate improvement goals. Transportation caused carbon emissions represents one of the world's greatest challenges to conserving a more stable and predictable climate in the future. The TCI program represents a significant commitment to that goal. I will continue to support these types of efforts and to reflect that concern in my voting preferences . |
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2/28/2020 |
Carrie |
Swank |
Mrs |
Sinking Spring |
Pennsylvania |
Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions. Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable. Please... read more Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions. Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable. Please choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need. Policy should prioritize clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices.
Too many of our public buses and trains run on dirty energy and contribute to air pollution and climate change. Many trains, buses, and stations haven’t been retrofitted in decades. For many people in rural parts of our states, there are zero viable public transportation options, which forces them to drive.
By making polluters pay and creating a dedicated source of funding through TCI, we’ll finally be able to move our state to a 21st-century regional transportation system that is cleaner, more reliable, more accessible, and more affordable. We’ll see less traffic, thousands of new jobs, and less dangerous air pollution. All communities — whether urban, suburban, or rural — will benefit.
Our air is making too many of us sick — and if history is a guide, it’s not going to get better on its own. We need to take bold and concerted action to reduce the carbon impact of our transportation system, and TCI’s combination of using pricing policies that discourage polluters and modernizing our public transportation system will do exactly that. |
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2/28/2020 |
Nicholas |
Orrick |
private citizen |
Riverdale |
Maryland |
We are in the midst of a Climate Crisis. The continued existence of civilization depends on our drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since transportation is the sector responsible for... read more We are in the midst of a Climate Crisis. The continued existence of civilization depends on our drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since transportation is the sector responsible for the most emissions. The Transportation Climate Initiative is a method of reducing emissions, the only credible problem currently on the table. We need to give it our full support. |
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2/28/2020 |
Cyndie |
Widmer |
constituent |
Brinklow |
Maryland |
I strongly support the TCI. I strongly support the TCI. |
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2/28/2020 |
Richard |
Doran |
none |
Baltimore City |
Maryland |
I Have studied transportation issues for about 30 years. You do not need another long letter citing the all of the reasons this needs to happen. Stop denying the logic because the time for... read more I Have studied transportation issues for about 30 years. You do not need another long letter citing the all of the reasons this needs to happen. Stop denying the logic because the time for solutions is almost past. As a great, late politician used to say "Do it now!" |
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2/28/2020 |
Gretchen |
Feeser |
Caledonia County |
Groton |
Vermont |
Two recent experiences that solidified my regard for public transportation:
In the Netherlands well maintained, clean public buses are valued above bicycles, pedestrians, and, most... read more Two recent experiences that solidified my regard for public transportation:
In the Netherlands well maintained, clean public buses are valued above bicycles, pedestrians, and, most importantly, cars, so much so that they control traffic lights by pressing a button on the dashboard! This system makes using buses desirable for their reliability, efficiency, economy, and climate sensitivity. Impressive!
I live in a rural, isolated setting and would need transportation home after an outpatient procedure, for example. Since here in the USA we lack deserved regard for pervasive public transportation, nothing exists to accommodate my needs let alone any national sentiment that invites and supports all economic classes to see the vitality of public transportation as an obviously convenient, obviously responsible, and obviously ecologically sound commodity. I personally have cancelled or missed medical needs and job related demands. Let's invest already!
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2/28/2020 |
Thomas |
White |
Mr |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
Clean air is beyond politics. Act now to ensure the future of a healthy environment. Clean air is beyond politics. Act now to ensure the future of a healthy environment. |
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2/28/2020 |
Linda |
McGinnis |
Economist, Member Governor's Climate Action Commission, Concerned Citizen |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
For the past decade, I have been deeply involved in developing concrete policy and investment solutions to address climate change in Vermont in a manner that can both contribute to our economy and... read more For the past decade, I have been deeply involved in developing concrete policy and investment solutions to address climate change in Vermont in a manner that can both contribute to our economy and ensure affordability for its citizens. I am an economist with 30 years experience in this field (20 at the World Bank), a core member of Governor Scott's Climate Action Commission, a member of VCRD's Climate Economy Action Team, and a Senior Fellow at the Energy Action Network (advising on the recent publication of "Cap and Invest: A Review of Policy, Design, and Models and their applicability in Vermont").
I say all of this because I do not come to this recommendation lightly. The decision to join TCI is a big one and deserves careful consideration. Having studied this question extensively over the past several years, not only in Vermont but also in a number of other jurisdictions, I can say unequivocally that joining TCI is the most fundamental way for Vermont to make genuine progress in meeting our energy, climate, economic and affordability goals.
TCI presents a unique opportunity to focus on the single greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont, and the one that keeps GROWING - transportation - in a way that builds on the success of our nation's first successful Cap and Invest program (RGGI - started under Jim Douglas), and in a way that generates the revenue needed to invest in clean transportation solutions that focus on those who need it most. RGGI allowed Vermont to join others in the region to focus on dramatically reducing BOTH greenhouse gas emissions (by 40%) in the electric sector while ALSO reducing consumer costs. Vermont has strategically invested the revenues raised from RGGI, directing the $2 million annually into weatherization programs that help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. That is good for our environment, our economy AND for affordability. But it only covers the electric sector, which accounts for only about 10% of our overall GHG emissions. TCI would focus on the elephant in the room - our vehicles - which account for 44% of our emissions, and is growing rather than declining.
Importantly, by joining TCI, Vermont would not have to go it alone. Like RGGI, we would join others who have already committed to reducing their carbon pollution, thereby increasing the impact of emissions reduction AND the ability to generate revenue to invest in the systemic changes that need to occur in the transportation sector to improve access and electrification. In fact if we DO go it alone by NOT joining TCI, we would be putting ourselves in jeopardy by cutting off a substantial source of revenue that we desperately need to address fundamental issues of access and equity in transportation that we currently face.
Research shows that no jurisdiction (State, region, country) in the world has made the progress needed to reach significant GHG reductions without some form of either Cap and Invest or carbon pricing policy in place. By capping pollution, we can guarantee the pace at which our progress can be made, while allowing the participating entities to decide on their own how to reduce their emissions. When looking at successful examples of Cap and Invest in the US and Canada (e.g.,RGGI, California and Quebec), it is clear that each has demonstrated that a triple win is possible: reduced emissions, increased economic output (compared to non-participating jurisdictions) and revenue that can equitably accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.
Finally, we all know that there are insufficient revenues available in our current budget to address the issues of access and equity in the transportation sector, and certainly not enough to electrify the sector at the pace needed to reach our climate goals. We continue to place our most vulnerable citizens - our children - on diesel-emitting schoolbuses every day, causing increasing levels of health issues and pollution. Our rural population has little to no access to public transit. Our low- and middle- income population cannot afford to switch to electric vehicles. TCI offers the possibility of generating additional revenues to address some of these critical issues while also reducing our collective climate pollution.
I am grateful for all the effort that Vermont has put into the discussions surrounding TCI so far. I am also grateful to the Scott administration for creating a Climate Action Commission which strongly recommended joining a Cap and Invest program for the energy sectors not yet covered by RGGI. Now is the time to act on all the important groundwork that has been laid. I urge Vermont to join others who are actually doing something concrete to make a difference for our future. We know this type of policy works. Please do it.
There is no doubt that climate change is the single biggest threat to our economy, to affordability, to our very survival. I notice the changes around me each and every day, and it breaks my heart to think of what we are leaving to our children. I hear them talking about how irresponsible it would be for them to bring children into this world, how they see the window closing in on them. We all know the time is short, and the time to act is now. So let's do it. |
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