2/28/2020 |
Allison |
Molinaro |
NRDC |
Mt. Tabor |
New Jersey |
I fully support New Jersey's participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I am hoping the initiative will provide more frequent, faster, and cheaper trains, expand bus lanes... read more I fully support New Jersey's participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I am hoping the initiative will provide more frequent, faster, and cheaper trains, expand bus lanes and electric bus capacity, encourage the use of mass transit, and make sure there is affordable housing near train stations and bus stations.
Let me take a minute to explain my situation as an example. I commute to New York City for work. My house is 27 miles from the city. It takes me an HOUR AND FORTY FIVE minutes to get to work on an average day. I drive for about 45 minutes (in my electric vehicle, by the way) to the North Bergen Park and ride. It takes me another half hour or so to get through the Lincoln Tunnel into Port Authority, and from there I need to take the subway and then walk a few blocks. I tried using the train, but it was too expensive ($460 per month I believe, and I only make $17.00 an hour) and stopped so frequently that it did not save me any time. Even taking the bus and subway is costly, it costs me $16 per day. Not only does my commute cost me money, but the traffic and drivers cause me a lot of stress and aggravation and put me in danger, and the whole commute costs me 3 hours each day. Now, I know it is my choice to work in New York City, but let me reiterate again that my job is only TWENTY SEVEN miles away. Twenty seven. There is a train that goes from London to Paris in only 2 1/2 hours, and that goes under the English Channel. Clearly, our transportation system is lacking. I could be more than halfway from London to Paris in the same time it takes me to get to work. I would like to move closer, but towns with good transit hubs are either very expensive (like Summit) or unsafe (like Newark).
So, please take this opportunity to invest in faster and more affordable train service, electric buses with more bus lanes, and affordable housing near transit hubs. Thank you! |
- |
2/28/2020 |
David |
Rice |
Citizen, Maryland Master Naturalist (hobby) |
Port Republic |
Maryland |
Greetings, as a citizen who is concerned with the local and global environment, I am writing to support the Transportation Climate Initiative. Just in the last week, I've seen news articles... read more Greetings, as a citizen who is concerned with the local and global environment, I am writing to support the Transportation Climate Initiative. Just in the last week, I've seen news articles that even major banks are realizing the importance of the climate crisis and abandoning the big oil companies. The time is now for Maryland and other states to embrace the new economy and support a healthy environment for the regions citizens. We can be a leader for other states and regions through an exciting new and sustainable economy (the green economy is the future) that is putting the health and future of all at the forefront. Let's not be left behind--we can be a leader. Global warming will decimate our shorelines, threaten our cities and economy, destabilize predictable climate and weather patterns that agriculture relies on, make conditions more favorable for novel viruses, and harm beneficial wildlife--plants, insects, and animals of which are the basis for our survival. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Keith |
Mcclure |
Electrician who works and drives distances for a living |
Buxton |
Maine |
If gas is taxes more or increased, then Maine economy will collapse. Most people drive from very rural areas to make the living they need to survive. This would largely impact everyone. Including... read more If gas is taxes more or increased, then Maine economy will collapse. Most people drive from very rural areas to make the living they need to survive. This would largely impact everyone. Including mine your families. I think this could lead us down a very expensive road. We are already the most taxed state in the union with a depleted work force and aging population. There are better ways to combat what is trying to be fought by this ideas. Hurting the lively hood of avergae Mainers is like cutting your feet off. If you don't have your feet, how can you walk. The lower end of Mainers keeps this economy running. Just my thought. Please don't do this. Also the research shows electric cars are not feasible in this climate nor are they in our geo-eco nomical sense |
- |
2/28/2020 |
David and Kathy |
Hooke |
Landowner - Building contractor - town leader |
Vershire |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott -
I strongly urge you to add Vermont to the TCI.
You have seen the analysis that monetarily Vermont stands to gain more than it will lose. These are compelling... read more Dear Governor Scott -
I strongly urge you to add Vermont to the TCI.
You have seen the analysis that monetarily Vermont stands to gain more than it will lose. These are compelling, and perhaps, motivation enough. But fundamentally, this TCI approach is the first truly credible, regional approach to bending the curve on emissions - and it is long past time that something like this be done. The ONLY thing that truly affects behavior across the whole population is the relative cost. Gas is at historically low prices right now, as a result of the fact that we do not include the external costs - to the environment, and society - in what people pay at the pump. Only if we start to make it that those external costs are included, will people have the incentive to change. I just so remember my friend Mike the logger, a classic practical Vermonter if ever there there was one, who talked about when gas prices spiked over $4/gal a few years ago. He said, you know, that got my attention. Used to be I'd think nothing of driving the 2500 down to the store to get a gallon of milk. So when gas got pricey, I planned my trips. Now it's cheap again, and I've forgotten...make it cost more again, and I'll be thoughtful. Vermonters who drive long distances to work ARE thoughtful, they are resourceful, and they know, deep down, this is something we have to do. There will be a long phase in of these changes. People will have time to adjust. I strongly urge you to take this step now. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Bobbie |
Wells |
Concerned citizen, Sierra club, CCAN |
Easton |
Maryland |
Transportation and Climate Initiative -Less pollution, healthier lives
Reducing Pollution and Transforming Our Transportation System
Transportation is now the largest source of... read more Transportation and Climate Initiative -Less pollution, healthier lives
Reducing Pollution and Transforming Our Transportation System
Transportation is now the largest source of climate disrupting carbon pollution in Maryland and across the country. The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration between Washington D.C. and 12 Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from transportation modes like cars, buses, and trucks and accelerate clean, modern and multimodal forms of transportation. Maryland and other states are engaged in ongoing conversations and gathering of public input, with the facilitation of Georgetown Climate Center, to determine a regional policy that would reduce transportation pollution.
One policy that has been widely discussed is a cap and invest program, similar to a program that exists in the electric power sector. This policy could set a declining cap on the amount of carbon pollution released by the use of transportation fuels by requiring entities like wholesale fuel distributors that sell gasoline and other fuels to retail outlets (i.e., gas stations) to purchase emission permits available under the cap (2). The proceeds from sale by states of those permits could then be invested in clean alternatives like electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, public transportation, walking and biking projects, and other smart growth initiatives, speeding up the must needed transition to a clean, equitable, 21st century transportation system.Mirroring a partnership that works.This partnership could closely mirror an effort the region has taken through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which sets a declining cap on the amount of carbon dioxide power plants can emit and generates dedicated funds for clean energy programs through states’ sale of emission permits under the cap to power plants. The program has helped cut regional emissions nearly in half and invested over $616 million (3) in Maryland mostly for energy efficiency, consumer benefit, and clean energy projects. Participating Governments CT, D.C., DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VI, VA.
WHAT WOULD INVESTING IN CLEAN TRANSPORTATION GET US?
A recent analysis by the Georgetown Climate Center found that investing $3 billion annually in the Northeast states to reduce vehicle GHG emissions would (4):
Save thousands of lives in the region in 2030. Create more than 113,000 jobs in D.C. and Maryland through 2030 Put $11.81 billion in D.C. and Marylanders pockets through 2030. 73% of Marylanders support a policy to limit transportation pollution (5)
Who makes the decisions?
The Maryland Departments of Environment and Transportation makes decisions on adopting this policy in collaboration with other agencies, states, and D.C. The Maryland General Assembly passed a law affirming the state's direction in this program in 2019.
Recommendations for policy solutions
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. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Shai |
Sahay |
POET, LLC |
Washington |
District of Columbia |
On behalf of POET, LLC, I am submitting the attached comments on the TCI Draft Memorandum of Understanding and Prospective Model Rule. Please let us know if you have any questions or need... read more On behalf of POET, LLC, I am submitting the attached comments on the TCI Draft Memorandum of Understanding and Prospective Model Rule. Please let us know if you have any questions or need additional information. |
POET February 2020 Comments on TCI MOU and Prospective Model Rule.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Alex |
Peterson |
Rutgers |
Highland Park |
New Jersey |
Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing New Jersey's emissions. Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable. Leaders need... read more Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing New Jersey's emissions. Public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable. Leaders need to choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need!
Please prioritize clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices! |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Thaddeus |
Cline |
Retired |
Westminster West |
Vermont |
I have problems with my property here Vt. Ticks, poison ivy, 7 invasive species of plants, 4 invasive species of bugs. And my state is going to loose much more now this coming spring to more... read more I have problems with my property here Vt. Ticks, poison ivy, 7 invasive species of plants, 4 invasive species of bugs. And my state is going to loose much more now this coming spring to more things caused by climate change .
Also we lose ski and our maple syrup industry’s and tourism because people don’t want to go outside to get ticks and poison ivy. Try fly fishing near those areas lots of times the better the fishing the worse those two problems are ( ticks and poison ivy google the facts please) Fly poles and reels go for thousands of dollars and well to do tourists that own them want to stay in nice bed and and breakfasts and hotels. That bring money to this state along with restaurants.
We simply most charge as much as we can for gas and oil from fossil fuels. Those companies that sell gas and propane can start selling electricity and hydrogen to make up for the lost sales . In the end the private sector will thank us all , for saving their businesses and jobs.
If Killington sky area can have 51 EV charging stations. So can other private sector businesses it will bring more money in then lose money.
It’s simple math . Let’s use simple math |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Karen |
Matheson |
Sierra |
Berlin |
Maryland |
I'm in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative to provide cleaner transportation that I believe is necessary to address the issue of climate change. read more I'm in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative to provide cleaner transportation that I believe is necessary to address the issue of climate change. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Liz |
Feighner |
HoCo Climate Action |
Laurel |
Maryland |
Transportation is now the largest source of climate disrupting carbon pollution in Maryland and across the country and we need to act quickly to reduce emissions. As a owner of an EV and hybrid... read more Transportation is now the largest source of climate disrupting carbon pollution in Maryland and across the country and we need to act quickly to reduce emissions. As a owner of an EV and hybrid vehicle, I strongly support the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI). Maryland is among the states most vulnerable to climate change. Rising sea levels, along with increased storm intensity, have devastating and far-reaching environmental and economic impacts. We've experienced 2 devastating floods in Ellicott City alone and seen shorelines disappear in counties such as Dorchester County. According to a study compiled by Columbia University and the nonprofit First Street Foundations, Maryland’s coastal properties lost $555.7 million in relative property value appreciation due to increased tidal flooding caused by rising sea levels.
We have seen what a similar program has accomplished. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has helped cut regional emissions nearly in half and invested over $616 million in Maryland mostly for energy efficiency, consumer benefit, and clean energy projects. We need to invest in TCI to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from transportation like cars, buses, and trucks and accelerate clean and modern forms of transportation.
|
- |
2/28/2020 |
Jordan |
Giaconia |
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility |
Burltington |
Vermont |
February 28, 2020
To: Governor Ned Lamont, Governor John Carney, Governor Janet Mills, Governor Larry Hogan, Governor Charlie Baker, Governor Chris Sununu, Governor Phil Murphy,... read more February 28, 2020
To: Governor Ned Lamont, Governor John Carney, Governor Janet Mills, Governor Larry Hogan, Governor Charlie Baker, Governor Chris Sununu, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Governor Tom Wolf, Governor Gina Raimondo, Governor Phil Scott, Governor Ralph Northam and Mayor Muriel Bowser.
On behalf of Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility (VBSR), I am writing to express strong support for the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) and comment on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU.)
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility is a business association representing over 730 business members in every industry and every county across the state; united in our shared mission to advance an ethic that protects the natural, human, and economic environments of Vermont as a business thrives.
From global brands like Ben & Jerry’s and Burton to small startups like Mamava, VBSR members are some of the most successful and iconic businesses in our state, who together shape the Vermont brand. Of the top 25 companies in Vermont, 13 are VBSR members – including our champion members Green Mountain Power and National Life Group. Those 13 companies together earned over 9 billion dollars in revenue in 2012, according to Vermont Business Magazine.
In 2018, we surveyed our members on annual revenues – just under 50%, or about 185 companies, earn less than $500,000 a year. About 16% earn between $500,000 and $1 million a year, 9% earn $1 to 5 million a year, 7% earn $5-20 million a year, and 10%, or about 70 companies, earn over $20 million a year in revenue.
No matter their size our businesses recognize that our continued reliance on fossil fuels is triggering a climate crisis and stifling our economy. The longer we delay in taking action the more exacerbated these impacts become. For Vermont, the transportation sector accounts for nearly half of our carbon emissions and so it is imperative that we seize this rare opportunity to decarbonize our region’s transportation system with a strong, equitable TCI cap-and-invest program.
The potential benefits of this carbon pricing system make it a far cry from the gas tax opponents claim it will be. A cap and invest system would establish a limit on carbon emissions and a regional auction for participating states to sell their emissions allowances. They can then invest those revenues into cost-saving programs designed to reduce prices at the pump such as electric vehicle (EV) incentives, rural broadband to support remote work and telemedicine, bike and pedestrian infrastructure, public transit, and more. Conversely, a gas tax means higher costs at the pump without any palpable transportation or environmental benefit.
VBSR urges the working group to develop a program that will not only decrease climate pollution but use program revenues to address the needs of rural, low-income communities who are overburdened by vehicular pollution, transportation costs, and a lack of clean transportation options. These communities are often those most directly impacted by the adverse effects of climate change and as such should enjoy the strongest benefits of this program. Considering the different challenges each state faces in our region, we also call for strategic, state-by-state investments to be made to ensure equity.
The challenges rural, working Vermonters face are far different than those living in Boston, Baltimore, or Burlington, so it is essential that we give states the flexibility to invest program revenues into transportation solutions that serve their respective communities rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach.
The urgency to develop and implement TCI cannot be overstated and VBSR is pleased to see that the timeline outlined in the draft MOU reflects this. The initial compliance period launch on January 1, 2022 recognizes the need to take swift action while providing states with adequate time to elevate the program and prepare for participation.
Along that same line, we strongly urge that the working group adopt an emissions cap on transportation pollution at a pace and scale in line with science by requiring no less than a 25% pollution reduction in the first ten years from the program’s 2022 adoption. There is a clear consensus within the scientific community that significant, rapid pollution reductions are needed, and we implore you to consider pursuing even more ambitious greenhouse gas reductions moving forward as well as continuous programmatic evaluation of TCI to ensure its continued progression and efficacy.
Climate change is without question the single greatest threat to Vermont's communities, ecosystems, and shared way of life. Spring is arriving earlier, heavy rainstorms are becoming commonplace, and our summers are hotter and drier than ever. Meanwhile more frequent and severe storms cause floods that cost us millions in damaged property and infrastructure. From winter recreation and local food driven tourism to manufacturing and service industries, these changes disrupt nearly every facet of our state’s economy— and we can no longer afford half measures.
TCI offers one of the most promising opportunities to advance solutions that recognize our shared responsibility to take action, strengthen our economy and bring Vermont’s most vulnerable along in our climate future by reducing pollution from the transportation sector. We appreciate the opportunity to comment and your continued work to improve and implement a strong, equitable program.
Thank you,
Jordan Giaconia
Public Policy Manager
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Jordang@vbsr.og
860-304-2251(mobile)
|
TCI comment letter VBSR.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Raymond |
Hinchcliffe |
n/a |
East Berlin |
Connecticut |
Governor Lamont,
Thank you for boldly asking CT to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Because transportation is our states' single largest source of these emissions, I hope... read more Governor Lamont,
Thank you for boldly asking CT to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Because transportation is our states' single largest source of these emissions, I hope you will support the Transportation & Climate Initiative. My family lives near the intersection of I-91 and Route 9, so we shouldn't have been surprised when our daughter developed asthma as a teen. But we were. And recent climate change reports have been eye opening. That's why I've attended TCI forums to learn more about the initiative. All I can say is that I'm impressed by their work to create a clean, equitable transportation system here in the Northeast. I hope you'll sign on to the TCI for the good of our people, businesses, infrastructure, and environment. Thank you. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Brett |
Barry |
Clean Energy |
Charleston |
South Carolina |
Thank you for the opportunity to provide the attached comments.
Regards,
Brett Barry Thank you for the opportunity to provide the attached comments.
Regards,
Brett Barry |
TCI Draft MOU Comments 2-28-20.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Georgia |
Murray |
Appalachian Mountain Club |
Gorham |
New Hampshire |
Please find attached comments by the Appalachian Mountain Club. Please find attached comments by the Appalachian Mountain Club. |
2-28-20 AMC TCI Comments.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Nicky |
Sheats |
Center for the Urban Environment, Watson Institute for Public Policy at Thomas Edison State U. |
Trenton |
New Jersey |
Please see attached comments. Please see attached comments. |
njeja & icc tci comments 2020 final.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Marc |
Knapp |
Sierra Club |
Annapolis |
Maryland |
Climate change is an existential threat to our country, our civilization, our world. The carbon dioxide that we, collectively, pump into the atmosphere year after year is a major cause of climate... read more Climate change is an existential threat to our country, our civilization, our world. The carbon dioxide that we, collectively, pump into the atmosphere year after year is a major cause of climate change, and transportation is a main source of carbon emissions. Please take action now to price carbon emission from all sources, including transportation, to (1) incentivize people to reduce their carbon footprints, and (2) provide revenue that'll be used for both research into and projects based on non-carbon-based energy alternatives to coal and oil. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Meghan |
McGuinness |
National Grid |
Waltham |
Massachusetts |
Please see attached document. Please see attached document. |
TCI comments 0228.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Kris |
DeLair |
Empire State Energy Association, Inc. (ESEA) |
Troy |
New York |
See attached. See attached. |
TCI Comments.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Dana |
Mecomber |
Port Authority of NY & NJ |
New York |
New York |
February 28, 2020
Transportation & Climate Initiative
Draft Memorandum of Understanding of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
Comments from the Port... read more February 28, 2020
Transportation & Climate Initiative
Draft Memorandum of Understanding of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI)
Comments from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (Port Authority) builds, operates and maintains infrastructure critical to the New York/New Jersey region's trade and transportation network. These facilities include the country's busiest airport system, marine terminals and ports, the PATH rail transit system, six tunnels and bridges between New York and New Jersey, the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan, and the World Trade Center site. For more than eight decades, the Port Authority has worked to improve the quality of life for the more than 18 million people who live and work in the New York and New Jersey Metropolitan Region - a region that supports 9.2 million jobs.
In October 2018, the Port Authority embraced the Paris Climate Agreement, making it the first US transportation agency to do so. The Port Authority is committed to reducing emissions associated with our facilities and improving air quality for neighboring communities. This includes a variety of innovative programs and initiatives to conserve energy, increase our use of renewable energy, and transition vehicles and equipment from fossil-fuel to zero-emissions models.
The Port Authority wishes to reiterate its support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative and encourage both New York and New Jersey to participate in the program as Signatory Jurisdictions. As a bi-state transportation agency that enables the movement of people and goods throughout the region, we believe there is a strong need for regional, collaborative solutions to address transportation-related emissions. Furthermore, given the significant impact that Ports and Airports have in environmental justice communities and our focus on reducing emissions from these facilities, we have a deep understanding of how TCI proceeds can be used to address emissions that impact these communities.
The Port Authority respectfully submits the following comments on the Draft Memorandum of Understanding for the Transportation and Climate Initiative.
1. Affected fuel: Significant emissions stem from equipment at the seaports and airports that operate on off-road diesel. Given the overwhelming presence of these facilities in environmental justice neighborhoods, we believe that both diesel and gasoline emissions should be capped to equally treat fuels that have significant on and off-road utilization. Also, as noted in our November 5, 2019 comment letter on the TCI framework, it should be noted that some off-road equipment at the airports run on gasoline and thus the emissions cap on gasoline and on-road diesel may unequally impact equipment types and owners within the same category.
2. Support for emissions sources that face the greatest challenges to decarbonize: The impact of emissions from vehicles and equipment that do not have a viable electric option in the near future should not be overlooked in the determination of how proceeds should be used. Even if an electric model is commercially available, the barriers to conversion for off-road equipment and heavy-duty trucks are higher than they are for passenger EVs or even buses, due to the increased cost premium, usage needs, and round-the-clock operations of specialty equipment. Again, given the overwhelming concentration of these types of equipment in environmental justice communities, enabling emissions reductions in this sector will provide the most impact to EJ community residents. Supporting low-carbon liquid fuels, funding demonstrations of newly introduced electric equipment, and funding charging infrastructure at seaports and airports are essential tools for addressing emissions from these sources. Given the cross-jurisdictional nature of TCI and emissions from air, rail and marine people and goods movement, it makes sense for TCI proceeds to be used to accelerate decarbonization in these sectors of the economy.
3. Targeted support for conversion to electric for-hire vehicles: For-hire vehicles have higher levels of utilization than most passenger vehicles. These vehicles are among the biggest sources of emissions at Port Authority facilities - second only to aircraft at our airports. Independent drivers are more likely to convert their vehicles to electric if they have financial support to cover the higher up-front cost of EVs, and strategic investment in fast-charging infrastructure to support these fleets - for example at airports - would achieve meaningful GHG reductions and improve air quality and reduce noise in surrounding communities, many of which are environmental justice communities.
The Port Authority commends both New York and New Jersey for their stakeholder engagement on TCI, and strongly encourages both States to participate in the cap-and-invest program. We look forward to continued collaboration to make this program as effective as possible in catalyzing the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Sincerely,
Christine Weydig, Director
Environmental and Energy Programs
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
|
PANYNJ comments final TCI MOU February 2020.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
John |
Kester |
USA citizen, resident on this one earth. |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
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... read more 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. |
- |