10/30/2019 |
John |
Werner |
York Ready for 100, Retired |
Kittery |
Maine |
I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand... read more I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand kids will not survive in the world that they will inherit from us.
I applaud Governor Mills for participating in the regional design process. This policy design should reflect the best and latest available science on climate emissions from transportation. This policy should include a strong component of equity that ensures that low-income, rural, or aging populations are not hurt by this program.
One of my key ideas in addition to having municipal, public school and all State agencies convert to electric or hybrid electric vehicles as fast as possible follows.
Based on a recently completed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the Town of York Maine the Town's largest source of Green House Gas Emissions (GHG) is on-road transportation at 44%, the next closest category is Heating Fuel at 30%. To respond to the on-road transportation category that includes emissions largely from interstate 95 I would propose a “renewable energy fee” to be levied at the York Toll Plaza that would be used to provide financial assistance to the Town of York residents, commercial businesses and municipal facilities in converting from fossil fuel sourced heat and electricity to renewable sources like solar and wind.
2. I would suggest a starting fee of $5 per vehicle to begin. Such a fee will not stop tourists from driving up through York on I95 and through the Exit 7 toll plaza – they would still come. This system could be made “smart” with an electronic tolling system that would read a vehicles license plate, then interface with the USA vehicle registration system for every state and the fee could be graduated to have a higher fee for the largest polluters (greenhouse gas) such as SUVs, pick-up trucks. With this interface, Maine residents could possibly be excluded from this fee. It could be smarter by including an interface with EPA miles per gallon data by vehicle year and type so as to charge a higher fee on the largest polluters such as SUVs and pick-up trucks. For example I will use my own vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Altima 4 door sedan with a 4 cylinder engine, average miles per gallon (mpg) 29, Fee $3, as compared to a 2015 Toyota Tundra V-8 average miles per gallon 15 mpg, Fee $8. Electric Vehicles would be charged $0.0. I do not know if a data interface such as this can be enabled but research could provide the answer.
3. Maine turnpike authority traffic volume at Exit 7 toll plaza was reported at 931,079* vehicles in 2017 [see footnote * below from the MTA web site report] (see: http://www.maineturnpike.com/About-MTA/Traffic-Statistics/Traffic-by-Interchange.aspx ) – a $5 per vehicle fee would generate $4,655,395 in one year - $4.7 million dollars! How many York residential, commercial, etc. solar systems could be installed? Etc. etc. This fee could also be levied on commercial vehicles as well such as tractor trailer rigs, etc. EV tractor trailer and truck vehicles are currently under development so….
NOTE: The definition for the “traffic by interchange” as reported at the MTA web site would need to be clarified – I am not sure if this count is what we need to determine the total fee dollars.
• Data is represented as total number of trips averaged daily along the Turnpike. This is different than a count by transactions.
. This renewable energy fee could be also applied at every toll plaza along I95 in the States of Maine and NH. New cashless toll plazas to collect these fees could be installed on all the major interstate routes in Maine and NH. Cashless toll plazas have been implemented in other US locations, why not here?
4. Observation: Conversion to Electric Vehicles will continue to be very, very, very slow – climate change is not waiting for this conversion.
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10/30/2019 |
Sally |
Chappell |
private citizen |
Bridgton |
Maine |
My name is Sally Chappell, and I live in Bridgton, ME, a rural town about 40 miles from Portland, ME. As a person who lost both parents at the same time in a car accident over forty years ago, I... read more My name is Sally Chappell, and I live in Bridgton, ME, a rural town about 40 miles from Portland, ME. As a person who lost both parents at the same time in a car accident over forty years ago, I am constantly aware of mobility and the need for safe travel. If I could, I would give up driving. I had hoped to quit driving by the time I reached 70 years of age, but at 72, I have no options for public transportation where I live.
Moreover, I am concerned about the climate and the amount of fossil fuels used to meet Americans' transportation needs. Policies on transportation should take into account the science of climate change and what that portends in the future as well as ensuring equity for low-income, the handicapped (my husband is blind), and ageing people who are more likely to decline in competence in dealing with fast-moving, crowded highways. My husband and I just returned from a trip to PA and NJ, and the highways were nerve-wracking.
I am grateful for Gov. Mills' support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative as well as for the nonpartisan aspect of the initiative.
Can a 72-year old look forward to increased transportation options that help us get around while reducing emissions of greenhouse gases? I hope so. Time is running short for the earth's ecosystems. |
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10/30/2019 |
Adam |
Fraser |
Mainer |
Bath |
Maine |
Raising gas prices does nothing but take food from working class families. We already pay excise tax every year on our cars which is supposed to keep our taxes down, we also already have taxes in... read more Raising gas prices does nothing but take food from working class families. We already pay excise tax every year on our cars which is supposed to keep our taxes down, we also already have taxes in the gas prices and toll plazas across the state. All of the revenue stream were designed to pay for road repairs. Now every year there seems to be a new bond for more money. Now the state is trying to force you I to a vehicle you can't afford. This is a bad idea in a group of bad ideas |
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10/30/2019 |
Sr Jackie |
Moreau |
Sister of Mercy Justice Network |
Portland |
Maine |
I am aware that much pollution comes from transport. We are a rural state with a coastline that will be impacted by sea level rise
Thank you for working together for the good of... read more I am aware that much pollution comes from transport. We are a rural state with a coastline that will be impacted by sea level rise
Thank you for working together for the good of people and wildlife.
We need to decrease car usage/ownership. Increase ride sharing.
Support electric vehicles in urban areas.
We need to increase population density in urban areas; have more small businesses in neighborhoods; have electric buses.
Can we work toward schedules that would allow more ride sharing or public transport?
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10/30/2019 |
Sara |
Farneth |
Mrs. |
Falmouth |
Maine |
I am a new resident to the state of Maine. I want to express my appreciation for all the forward thinking plans/ideas that I am hearing about. I am especially pleased to read about the increasing... read more I am a new resident to the state of Maine. I want to express my appreciation for all the forward thinking plans/ideas that I am hearing about. I am especially pleased to read about the increasing of environmentally friendly transportation. It is clear that Maine cares deeply about protecting the environment as well as caring about its citizens. Thank you! SWF |
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10/30/2019 |
Alfred |
Andrews |
Maine Resident , tax payer |
Machias |
Maine |
Don't let this happen, live on social security and they are driving prices up. Not able to afford electric cars . Not a good fit for Maine ! read more Don't let this happen, live on social security and they are driving prices up. Not able to afford electric cars . Not a good fit for Maine ! |
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10/30/2019 |
Gus |
Zeissig |
none |
Turner |
Maine |
This plan would hurt the rural elderly population in Maine as the price of energy for transportation and heat would be driven to unaffordable levels. Current energy alternatives such as wind and... read more This plan would hurt the rural elderly population in Maine as the price of energy for transportation and heat would be driven to unaffordable levels. Current energy alternatives such as wind and solar, and electric vehicles create a net increase in carbon footprint because the resources to mine and produce windmills, batteries, etc., uses more energy than is saved over the lifetime of the current technologies. This plan is bad for Maine residents. |
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10/30/2019 |
Anna |
Fiedler |
. |
Edgecomb |
Maine |
As a resident in rural Maine, I support development of clean energy transportation. It is vital for the quality of life for Maine residents into the future. I support governor Mills in her... read more As a resident in rural Maine, I support development of clean energy transportation. It is vital for the quality of life for Maine residents into the future. I support governor Mills in her participation in developing this program. |
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10/30/2019 |
andrea |
kimmich |
Resident |
Kennebunk |
Maine |
What makes HUGE sense throughout the state of Maine is investing in the reduction of Tailpipe pollution. First, through no-idling ordinances being imposed (idling uses 2x the amount of fuel as... read more What makes HUGE sense throughout the state of Maine is investing in the reduction of Tailpipe pollution. First, through no-idling ordinances being imposed (idling uses 2x the amount of fuel as driving); next by incentifying residents to purchase EVs and municipalities to develop “charging stations” infrastructure, while mandating commercial enterprise use zero-emissions vehicles. Wonder how much of auto exhaust comes from trucks. (?) In Maine, which is so sparsely populated, and with vast distances between towns/destinations, investing in mass transportation probably makes sense in limited ways only. |
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10/31/2019 |
Corey |
Ashline |
Maine resident |
Bangor |
Maine |
I strongly object to this initiative as it will only raise taxes and kill jobs and do absolutely nothing to stop the climate from changing. The climate has been changing for millions of years and... read more I strongly object to this initiative as it will only raise taxes and kill jobs and do absolutely nothing to stop the climate from changing. The climate has been changing for millions of years and for anyone to think they can affect it is crazy. |
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10/31/2019 |
Ann |
Briggs |
Hard working TAX PAYER |
Steuben |
Maine |
No! Absolutely OPPOSED! Mills Wasting Tax $ once again! Want cleaner air? Put in BICYCLE RACKS in these more populated areas. Two birds, one stone! Promote good health and less emissions! Use... read more No! Absolutely OPPOSED! Mills Wasting Tax $ once again! Want cleaner air? Put in BICYCLE RACKS in these more populated areas. Two birds, one stone! Promote good health and less emissions! Use the $$ to fix our ROADS that swallow up theses “ electric beauties “ in one Pot Hole! Or how about new tires for “ working taxpayer” ! Better gas mileage, less emissions! |
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10/31/2019 |
Jennifer |
Burmeister |
None |
Norfolk |
Virginia |
Median household income in Maine is $56,277. So how is it that you except people to purchase this electric car for $55,000 and then pay the extra $2,000 for a home charging station to be able to... read more Median household income in Maine is $56,277. So how is it that you except people to purchase this electric car for $55,000 and then pay the extra $2,000 for a home charging station to be able to put food on the table or to buy clothes for their child/children? Then when they can't afford to purchase the car you are going to penalize them by raising the gas to $ .20 more a gallon. This is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard of, this is not the way to help Maine families. |
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10/31/2019 |
Scott |
Roy |
* |
Lyman |
Maine |
Mariners can not afford a new fuel tax. It’s hard enough to pay for fuel now. Any new tax is bad for business in our state. Mariners can not afford a new fuel tax. It’s hard enough to pay for fuel now. Any new tax is bad for business in our state. |
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10/31/2019 |
Lee |
DeLong |
Revision Solar |
Gorham |
Maine |
Mainers can not afford a 20 cent tax on fuel. We are already heavily taxed in every way. People have fixed incomes, and most people struggle already to pay for home heating oil. This proposed tax... read more Mainers can not afford a 20 cent tax on fuel. We are already heavily taxed in every way. People have fixed incomes, and most people struggle already to pay for home heating oil. This proposed tax does not benefit anyone other then the state of Maine. The citizen will not get any thing from it. No fuel tax! |
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10/31/2019 |
Dana |
Smith |
Maine Resident |
Waterboro |
Maine |
An increase in fuel tax, on an already overtaxed state like Maine is absurd. The state is bigger that the rest of new england, and very rural. Increasing the fuel tax will do nothing but further... read more An increase in fuel tax, on an already overtaxed state like Maine is absurd. The state is bigger that the rest of new england, and very rural. Increasing the fuel tax will do nothing but further harm our lower income, scree the middle class, and make the state unbearable for our elderly and retired. Not smart. Stay out of this agreement! |
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10/31/2019 |
Christine |
Blake |
FB |
Kennebunk |
Maine |
Please stop taxing us to DEATH! The middle class bears all the burdens. What are you thinking? We can hardly put food on the table and my heat is set to 58 degrees. STOP THIS INSANITY!! Please stop taxing us to DEATH! The middle class bears all the burdens. What are you thinking? We can hardly put food on the table and my heat is set to 58 degrees. STOP THIS INSANITY!! |
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10/31/2019 |
Traci |
Pitt-Lavoie |
Local Government |
Rangeley |
Maine |
Mainers cannot afford more fuel taxes. I see people on a daily basis struggling to provide basic needs to their families. These sorts of taxes are making survival in this state even harder;... read more Mainers cannot afford more fuel taxes. I see people on a daily basis struggling to provide basic needs to their families. These sorts of taxes are making survival in this state even harder; impossible for some. Being the oldest demographic in the country leads one to recognize that most folks are not in their prime and cannot make adjustments such as additional jobs to meet the bills. We need to take care of our citizens. The End. |
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10/31/2019 |
victoria |
gavel |
fuel user |
lyman |
Maine |
please dont increase the fuel taxes in the state of maine.as a small businesss owner whos profit margin is tight, any increase is felt by everyone.i believe this carbon / reinvestment plan is just... read more please dont increase the fuel taxes in the state of maine.as a small businesss owner whos profit margin is tight, any increase is felt by everyone.i believe this carbon / reinvestment plan is just designed to remove us from more of our money.none of it will make a difference in our planet, ultimately, in my opinion.thank you |
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10/31/2019 |
Anne |
Ross |
Maine resident |
Scarborough |
Maine |
Why would you implement this tax? We are already one of the highest tax burdened states. We can NOT afford this. We the citizens do not want more taxes. Why would you implement this tax? We are already one of the highest tax burdened states. We can NOT afford this. We the citizens do not want more taxes. |
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10/31/2019 |
Eva |
Kaso-Collette |
Wentworth Institute of Technology |
Brookline |
Massachusetts |
Dear Gov. Baker, Board, and to Everyone,
I am thrilled that you are taking steps to reduce climate change! The transportation sector plays a large role in CO2 emissions and greening it up... read more Dear Gov. Baker, Board, and to Everyone,
I am thrilled that you are taking steps to reduce climate change! The transportation sector plays a large role in CO2 emissions and greening it up, will be excellent for the state of Massachusetts. However, I want to encourage you to do more. While the national discourse sees climate change as an issue I see it as an opportunity. We have the opportunity to develop the state by investing in new technologies and ensuring all people can be employed and productive for years to come.
Massachusetts has always been at the forefront of innovation and we have great research institutions and initiative. I want your climate plan to be bolder, take larger steps to tackling this, because if we do, the dividends will be huge. Think: if we encourage green energy across the grid, we can develop solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and other new technology that will be more efficient, have better storage than what is seen before. This will be implemented all across MA. It will be state born and bred, and sought out by other states or even other countries! The business ventures will be huge; oil supplies are running out and are becoming riskier to get, and this will ensure long-term growth. This growth should then be used to employ people from all sectors in MA: from engineers to design, electricians and builders to install, and marketers to show everyone how great all of this exciting innovation is.
As an engineering student, I have been told, and firmly believe, that bold innovation is what moves everything forward. Think of the industrial revolution, or even the invention of the internet. So I challenge you, Baker, to take this opportunity and allow Massachusetts to innovate its future, sustainably. |
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