TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

How does TCI plan on addressing transit agencies and diesel fuel usage? Would they be exempt from the diesel fuel surcharge? They move a lot of people around and are necessary (in some cases, the only transportation options) for many low- and moderate-income and minority residents. How will TCI balance emissions and health needs with keeping public transit affordable for all users?
Thanks.

Please see attached comments from the Energy Marketers of America regarding TCI.

The attached comments are a re-submission of comments previously submitted on 10/30/2020, now on behalf of 200 organizations from across the 13 TCI jurisdictions, stating our support for an ambitious and equitable TCI program that includes strong safeguards and guarantees for overburdened and underserved communities.

This initiative has increased taxes written all over it. If one switches to hybrid and electric vehicles, where do the batteries get charged? If fossil fuel is to be replaced, there is not enough wind, solar and hydro to replace it, even in 30 years. Nuclear energy needs to be revisited. I have read where there is little if any wasted uranium with the new technology and water cooling has also changed. Why isn't nuclear power being discussed as an energy source? This initiative is very socialistic and makes government bigger and more costly. People that live in rural areas do not need or require all the transportation services of the city. Many are willing to make the services trade off for a rural lifestyle. Careful study of the costs and benefits of this proposal are called for. Thank you.

I support this general concept because I am worried that the current Amtrak and other current train transportation systems are located too close to the coast and will be subjected to increasing damage as sea levels rise and storm intensities increase, as well as due to aging. The east coast needs inland transportation networks that are electricity based. Large wind turbine arrays off shore are being planned and can provide plenty of clean renewable electricity for buses and vans and trains that can recharge at night and/ or during the day when excess electricity is being generated. This can reduce cost and pollution and provide new manufacturing and installation jobs as all this new infrastructure is being built and expanded over the next several decades. Cement used for (eg platfoms for stations and turbines) could be made by new methods that cut carbon dioxide emissions.Raising gasoline and fossil fuel taxes could help provide revenues and discourage the use of private vehicles using fossil fuels. As you plan think about these possibilities and other new ways to cut costs and cut emissions.

Please find attached comments from the BlueGreen Alliance, the Labor Network for Sustainability, and the New Jersey Work Environment Council, regarding proposed TCI equity commitments.