2/14/2020 |
Ted |
Kidd |
X |
Rochester |
New York |
I traveled from Rochester New York to New York City in my Chevrolet Bolt and was basically stranded in Herkimer because all of the Electrify America fast charging stations were out of order.... read more I traveled from Rochester New York to New York City in my Chevrolet Bolt and was basically stranded in Herkimer because all of the Electrify America fast charging stations were out of order.
We need more DC fest charging stations and better reliabilityor these automobile manufacturers are going to be producing cars nobody will buy. |
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2/21/2020 |
Ted |
Weissgerber |
Mr. |
Dravosburg |
Pennsylvania |
We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions |
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2/23/2020 |
Ted |
Guzzetti |
Mr. |
Shrewsbury |
Massachusetts |
How dumb do you have to be not to see this is just another way to bleed the average joe. Just like most of the so called "sin" taxes this will hurt the people who can afford it the least... read more How dumb do you have to be not to see this is just another way to bleed the average joe. Just like most of the so called "sin" taxes this will hurt the people who can afford it the least. Wake up. |
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10/17/2019 |
Taylor |
Leavitt |
Republican |
Lamoine |
Maine |
By implementing these permitting fees on Maine business who sell gasoline and diesel, you are relaying the financial burden on to all Mainers. In return, the price of gas will go up for all Maine... read more By implementing these permitting fees on Maine business who sell gasoline and diesel, you are relaying the financial burden on to all Mainers. In return, the price of gas will go up for all Maine residents who rely on the low prices for commuting to and from work. The increase in the gas prices will cause and overall rise in the cost of living. Why should Mainers suffer this burden?
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11/1/2019 |
Taylor |
Sutton |
Tiger Fuel Company |
Charlottesville |
Virginia |
• Tiger Fuel Company, which employs over 300 people, is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the fossil fuel industry.... read more • Tiger Fuel Company, which employs over 300 people, is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the fossil fuel industry. Over time this plan proposes to move Virginia from simple rationing and new taxes to the ultimate prohibition of fossil fuels.
• This plan does not assess the collateral damage it will inflict on state revenue, local tax collections, Virginia's Transportation Trust fund, and consumers.
• Many of the advocates of these policies support regulation to electrify transportation. Those advocates somehow forget to mention that a major component of batteries powering these vehicles is cobalt, 90 percent of which is mined in third world countries under unfavorable working conditions.
• As the number of electric vehicles grows, petroleum marketers will likely have to battle for a share of the electric vehicle charging market with utility companies that see EV charging as a new business opportunity without cost. When utility companies install charging stations, they may seek the ability to include that cost as part of their capital investment. When these costs are approved by governmental regulatory agencies, they can then be passed on to all ratepayers as part of their monthly electric bills.
• Tiger Fuel believes this would provide regulated utilities an unfair competitive advantage that Virginia based small businesses simply cannot compete with. I must economically justify and self-fund at risk investments in new equipment like EV charging stations and so should my competition.
• Another likely competitor under this scheme is the state government itself. This is not a concept, as just this past session the General Assembly passed legislation to allow the Departments of Conservation and Recreation, General Services, and Transportation to install electric chargers. Fortunately our association was able to narrow this initiative considerably by limiting the number of state agencies involved and mitigating the threat of unfair competition by requiring the state to sell the power at prevailing market rates including taxes.
• As a propane marketer I support a clean environment. There are many ways to achieve this without rationing. Incentivizing the sale of electric vehicles does nothing to meet your stated goals of "equity, environmental justice, and non-discrimination." As one example, the stated goals could be achieved far faster and cheaper via efforts to assist low-income Virginians to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles that meet current and future CAFÉ standards.
• History has proven that rationing followed by prohibition - the ultimate goal of TCI - has led to black markets, unregulated and untaxed sales, and undue burdens on law enforcement.
• The impact of these proposals will not be solely on propane businesses such as mine - what about the auto repair industry, muffler shops, service facilities at new car dealers, quick lubes etc.? What about agriculture, construction and watermen who will be forced to scrap present equipment or pay artificially high prices due to rationing? What about the consumer who will experience not only higher prices to operate their personal vehicles, but higher prices for consumer goods and services?
• Tiger Fuel Company opposes the TCI plan to ration, tax and ultimately eliminate fossil fuels.
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2/28/2020 |
Taylor |
Deering |
1986 |
North Bethesda |
Maryland |
It has become irrefutable for human beings to continue extracting and processing fossil fuels at the current rate. All efforts to limit the private sector's consumption of our natural... read more It has become irrefutable for human beings to continue extracting and processing fossil fuels at the current rate. All efforts to limit the private sector's consumption of our natural resources must be employed in order to ensure a future on this planet for humans. Change is not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. Please choose humanity over private sector profits. |
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1/16/2020 |
Tawnya |
Smith |
Boston University |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Dear Madam/Sir,
As a professor at Boston University who lives south of the city, I utilize the Commuter rail several times each week to get to work. In other instances, I travel to... read more Dear Madam/Sir,
As a professor at Boston University who lives south of the city, I utilize the Commuter rail several times each week to get to work. In other instances, I travel to East Coast cities for conferences and presentations. I appreciate public transportation because it allows me to more efficiently work during travel, and it allows me to keep my personal and work carbon footprint smaller. I am deeply frustrated that there are not more options for public transportation on the East Coast. While I am grateful for what does exist, I think that the population density in the region warrants a massive expansion and updating of the current system. This would have the benefit of reducing harmful pollution in the area, especially for children and the elderly who have more vulnerable health. Because pollution is linked to mental health ills, it seems extremely important to address the pollution in the area given we are in a climate of mass shootings and and increase in public violence. In my opinion, not acting to improve our transportation system would an act of neglect of our citizens. On a personal level, I do not appreciate breathing in the harmful fumes released by the commuter trains. Electric trains would be a very welcome improvement.
Additionally, we are in the midst of a climate crisis!!! High speed electric trains powered by renewable energy would allow us to make an important step towards reducing our carbon emissions which is a goal of many cities and agencies in the area. Most of all, we must act with haste to ensure a livable future for all persons and species on the planet!
I fully support an effort to expand and update the public transportation in the East Coast region!!!
With hope for a speedy and positive result,
Dr. Tawnya D. Smith, PhD
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3/7/2020 |
Tawnie |
Olson |
None |
New Haven |
Connecticut |
I am very interested in seeing:
1 - safer bicycle lanes, preferably with concrete separating the lane from the road. Unfortunately, Northeast drivers are so aggressive that painting a line... read more I am very interested in seeing:
1 - safer bicycle lanes, preferably with concrete separating the lane from the road. Unfortunately, Northeast drivers are so aggressive that painting a line on the pavement is not enough to protect riders. I live in New Haven, and safe lanes that run out to neighboring towns (Hamden, West Haven, maybe even Guilford and the shore towns) would be fantastic. Having safer bike lanes and more people commuting via bicycle isn't just good for the environment, it's linked to a higher quality of life for communities lucky enough to have this infrastructure.
2 - More thoughtful infrastructure planning. I'm frustrated that I can take a train to Hartford, but then I'm stuck getting a cab to the airport. Surely there is a better way of doing this?
3 - Improved trains. Europe has such amazing train and bus systems, it feels like another planet when I'm there. I don't know why we can't have a quicker New Haven - Grand Central line? On a larger scale, I would love to be able to board a train in New Haven that could take me all the way to Montréal directly.
Thank you for your time and consideration! |
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11/2/2019 |
Taumi |
Conohan |
Ms. |
Portland |
Maine |
I support all public transportation going green. There is no time to waste, when considering and preparing for our childrens' futures. read more I support all public transportation going green. There is no time to waste, when considering and preparing for our childrens' futures. |
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1/16/2020 |
Taumi |
Conohan |
Ms. |
Portland |
Maine |
In my City of Portland, Maine, public transportation (bus) has already started its conversion to electric busses. There is no time to waste, such that everyone need follow our City's example... read more In my City of Portland, Maine, public transportation (bus) has already started its conversion to electric busses. There is no time to waste, such that everyone need follow our City's example. Please make conversion off of fossil fuels mandatory for every public transit offered. |
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10/25/2019 |
Tatyana |
Eckstrand |
Citizen of Maine |
Waldoboro |
Maine |
Mainers deserve creative new choices and new investments to meet our transportation needs; the one thing we know is that pouring pollution into the atmosphere and sending our hard-earned money out... read more Mainers deserve creative new choices and new investments to meet our transportation needs; the one thing we know is that pouring pollution into the atmosphere and sending our hard-earned money out of state for the oil that causes that pollution are NOT the way forward. |
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3/6/2020 |
Tarik |
Shahzad |
Middlebury College |
Chicago |
Illinois |
The time for action on climate change was yesterday. Despite the scientists sounding the alarms on rising temperatures, elected officials have routinely failed to act. Greenhouse gas emissions... read more The time for action on climate change was yesterday. Despite the scientists sounding the alarms on rising temperatures, elected officials have routinely failed to act. Greenhouse gas emissions must be tackled systemically for substantial reductions in output to occur. With consistent climate denialism emanating from the Trump administration, the onus is on state elected officials to enact bold prescriptions to this growing crisis. The onus is also on fellow citizens to pressure our representatives to make the correct decisions for us. I chose to attend Middlebury College because I believed Vermont is a national leader As an environmental policy major at Middlebury College, I have learned a great deal about the unprecedented attention this crisis requires; the Transportation Climate Initiative fits the mold for bold and sweeping action that the world desperately needs. The Global Warmings Solutions Act’s passing demonstrates the ability for this state to lead in the fight against climate change. Now, it is up to us on whether we continue moving forward on this issue.
The Transportation Climate Initiative’s declining emissions cap is a key step in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the region, but the opponents of the bill routinely focus on the economic hindrances of the bill on low income Vermonters. In specific, they argue that increasing fuel prices would disproportionately impact their constituents. It appears the two sides are speaking past each other at times. On the third page of the Draft Memorandum of Understanding of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (MOU), the bill states that the benefits of a “cap-and-invest program flow equitably to communities that are undeserved by clean transportation alternatives… .” The bill sets the record straight; the goals outlined by the Transportation Climate Initiative ensures that lower income Vermonters will receive economic benefits through investments funded by the rise in fuel prices. It is designed to protect the most vulnerable citizens in the state. Moreover, if we fail to act with the looming threat of climate change, these same people will experience economic and environmental hardships. More extreme weather events, increased costs of food prices, and the degradation of the environment will impact underprivileged communities the hardest. Through a cap and invest system, revenue garnered from the program will supply the necessary mitigation reforms and economic subsidies for these vulnerable populations.
Opponents of the Transportation Climate Initiative must come to terms with the looming truth; if we don’t act now to protect poor and working-class Vermonters from the climate crisis, they will suffer in the long term. During this legislative cycle, elected officials will be choosing between two radical futures. In the radical future with the passage of the Transportation Climate Initiative, more Vermonters will economically benefit through subsidies, improved transportation services, and home weatherization. In the other radical future, in which the Transportation Climate Initiative is struck down by Phil Scott and the “economic pragmatists,” the most vulnerable in this state will have fewer amenities and tools to effectively combat the climate crisis. We are at a juncture in Vermont legislative history. The Global Warmings Solutions Act was a necessary step, and the Transportation Climate Initiative will build on the climate legislation that has preceded it. The passage of this bill balances on the eventual answer to these two questions: Will those who haven’t taken a side on this issue choose to fight the climate crisis with earnest? Will Governor Phil Scott side with the fossil fuel lobbyists or the most climate-vulnerable citizens of Vermont?
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1/16/2020 |
Tara |
Kerr |
Ms |
South Boston |
Virginia |
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1/16/2020 |
Tara |
Chambers |
Concerned resident of Planet Earth |
Concord |
Massachusetts |
Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! |
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2/26/2020 |
Tara |
Strand |
Concerned resident |
North Hollywood |
California |
As someone who feels burdened every day by the ecological crisis we've brought upon ourselves and all living things, I am so grateful to hear about this initiative. My biggest dream is that... read more As someone who feels burdened every day by the ecological crisis we've brought upon ourselves and all living things, I am so grateful to hear about this initiative. My biggest dream is that we might turn what could be our greatest doom into our greatest opportunity, and it's all about steps like this done the right way. Still, there have a been a lot of half (and less than half) measures taken towards addressing this emergency, so I urge you to take big, bold, science-guided, community-guided steps that meet the level that this emergency demands. Also, as justly and equitably as possible, and covering as many facets as possible.
And as a Californian who is frustrated at those half-measures taken by our Governor, I urge our state to implement programs like this as well. And immediately! We've already lost too much time to make this steady and easy, and inaction will make things even harder than that very soon.
Thank you for your efforts and your consideration,
Tara Strand |
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2/28/2020 |
Tara |
Santi |
Middlebury College |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
As a student currently working on transportation concerns in Middlebury, I was very curious to read the Memorandum of Understanding put forward by the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI... read more As a student currently working on transportation concerns in Middlebury, I was very curious to read the Memorandum of Understanding put forward by the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). The TCI proposes the establishment of a regional program composed of 12 states and Washington, D.C., all committing to transition to a low-carbon, sustainable transportation sector through the implementation of a regional cap-and-invest program.
I agree with the TCI’s emphasis on cleaning up the transportation sector. If we’re going to act on climate change, we need to act fast. The 2018 IPCC report gave us twelve years (now ten) to cut global greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2010 levels to have any hope of limiting warming beyond 1.5C. The recent ratification of the Global Warming Solutions Act (H.688) by the Vermont House is a promising start to what will hopefully be decisive, thoughtful, and socially-just continued action by the Vermont government to curb emissions.
The TCI is another step forward for Vermont, one unique in that it specifically tackles transportation, which makes up nearly half of the state’s current climate pollution. Curbing transportation emissions is a must if Vermont seeks to meet our commitment to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord by 2025. So yes, let’s join the TCI…BUT…
It MUST fully center the needs and rights of low income and working-class Vermonters in a just transition to a renewable energy-powered transportation future.
This is the question I always want to ask when considering climate legislation: who is going to be squeezed? Implementing a cap-and-invest system with a declining cap certainly puts the pressure on fuel suppliers, but that pressure is in part passed off to Vermonters filling up their tanks at the gas station. For some, the TCI will help lower the cost of transitioning to an electric vehicle (EV) and make it more feasible with rural electrification. But what about those Vermonters who simply do not have the budget for a new vehicle, whether or not it’s electric and whether or not the cost is lowered?
More accessible to some does not mean accessible to all.
This is the very issue the Vermont legislature hesitated on last session with a carbon tax proposal. House Speaker Mitzi Johnson said she can’t see a “straight-up carbon tax” being viable without already having a better public transportation system in rural areas. Isn’t that the same problem we see in the TCI, that putting a cap on carbon allowances might ultimately hurt rural and working-class Vermonters the most? The difference being that the TCI hides behind hopes of EV incentives and electric charging stations that simply do not make sense for many Vermonters.
To its credit, the TCI does include a clause on equity:
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Signatory Jurisdictions will work with communities to ensure that the benefits of a cap-and-invest program flow equitably to communities that are underserved by clean transportation alternatives, disproportionately bear the costs of the current transportation system, or suffer disproportionate impacts of vehicular pollution and climate change”
I’m glad that there is recognition of the disproportionate costs of transportation to vulnerable groups, but I would hope to see social and community justice front and center of Vermont’s implementation of the TCI, rather than relegated to a side note.
I’ve experienced firsthand the frustrations of working-class people facing rising fuel prices when I lived in Bordeaux, France during the beginning of the yellow vest protest movement in November 2018. The high price of gas and a high of living in general hit the French middle and working-classes the hardest, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. People across the country demonstrated for weeks calling for lower fuel taxes, a solidarity tax on wealth, and a minimum wage increase, among other demands. I can’t help but draw some, albeit limited, parallels to Vermont. The unrest in France is a stark example of what happens when governments enact climate legislation without fully considering and addressing the needs of those who are currently the most dependent on the system the way it is now. Vermonters are perhaps not numerous enough to pressure their government the way that French protesters did, which gives legislators here all the more responsibility to be proactive about the way they implement any new transportation legislation.
Vermont could benefit greatly from increased electrification, expanded and improved public transportation, and smart development. That’s why I’m saying yes to Vermont participating in the TCI…BUT doing so by centering the needs of low income and working-class Vermonters. I don’t pretend to know the perfect solution, but I do encourage those making the decisions to find ways to minimize the burdens placed on individuals and households and maximize their ability to lead a dignified life. |
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1/16/2020 |
Tanya |
Dwyer |
Parish House, Inc. |
Dover |
Delaware |
A zero emission mass public transportation system will be more cost effective for business in the long run. low income residents will be able to get to work more efficiently and predictably.... read more A zero emission mass public transportation system will be more cost effective for business in the long run. low income residents will be able to get to work more efficiently and predictably. Health care savings and environmental resources are two more considerations for me. |
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10/11/2019 |
Tania |
Hassard |
Taxpaying citizen |
Pittsfield |
Maine |
Help create affordable cars that the poor can afford to own in order to get to work that aren't gas powered or stop trying to tax them with gas pricing schemes that will cause them to be... read more Help create affordable cars that the poor can afford to own in order to get to work that aren't gas powered or stop trying to tax them with gas pricing schemes that will cause them to be further into poverty so you can all feel good that you feel you've done something for the climate. You need to have people in poverty on your panels so they can give you a working person's perspective. You may understand how the poor really live then and stop imposing more expenses for them to get to work or heat their homes! |
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2/28/2020 |
Tamre |
Steinhauer |
Maine resident |
South Berwick |
Maine |
No. I do not support this. No. I do not support this. |
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10/9/2019 |
Tammy |
Genest |
No one |
Lincoln |
Maine |
Maine residents already pay higher heating costs . We are a poor rural state and can't afford another pay hike. Governors Mills is wrong on this. NO NEW TAXES read more Maine residents already pay higher heating costs . We are a poor rural state and can't afford another pay hike. Governors Mills is wrong on this. NO NEW TAXES |
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