TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.”

RI is the smallest state with the highest taxes and most corrupt government! We CAN NOT AFFORD to pay more in taxes, higher gas prices. We have the worst public transit system. It barely covers half the state, what about the rural sectors? Enough is enough. Start taking the cars away from city employees that use them for personal use after hours that will save money and fuel!

The lack of public transportation in Baltimore is shocking. Instead of subsidizing the oil and gas industries, this money should go to subsidizing ridership on public transportation, on both local and regional trips. Good for the young. Good for the old. And we all pass through both phases in life. So that equals good for all of us.

I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as it will reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, reduce congestion, and improve the climate. Please support this.
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I support this initiative because transportation is one of the primary barriers to equality in our state, and also the largest contributor of carbon emissions in RI. Many patients at the Pawtucket, RI, medical clinic where I work miss important appointments because of transportation limitations. Pedestrian and bicycle options are poor in Pawtucket--people feel unsafe walking in areas with no pedestrian crosswalks, lights, or lights that do not work. If more of our patients could walk or bike to work, school, their clinic, or the grocery store, we would undoubtedly see improvements in markers of chronic noncommunicable disease (e.g. obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.). Additionally, if public transportation options were improved, many of our patients' daily stress levels would be reduced: their work commute times could be lowered and they could accomplish essential tasks more easily and cheaply. If public transportation options were increased while simultaneously lowering average vehicle emissions, one would also anticipate significantly lower rates of asthma, a condition which has direct relationship to exhaust particulate matter (in fact, the likelihood of an asthma-related pediatric emergency department visit tracks closely to house proximity to major highways in RI). More, better, and greener transportation options would create a healthier Rhode Island.

A fuel tax to reduce our driving in Maine is ridiculous. We drive long distances just to get to essential services here in the western mountains. We require powerful 4 wheel drive vehicles to get around in the winter. Electric cars are just NOT THE ANSWER! Cold temperatures, long distances, many people in fixed incomes unable to afford charging stations or a new car. Get real, Governor Mills. Listen to the people you serve.

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.

I am firmly in favor of the TCI and Vermont's participation. There is no question in my mind this is in our better interests.
Do the right thing for our climate future and join this initiative.