2/27/2020 |
Ben |
Zaitchik |
City of Baltimore Sustainability Commission |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
On behalf of the City of Baltimore Sustainability Commission: we applaud the MOU emphasis on equity in implementation of TCI policies, and would like to emphasize the elevated transportation... read more On behalf of the City of Baltimore Sustainability Commission: we applaud the MOU emphasis on equity in implementation of TCI policies, and would like to emphasize the elevated transportation pollution burden felt by urban populations, on account of the concentration of transport in their residential and work areas. For this reason, we propose that the exiting paragraph:
"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;"
be edited to include a final phrase: "including urban populations burdened by vehicular pollution from non-resident commuters and from commercial and industrial vehicles."
More broadly, we urge an emphasis on coordination between State-level authorities and city governments on TCI implementation as this process moves forward.
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2/27/2020 |
Ben |
Williams |
Mainer, property and business owner |
Belfast |
Maine |
Do not enter into this agreement. If you want better gas mileage get rid of ethanol. It cuts mileage by 4% and is a net energy deficit. It takes more fossil fuel to turn corn into something that’... read more Do not enter into this agreement. If you want better gas mileage get rid of ethanol. It cuts mileage by 4% and is a net energy deficit. It takes more fossil fuel to turn corn into something that’ll burn in an engine than it returns in energy output. Further, fuel taxes will raise the cost of all goods and services. Everything being delivered will cost more. To have a contractor show up will cost more. To have your lawn cut and driveway plowed will cost more. Farmers running tractors will have to charge more. Building materials deliveries will cost more. And if people do drive less, you’ll lose gas tax revenue & then you’ll have to raise taxes to fund the road repairs. This proposal will crush Maine. |
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11/4/2019 |
Bell |
Sadler |
owner |
Emporia |
Virginia |
Callaville, LLC which helps employ numerous people and is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the petroleum marketing... read more Callaville, LLC which helps employ numerous people and is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the petroleum marketing 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.
Callaville, LLC 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.
All Virginians, particularly the petroleum marketing and convenience industries, 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 fuel sellers and convenience stores - what about the auto repair industry, muffler shops, service facilities at new car dealers, quick lubes etc.? What about agriculture, construction, Loggers 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?
The impact of these proposals will completely devastate Virginia’s economics. Recent information predicts an alternative fuel source for Commercial Trucks are 15 to 20 years out, Trucking companies have utilized Virginia interstates I95, I85 and I81 as a major travel corridor for years which allowed the state and individual companies to benefit from them stopping and doing business on these popular travel routes. The proposals will cause the majority of companies to route their trucks around the state devastating businesses.
Callaville, LLC opposes the TCI plan to ration, tax and ultimately eliminate fossil fuels.
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12/19/2019 |
Beedy |
Parker |
non driving resident of Camden |
Camden |
Maine |
Our transportation carbon footprint is disproportionately large in Maine, because of our rural settlement pattern. We drive and trick everywhere without thought and need to better share and reduce... read more Our transportation carbon footprint is disproportionately large in Maine, because of our rural settlement pattern. We drive and trick everywhere without thought and need to better share and reduce our trips and deliveries, shift off fossil fuels, live closer together, and help low income and the disabled to adapt. Our problem involves private citizens, communities, businesses and industry. People need to understand the need to change.
The Transportation and Climate Initiative can begin to help this change to come about. |
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2/24/2020 |
Beedy |
Parker |
private citizen |
Camden |
Maine |
We need non-fossil fuel public transit through out the country, and subsidized too, to get people used to riding it. This country uses far too many greenhouse gas emitting single passenger and... read more We need non-fossil fuel public transit through out the country, and subsidized too, to get people used to riding it. This country uses far too many greenhouse gas emitting single passenger and freight trucking vehicles. We've got to reform our transporation systems as fast as possible. |
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1/22/2020 |
Becky |
Nesnevich |
Independent |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
I strongly support the Transportation Climate Initiative. The United States has the resources and technology to implement clean energy solutions on a massive scale. Therefore, the US should be... read more I strongly support the Transportation Climate Initiative. The United States has the resources and technology to implement clean energy solutions on a massive scale. Therefore, the US should be setting an example of sustainable development--we should be a beacon of hope, proving that it is possible to make the change from fossil fuels to clean energy. Americans should not be suffering from lung disease and other health issues as a result of our dependence on fossil fuels when we very well have the resources and technology to improve our system.
Sadly, what we've seen from the current administration is a step in the wrong direction. Over 60 rollbacks on environmental regulations have been completed with more under attack each day. In 2017, the Trump administration began the formal process to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement, in which nearly every country on Earth was coming together to implement climate solutions across the globe.
Living in Boston, I am no stranger to the inefficient commuter lifestyle that so many are forced to participate in. In Massachusetts, 40% of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by the transportation sector. I hope to one day see Boston become a city where the public transportation is so easy, clean, and accessible that fossil-fuel burning cars are not as necessary. The Transportation Climate Initiative is a step in the right direction to reach this goal. |
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2/14/2020 |
Becky |
Ikehara |
Grassroots Central Mass |
North Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
I am in favor of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I don't know why people are calling it a "gas tax." As I understand the agreement, our states are trying to fund clean... read more I am in favor of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I don't know why people are calling it a "gas tax." As I understand the agreement, our states are trying to fund clean transportation by imposing a market-based limit on pollution, a policy model known as cap-and-invest. How else are we going to make progress on these issues? As capitalists, we need to look at the market for solutions. We cannot afford to be short-sighted -- we need to understand what the current unbridled use of carbon-based transportation is doing to our lives and to our children's futures. Someone is going to have to pay for our reckless consumption of oil and gas for energy. Who should it be? |
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2/21/2020 |
Bart |
Ryan |
Private Citizen |
Waltham |
Massachusetts |
The planet can't wait. I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). But, please don't delay on this climate saving measure: Implement it as soon as possible. read more The planet can't wait. I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). But, please don't delay on this climate saving measure: Implement it as soon as possible. |
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1/31/2020 |
Barry & Linda |
Baniszeski |
Maine residents |
Meddybemps |
Maine |
The recent gas tax initiative is in violation of Federal and State laws regarding the intended use of gas taxes. RGGI and TCI are multi-state "agreements" that have never received U. S... read more The recent gas tax initiative is in violation of Federal and State laws regarding the intended use of gas taxes. RGGI and TCI are multi-state "agreements" that have never received U. S. Congressional approval as required under Article 1, section 10 of the US Constitution (Compact Clause). This also has never been regionally approved. There should be court challenges if this ever does come to agreement. The Initiatives do NOT comply with legal use of carbon/gas taxes, in that they are to be used "... solely for the cost of ... highway and bridge construction and maintenance ... etc. (Maine Constitution Article IX, Section 19: Limitation on expenditure of motor vehicle and motor vehicle fuel revenues.) Why this discussion and these initiatives have reared their ugly heads is easy to understand. Just one more set of illegal, back-door taxes to more greatly subsidize an even more costly "green" agenda whether it's legal or not. Increasing fuel taxes is not legal nor acceptable. The states (especially Maine) must start to apply already collected taxes judiciously and where intended. This is just one more big tax and spend scheme. It completely fails to follow the rule of law and/or Constitutional tests. |
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2/20/2020 |
Barry |
Guess |
Citizen of Maine |
Augusta |
Maine |
This is complete bullshit and you know it. You are fucken the people of the State of Maine! This is complete bullshit and you know it. You are fucken the people of the State of Maine! |
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2/24/2020 |
barry |
schiller |
self |
North Providence |
Rhode Island |
Though retired I still drive, use buses and trains, bike, and care about my community. The TCI should improve all of the above. For climate change I would prioritize electrification of our... read more Though retired I still drive, use buses and trains, bike, and care about my community. The TCI should improve all of the above. For climate change I would prioritize electrification of our region's commuter rail, connecting the bike paths to the urban core, and changing car fees so more polluting cars pay higher fees. |
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2/28/2020 |
Barry |
Woods |
Maine Citizen |
Portland |
Maine |
We are at an inflection point with respect to human being's impact on climate change and creating a world vastly different for our grandchildren, regardless of where we live or how long our... read more We are at an inflection point with respect to human being's impact on climate change and creating a world vastly different for our grandchildren, regardless of where we live or how long our current commute may be. This program offers a sustainable funding source that will help initiate change in Maine's urban and rural transportation systems, including better access to affordable, clean transportation. We know the status quo is already unsustainable and gas prices are inherently volatile, costing each of us an increasingly large percentage of our take home wages (unless you drive electric). That will only change if we invest in a future of better transit choices and cleaner modes of transportation. Change in this area is critical. We need to think beyond the status quo and create funding options that reduce our oil dependency, reduce emissions, and reduce, utlimately, the economic costs of transportation. Thanks for the courage to present a big idea when it is most needed. Maine's current path is actually the most expensive one we can go down, for everyone. |
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5/24/2019 |
Barrett |
Rock |
University of New Hampshire |
Durham |
New Hampshire |
My name is Barrett Rock, and I live in Durham, NH 03824. I am a retired college professor of forestry, and I am interested in the TCI Regional Policy Design effort because I have been conducting... read more My name is Barrett Rock, and I live in Durham, NH 03824. I am a retired college professor of forestry, and I am interested in the TCI Regional Policy Design effort because I have been conducting research on the impacts of climate change on New England forest tree species (primarily red spruce, white pine and sugar maple since the early 1980s, research which began as an assessment of acid rain damage, and then morphed into climate change issues.
My suggestion on transportation policy design is based on the result of my research, which has clearly documented the effects of automobile and truck emissions on sensitive forest species (red spruce, white pine and sugar maple), in the form of both acidic precipitation and ground-level ozone. Of very critical importance are the emission levels of heavy truck transport systems, especially diesel. Combined with heavy automobile travel, often with one occupant per vehicle, these emissions of CO2, NOx, O3, and SOx are responsible for significant damage to foliar tissues and the photosynthetic apparatus.
My suggestion for the TCI regional policy consideration is the dramatic expansion of a high-speed rail system, preferably across the entire US. CO2 emissions from rail transport are significantly lower than truck transport (to move 1 ton of goods 1 km, a locomotive emits only 18 grams of CO2, compared wth 47 grams by truck. The rail system is essential 3 times more efficient than a truck. Similar comparisons are seen with the other pollutants. An efficient and effective high-speed rail system would compete very effectively with air transportation, which emits a startling 560 grams of CO2 moving the same 1 ton go goods 1 km! Add to that the social equity and availability of passenger high-speed transportation offered by such a transportation policy, and I think the idea has much merit.
Finally, let me say that engaging the stakeholders in the TCI regional policy process is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate democracy in action! Thank you for giving me this chance. |
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2/17/2020 |
Barrett |
Robbins-Pianka |
Jonah Center |
Middletown |
Connecticut |
As I approach my 75th birthday, I prefer to use public transportation more frequently. Modern highway traffic is challenging and I appreciate the advent of rail transportation between Hartford and... read more As I approach my 75th birthday, I prefer to use public transportation more frequently. Modern highway traffic is challenging and I appreciate the advent of rail transportation between Hartford and New a York City. If only there could be a train all the way to Bradley Field ! What a boon that would be! |
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12/15/2019 |
Barbara M |
Devine |
Ms |
E Sandwich |
Massachusetts |
Please STOP this HEIST. Fix the s**t that is broken. MBTA. Please STOP this HEIST. Fix the s**t that is broken. MBTA. |
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10/9/2019 |
Barbara |
Dunham |
Tax payer |
South Berwick |
Maine |
Maine being a rural state, with many residents that are retired, and many Refugees, there is no way to have public transportation. Putting an additional tax on fuel for vehicles and heating is NOT... read more Maine being a rural state, with many residents that are retired, and many Refugees, there is no way to have public transportation. Putting an additional tax on fuel for vehicles and heating is NOT going to make a difference. The only difference is the amount of tax that is collected, that would not help the citizens of will only line the pockets of the state government. Please use common sense Govenor Mills and DO sign up for this horrible Transportation and Climate Initiative. |
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10/27/2019 |
Barbara |
Dunham |
Citizen |
South Berwick |
Maine |
Since Maine is made. Up of largely rural areas. We don't have public transportation. We have a large senior citizens who live on social security. It is not unusual for seniors to travel 10 or... read more Since Maine is made. Up of largely rural areas. We don't have public transportation. We have a large senior citizens who live on social security. It is not unusual for seniors to travel 10 or more miles for medical appointments. Many residents travel 15 or more miles for work,and 10 or more miles for groceries. Are you going to put citizens out of work? Are you going to put seniors who will not get medical care because they cannot afford gas? How is putting a high tax on gas really going to help the Climate Initiative? Let's use common sense, and do not punish the people of Maine with additional taxes. |
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11/5/2019 |
Barbara |
Kiss |
General Motors |
Detroit |
Michigan |
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TCI_GMComment_FINAL 1.pdf |
11/6/2019 |
Barbara |
Wynroth |
none |
Burlington |
Vermont |
My two major concerns are Lake Champlain and other bodies of water, and air quality - particularly in Burlington.
The degradation of Lake Champlain due to road runoff, sewage spill... read more My two major concerns are Lake Champlain and other bodies of water, and air quality - particularly in Burlington.
The degradation of Lake Champlain due to road runoff, sewage spill, algae and farming practices, as well as Vermont's
lakes and rivers, is deeply concerning.
The concentration on roads and parking lots at the expense of solutions such as light rail and rail connecting Vermont is repeating
the past and compounding present problems. |
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11/12/2019 |
Barbara |
Mell |
Retired |
Abington |
Massachusetts |
This TCI is nothing but a subversive attempt to impose a new version of the automatic gas tax that we, the voters, said HELL NO to in 2014. Not everyone in Massachusetts is asleep. And those of... read more This TCI is nothing but a subversive attempt to impose a new version of the automatic gas tax that we, the voters, said HELL NO to in 2014. Not everyone in Massachusetts is asleep. And those of us who aren't are going to spread the word, as far and wide as we can, and expose you for the crooks you are. We will know who NOT to vote for in the future. |
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