2/27/2020 |
Ann |
Thompson |
Teaching Artist |
Biddeford Pool |
Maine |
I am a citizen in the rapidly developing city of Biddeford, Maine. Although Biddeford and Saco are adding many residential units in formerly vacant mills they are not adequately anticipating the... read more I am a citizen in the rapidly developing city of Biddeford, Maine. Although Biddeford and Saco are adding many residential units in formerly vacant mills they are not adequately anticipating the transportation emergency that may result with no clear public transportation adaptations. Extended diesel spewing bus routes will not be enough or good for our environment. Low cost electric shuttles might be an answer in addition to bikeways and pedestrian malls. Alternatives need to be proposed.
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1/16/2020 |
Anka |
Jhangiani |
Mrs |
Reston |
Virginia |
Good fast clean public transportation would be a good start to reduce carbon emissions. Good fast clean public transportation would be a good start to reduce carbon emissions. |
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2/26/2020 |
Anita |
Pomerance |
EarthMatters |
Pawlet |
Vermont |
I feel that dealing with climate change is an extremely urgent, as the extremes of weather demonstrate, and changing current trends takes much more change in or behavior than has been seen so fat... read more I feel that dealing with climate change is an extremely urgent, as the extremes of weather demonstrate, and changing current trends takes much more change in or behavior than has been seen so fat. I believe in the prediction of the scientific community, who predict that at our current dealing with current consumption our arriving at the sixth extinction of most life on this planet, Transportation is an important part of current habits that cause harm. It is one of many ways we can work to reduce the problem, but relatively easy to carry out, as it's in the public eye. At age 85, I'm deeply troubled not only for myself, but for my children, grandchildren, not to mention all humanity, and the animals, plants, and or entire beautiful planet.
I'm heartened to see that young people are becoming involved, as the are most in harm's way. At S |
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10/14/2020 |
Anita |
Wisch |
Wildlife and Environmental Conservation |
Valencia |
California |
The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) should design a program that will reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
It should include:
- A minimum of... read more The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) should design a program that will reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
It should include:
- A minimum of 35% of investments from the program will go to underserved and overburdened communities
- The creation of state advisory boards and community outreach
- An annual review of the program to ensure transparency
- Complementary policies determined by each state |
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11/13/2019 |
Angeline |
Benoit |
citizen |
READING |
Massachusetts |
The legislatures make the laws. We the people have a right to vote on this. Charlie Baker, This is not Cuba! The legislatures make the laws. We the people have a right to vote on this. Charlie Baker, This is not Cuba! |
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11/12/2019 |
Angela |
Sciandra |
Massachusetts Taxpayer |
Reading |
Massachusetts |
Elected officials shall not allow any automatic tax (or whatever you want to call it). To all elected officials: Do Your Job! Elected officials shall not allow any automatic tax (or whatever you want to call it). To all elected officials: Do Your Job! |
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1/16/2020 |
Angela |
Plagge |
Mrs. |
Etna |
New Hampshire |
We must reduce pollution and one of the best areas to control pollution is in transportation. Please have NH join the efforts to reduce emissions and pay attention to equity in areas that are... read more We must reduce pollution and one of the best areas to control pollution is in transportation. Please have NH join the efforts to reduce emissions and pay attention to equity in areas that are most in need. Thank you for moving forward with this bipartisan state initiative (while the federal government moves backwards!). |
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5/18/2020 |
Angela |
King |
Bicycle Coalition of Maine |
Portland |
Maine |
It was brought to my attention that TCI has marginalized the importance of creating more bike/ped infrastructure. I received this excerpt from your report: "Due to the physical exertion and... read more It was brought to my attention that TCI has marginalized the importance of creating more bike/ped infrastructure. I received this excerpt from your report: "Due to the physical exertion and relatively slow pace, bicycle and pedestrian trips tend to be short in length (on average, not more than five miles for the former, and two miles for the latter) (EPA, 2011), meaning that these modes are unlikely to be viable substitutes for trips between more distant locales, no matter what measures are put in place to encourage their use. It has also been found that walking, in particular, is more likely to be used for recreation, rather than as a commuting option for workers (EPA 2011)." This does not take into consideration what has been proven in places that have good bicycle infrastructure. People will choose to bicycle even long distances if they feel safe and comfortable on the roads. Copenhagen is one example where the bike ways they made have increased the distance people will commute. This is an environmental as well as a public health issue. Obesity in the U.S. is a problem, and highlighted at this time when obesity is making Americans more susceptible to Covid-19. Please change your position and reasoning on bike/ped infrastructure so that more people and groups will support TCI. The more travel by human power the better for the health of the environment and people. And while electric cars may eventually help, currently only 18% of U.S. electricity is from renewable sources, the rest is from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. |
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1/16/2020 |
Andy |
Middleton |
concerned citizen |
Laporte |
Pennsylvania |
I care deeply about reducing pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I would like our state/commonwealth of... read more I care deeply about reducing pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I would like our state/commonwealth of Pennsylvania to formally join the plan to reduce emissions.
I demand that the policy has a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
I do appreciate the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward. |
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2/24/2020 |
Andy |
Middleton |
concerned citizen |
Laporte |
Pennsylvania |
Please help lead the NE States to create a truly carbon neutral, or, even better, zero carbon, transportation network. There is no time to waste, and the urgency means that the goals of climate... read more Please help lead the NE States to create a truly carbon neutral, or, even better, zero carbon, transportation network. There is no time to waste, and the urgency means that the goals of climate neutral transportation for millions of Americans are far more important than the often distorted jobs vs. environment misinformation of the fossil fuel industry. We need to be fossil free as soon as possible, because, quite literally, the future of life on earth depends on it! |
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2/28/2020 |
Andy |
Robinson |
Andy Robinson Consulting LLC |
Plainfield |
Vermont |
As the owner of a Vermont-based business with clients around the country, I strongly support the TCI. It's a big step toward reducing our carbon emissions and also makes economic sense... read more As the owner of a Vermont-based business with clients around the country, I strongly support the TCI. It's a big step toward reducing our carbon emissions and also makes economic sense because:
1. We import 100% of our gas, propane, and heating oil from outside of Vermont. Many of those states will join TCI and then pass the costs to consumers further down the line, including in Vermont. If we don't join, then we're stuck with the costs without receiving any of the benefits.
2. About a quarter of fossil fuels sold in Vermont are purchased by tourists and other travelers. TCI proceeds will be distributed based on fuel sales within each state, so we will receive back more in revenues than Vermonters contribute.
Note to Governor Scott: This is an opportunity to earn more than we spend and use that money to support the Vermonters who need it the most. You have often encouraged a regional approach to climate change -- well, this is it. It's a rational, thoughtful, equitable, and economically valid solution. I urge your support.
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2/21/2020 |
Andrianna |
Stuart |
Democrat |
Clinton |
Maryland |
I am proud that my state, where I was born and raised, is part of this initiative. Maryland, known as miniature America, is one of the most beautiful states. This initiative will allow us to... read more I am proud that my state, where I was born and raised, is part of this initiative. Maryland, known as miniature America, is one of the most beautiful states. This initiative will allow us to remain so and to be a leader in saving our planet. I think good steps would be
requiring all buses to be electric ASAP and requiring all new road and gas station construction to include charging stations. |
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10/27/2019 |
Andrew |
Allen |
Libertarian |
Unio |
Maine |
This is a raw deal for over 3/4ths of the state of maine i strongly oppose increasing our already astronomical tax burden. I fail to see how raising taxes will accomplish anything but put more... read more This is a raw deal for over 3/4ths of the state of maine i strongly oppose increasing our already astronomical tax burden. I fail to see how raising taxes will accomplish anything but put more strain on rural people like myself whom have no option of pupblic transportation or electric cars |
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10/27/2019 |
Andrew |
Losiewicz |
Constatutionalist |
Westmanland |
Maine |
What is this going to do to offset the other countries who do nothing. What is this going to do to offset on erupting volcano? Maine is a lush green state with more trees than people, someone... read more What is this going to do to offset the other countries who do nothing. What is this going to do to offset on erupting volcano? Maine is a lush green state with more trees than people, someone show me the study of Maine's carbon foot print. |
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10/30/2019 |
Andrew |
Hill |
Self |
Augusta |
Maine |
The TCI policy is designed to create a high cost bureaucracy that will fail to impact regional emissions of carbon. This effort in wealth redistribution is a ploy without determining any... read more The TCI policy is designed to create a high cost bureaucracy that will fail to impact regional emissions of carbon. This effort in wealth redistribution is a ploy without determining any substantial benefit in lowering carbon emissions from the transportation sector. US energy policy has already shown significant reductions in CO2 from increased use of natural gas, allowing the US to be a world leader in CO2 reduction. Temperature data from the US Climate Reference Network (USCRN) has demonstrated a reduction in temperature since 2005 with any recent increases in CO2 levels, thereby disproving any correlation between temperature and CO2 levels. The TCI program has not demonstrated it would have any beneficial impact on temperature. As a part of a global community, any US actions (which have shown a reduction in CO2 generation) are outweighed by other nations (e.g. China, India) that will continue to develop their economies and CO2 emissions. |
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11/5/2019 |
Andrew |
Kambour |
The Nature Conservancy |
Arlington |
Virginia |
Please see the attached comments from The Nature Conservancy on the framework for a draft regional policy proposal. Please see the attached comments from The Nature Conservancy on the framework for a draft regional policy proposal. |
TNC Comments - TCI Draft Framework 11-5-19.pdf |
11/12/2019 |
Andrew |
Palange |
U.S. Citizen |
Lewiston |
Maine |
NO carbon taxes! NO carbon fees! NO carbon taxes! NO carbon fees! |
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11/13/2019 |
Andrew |
Baumler |
None |
Kennebunk |
Maine |
This is nothing more than a regressive tax on the working class without elected officials having any accountability.
This is a sham. This is nothing more than a regressive tax on the working class without elected officials having any accountability.
This is a sham. |
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12/22/2019 |
Andrew |
Macdonald |
Independent |
North Kingstown |
Rhode Island |
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1/3/2020 |
Andrew |
Chalnick |
South Burlington Resident |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
Scientists are screaming at the top of their lungs that we are in a crisis.
A sample of recent headlines:
“Climate change: Oceans running out of oxygen as temperatures... read more Scientists are screaming at the top of their lungs that we are in a crisis.
A sample of recent headlines:
“Climate change: Oceans running out of oxygen as temperatures rise”
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50690995?fbclid=IwAR2Fl4Xz8w3zJXs_lN9Pk5RYzwRHZLAy6_s_E7Aqx6xjPIvrOEdkoaNTF70)
“U.N. chief warns of ‘point of no return’ on climate change”
https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/01/climate-change-point-no-return-074610)
“In bleak report, U.N. says drastic action is only way to avoid worst effects of climate change”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/11/26/bleak-report-un-says-drastic-action-is-only-way-avoid-worst-impacts-climate-change/?fbclid=IwAR3uSyLx-bPcrIrc7CXYsJIiNkOATN6WV0LbqHhiegq0Z1Cjgzcg92B7waY)
“World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency”
https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biz088/5610806?fbclid=IwAR0VYvHA8g8GeRbrtbwsc7iqLIIeZAJxOO7Xrc8Gqe1Ahp-A7NveFHrT6Gg)
In the face of this, we must do everything possible to reduce fossil fuel use to avoid handing our children a dystopian future. Why must Vermont act when we are such a small state? Because climate change is a collective problem and collective problems can only be solved through collective action - if each small actor decides their contribution is not meaningful, no one will act.
Critical to the TCI is that it raises the price of fossil fuels for transportation - when things are more expensive people use less. There is no more efficient way to get people to use less fossil fuel and no more efficient way to transition the economy way from fossil fuels. This is the uniform conclusion of virtually every economist and every economic group, including the World Bank and the IMF. As the World Bank’s president said ”to our economists, who have been studying this for quite some time, there is an obvious consensus that putting a price on carbon pollution is by far the most powerful and efficient way to reduce emissions.”
However, key to an equitable and durable policy is to use at least some of the revenue to help the working people and the poor, especially in Vermont’s rural areas. This can be done through a targeted carbon dividend to those least able to afford increased fuel prices.
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