10/9/2019 |
Will |
Swan |
Maine Resident |
Lyman |
Maine |
I staunchly against any initiative for the state of Maine that will increase taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, we pay one of the highest taxes in the nation already well I care about the planet... read more I staunchly against any initiative for the state of Maine that will increase taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel, we pay one of the highest taxes in the nation already well I care about the planet use the money you already have stop charging us more. Thank you for your consideration and please do not charge us the taxpayers any more money we already pay too much as it is. |
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1/16/2020 |
Will |
Blake |
Member |
Bath |
Maine |
Dear People, I strongly support modernization of the North South corridor of the Eastern United States. Having enjoyed the privilege of riding on high speed trains in Spain and France, I strongly... read more Dear People, I strongly support modernization of the North South corridor of the Eastern United States. Having enjoyed the privilege of riding on high speed trains in Spain and France, I strongly support the creation of a high speed train corridor for the Eastern United States. In my experience the trains are faster and far more comfortable than traveling by plane or car. It is way past time for this country to invest in infrastructure that benefits all citizens. Thank you for your time. |
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2/26/2020 |
Will |
Fraser |
Clean Air Council |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
I support Pennsylvania joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). Environmental advocates across the region believe this is a critical step to improving transportation and addressing... read more I support Pennsylvania joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). Environmental advocates across the region believe this is a critical step to improving transportation and addressing the climate crisis and a strong initiative is paramount to combating climate change. Please insure TCI includes a strong program that invests in public transportation, biking, walking, and prioritizes equity.
Thanks,
Will |
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2/28/2020 |
will |
cembalest |
Middlebury College Student |
brooklyn |
New York |
To Whom it May Concern,
I appreciate being given the chance to provide my own feedback to the TCI. My name is Will Cembalest and I am an environmental economics major at Middlebury... read more To Whom it May Concern,
I appreciate being given the chance to provide my own feedback to the TCI. My name is Will Cembalest and I am an environmental economics major at Middlebury College, spending this spring term assessing the environmental, social and economic dynamics of Vermont’s transportation systems. I am commenting on behalf of myself, and holding true to the best interests of the Addison County region. Vermont’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions is the transportation sector, so this program can effectively catalyze positive change in Vermont, and across the northeast region.
I would like to draw attention to MOU section I.3, Offsets, which addresses the regulations on the entity compliance and flexibility. The language used to discuss this directive is too tolerant of the state fuel suppliers. Engaging in carbon offset programs allows the state fuel suppliers to generally maintain their status quo operations, and fund alternative projects which may not most effectively support burdening low-income communities. This carbon offset procedure must set forth very stringent regulations to best support the rural communities in Vermont.
Carbon offset programs are very effective where certain carbon-mitigating, progressive projects are unable to attract the capital input necessary; the revenues from the offsets can decrease the technological and financial risk associated with the project. However, in many cases, fuel suppliers will engage in carbon offsets because they can be cheaper than using their own internal funds to invest in cutting their in-house greenhouse gas emissions. The largest issue with this scheme is that the carbon offset project would have been “implemented anyway”, which was found in a study conducted in 2010 looking at the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation in Alberta, Canada. In this case, a project such as switching fuels from diesel to natural gas, or installing energy efficient commercial heaters when the dilapidated burners needed replacement anyway, qualified as a GHG offset. This did not shift their emissions from their business as usual scenario, and failed to uphold the overall goal of the regulation: forcing polluters to make innovative changes to decrease emissions from the business as usual case.
If the program proves successful in the short run, it should eliminate the availability to purchase carbon offsets as an alternative, and make it an additional expenditure which state fuel providers can engage in if they wish. Under the RGGI program, which has proven successful by decreasing power plant emissions by 90% relative to the rest of the U.S, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire have all disbanded the ability to purchase offsets, described on the RGGI website. This indicates their intentions to decrease the polluter’s agency in dodging internal emissions reduction investments. For the time being, the offset program can exist only if the revenues from the project financially assist the residents within the TCI regions in transitioning towards a green fuel economy. Nowhere in the MOU is it specifically stated what kind of emissions offset projects they wish to engage in, nor the direct intention to positively impact low-income citizens. There must be several criteria for the offset project, recommended by the National Resource Defense Council. First, the offset project should be verified before the implementation of the project, not after a group collects the proceeds. Then, the project must be enforceable, where a third-party ensures its execution. Lastly, the offset must be permanent, guaranteeing that the positive impacts from project persist into the future.
Since it is the citizens of the states who are bearing the consequences of increased gas prices under the TCI and face future burdens of climate change in these regions, the proceeds are needed to support them in the transition towards a greener fuel economy. This would include initiatives like electric vehicle charging stations or subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles. Nowhere is it mentioned that the offset projects will remain within the premises of the states.
If this offset program were to exist, they must truly limit the amount of carbon offsets the state fuel supplier is able to purchase over the lifespan of the program, and additionally, the proceeds must be allocated towards specifically assisting in electrifying the fuel economy.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Will Cembalest
|
TCIPublicComment_Cembalest.pdf |
2/29/2020 |
Will |
Brieger |
Pacific Fleet Charging LLC |
Sacramento |
California |
Please see our attached comment letter. Please see our attached comment letter. |
2020-02-28 TCI comment letter.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
WF |
Clement |
Citizen |
Gaithersburg |
Maryland |
Please partner with states and regions nationally to reduce pollution - modernize and transform transportation systems with clean, equitable solutions - there is no Plan(et) B. Please partner with states and regions nationally to reduce pollution - modernize and transform transportation systems with clean, equitable solutions - there is no Plan(et) B. |
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1/16/2020 |
Wendy |
MacAuley |
Ms |
Montclair |
New Jersey |
It's encouraging to know that organizations like yours are beginning to take active steps to contain the pollutants in our environment. We cannot afford to delay in this critical matter--not... read more It's encouraging to know that organizations like yours are beginning to take active steps to contain the pollutants in our environment. We cannot afford to delay in this critical matter--not if we want to continue to live on this planet. |
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1/22/2020 |
Wendy |
Thatcher Hall |
Maine resident |
Appleton |
Maine |
I am adamantly opposed to our state joining this initiative. Maine is a mostly rural state, where reliable, cost effective personal transportation is essential. Those of us who live in the rural... read more I am adamantly opposed to our state joining this initiative. Maine is a mostly rural state, where reliable, cost effective personal transportation is essential. Those of us who live in the rural areas do not have the advantages afforded to densely populated areas, such as walking distance amenities. Grocery stores, doctors, pharmacies and other necessities are a 20 minute or longer drive. We are dependent on affordable gas and heating fuel to live here. The TCI initiative will significantly raise prices for the consumer. Unfortunately, Governor Janet Mills seems unwilling to support the needs and wishes of Maine people. |
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1/23/2020 |
Wendy |
Hinckley |
Nonya |
Marlborough |
Massachusetts |
Climate Initiative is a BS and YOU know it and so don't we! We are sick of being taxed to death! ENOUGH!!! I am ready to leave this awful state! read more Climate Initiative is a BS and YOU know it and so don't we! We are sick of being taxed to death! ENOUGH!!! I am ready to leave this awful state! |
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2/24/2020 |
Wendy |
Holder |
Progressive Democrat/Social Democrat |
State College |
Pennsylvania |
Dear Governor Wolf,
My husband and I are thrilled that you're considering joining 11 other states to form a regional initiative, the Transportation and Climate Initiative. The truth... read more Dear Governor Wolf,
My husband and I are thrilled that you're considering joining 11 other states to form a regional initiative, the Transportation and Climate Initiative. The truth is, we don't have that much time before climate change overtakes us. The oil and gas emissions are not only building up rapidly in our sky but also in our lungs. Reducing pollution from all motor vehicles, including the whole range of trucks, is one of the best ways to reduce Pennsylvania's and the Northeast's pollution. Our bus system here in State College uses propane, which is a gas, but I don't smell or see any emissions. That doesn't mean there are none. We have no time to lose. Please make TCI a priority and work as quickly as possible to reduce the impact of carbon pollution.
P.S. Any idea or plans for banning "Fracking" altogether?
Sincerely,
Wendy |
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2/24/2020 |
Wendy |
Buhner |
Caring parent / farmer |
Wells River |
Vermont |
We are in support of all efforts to reduce carbon emissions and feel that any action taken in that direction is a step towards collectively caring for our planet. We are in support of all efforts to reduce carbon emissions and feel that any action taken in that direction is a step towards collectively caring for our planet. |
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2/27/2020 |
Wendy |
Thatcher Hall |
Retired community member in rural maine |
Appleton |
Maine |
I am very concerned with environmental issues. I live frugally and with a keen eye to minimizing use of plastics and other waste. We are in a rural area of Maine where personal transportation is... read more I am very concerned with environmental issues. I live frugally and with a keen eye to minimizing use of plastics and other waste. We are in a rural area of Maine where personal transportation is essential. There is no public transportation. Maine’s estimated $.17 per gallon increase in gas price, as well as increase in heating oil price, and likely propane as well, will be a critical hardship on middle and low income people.There is no alternative for us.
“In the public debate surrounding this program, especially in the media, confusion exists over whether regulated entities will pass the costs of purchasing allowances onto consumers who buy motor fuels. To be 100% clear, and eliminate any confusion, these costs, and the costs necessary to comply with this program by regulated entities (these costs) *will be reflected in retail motor fuel prices that consumers pay*.” |
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2/28/2020 |
Wendie |
Grader-Beck |
Sierra Club |
Reisterstown |
Maryland |
As a physician, I am fully in support of this initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions & invest in public & private transportation that does not emit carbon. The infrastructure to... read more As a physician, I am fully in support of this initiative to reduce greenhouse emissions & invest in public & private transportation that does not emit carbon. The infrastructure to support this can be funded through a cap and invest program. The benefits of “clean” transportation will decrease expenditures in health costs. Recent research reveals a correlation between hospitalizations and deaths attributable to local levels of air pollution. The benefits of this initiative are well beyond just greenhouse emissions. |
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12/28/2019 |
WAYNE |
CHIAPPINI |
none |
Carver |
Massachusetts |
we don't need any more tax increases. read more we don't need any more tax increases. |
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1/16/2020 |
Wayne |
Meeks |
Yale University |
Hamden |
Connecticut |
Transportation remains one of our main sources of air pollution and climate change--and one that involves every one of us. But to make significant improvement requires more than individual... read more Transportation remains one of our main sources of air pollution and climate change--and one that involves every one of us. But to make significant improvement requires more than individual efforts. We are therefore counting on initiatives like TCI to assure that our children and grandchildren can live in a safe environment. |
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1/17/2020 |
Wayne |
Truax |
Citizen |
Dillsburg |
Pennsylvania |
Climate change is a man made situation caused by increased CO2 in the earth's atmosphere and reducing consumption of fossil fuels plays an integral part of the solution. Having a good public... read more Climate change is a man made situation caused by increased CO2 in the earth's atmosphere and reducing consumption of fossil fuels plays an integral part of the solution. Having a good public transportation system can reduce carbon emissions. |
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2/27/2020 |
Wayne |
Adams |
Human race |
Sanford |
Maine |
Hard working Mainers live in a rural state. We need to drive to work, school, the store and any other place we need to go or be. We cant walk or ride a bike 20 miles to the doctor or pharmacy. I... read more Hard working Mainers live in a rural state. We need to drive to work, school, the store and any other place we need to go or be. We cant walk or ride a bike 20 miles to the doctor or pharmacy. I live in a small city, so I could walk to the store to buy a bag of chips, if its not snowing and if the sidewalks are plowed and free of ice(yeah right). Please think before you act. |
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12/1/2019 |
warren |
nickerson |
SMG |
cotuit |
Massachusetts |
This is outrageous. Only Ma. house of representatives can legislate a tax. Calling what is a tax is a fee, that is phony baloney. The people of Ma made clear a few years ago, WE DO NOT WANT A GAS... read more This is outrageous. Only Ma. house of representatives can legislate a tax. Calling what is a tax is a fee, that is phony baloney. The people of Ma made clear a few years ago, WE DO NOT WANT A GAS TAX. Stop trying to pick our pockets with your over the top fear mongering re: global warming/climate change. We've had climate change for thousands of years and you're trying to destroy our economy and especially hurt the poor with your stupid policies. warren nickerson |
Untitled.pdf |
2/27/2020 |
Warren |
Riess |
Independent voter |
Bristol |
Maine |
I haven't had time to check out everyone's comments, but I have a suggestion for our states. We should have some now and many in the future electric car and truck charging stations at... read more I haven't had time to check out everyone's comments, but I have a suggestion for our states. We should have some now and many in the future electric car and truck charging stations at every state service center along the highways. If they are in front of the restaurant (etc.) buildings, maybe covered by EV paneled roofs, they would have at least five benefits:
• help those of us who live in the state to travel with electric cars and trucks,
• encourage people with plug in cars to travel to our states,
• encourage others who see the charging stations to consider electric vehicles,
• of course help offset some of the intense pollution caused by fossil fuel vehicles,
• and encourage people to stop and have a rest or meal for a half hour or more as their vehicle charges.
All of these reasons would help all of us directly and indirectly. |
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5/9/2020 |
WARREN |
TUCKER |
DLF Group LLC |
Willingboro |
New Jersey |
Our team is sharing an emission-free technology with France, Germany, Great Britian, Costa Rica and many more countries seeking to reduce the pollution and particle matter in their environment.... Our team is sharing an emission-free technology with France, Germany, Great Britian, Costa Rica and many more countries seeking to reduce the pollution and particle matter in their environment. |
UBER_Investigative_Report_on_NMVs.pdf |