TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

NO MORE TAXES!! NO TAXES DISGUISED AS SOME SORT OF FEEL-GOOD INITIATIVE! WE VOTED THE GAS TAX OUT, STOP TRYING TO BRING IT BACK!

Transportation is Vermont's largest contributor to carbon emissions, so focusing particularly on reducing reliance on fossil fuel power transportation is particularly relevant and important for Vermont. I urge joining and participating in the TCI.

I'm really grateful this initiative is becoming a priority. As we develop a regional policy, I think it is important to ensure there is a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032, a focus on an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%), and request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit.

I think it is up to policy makers to begin thinking about how we prioritize land uses and where we allocate funds - whether to complete street and transit improvement or highway expansion. I implore this group to advocate for the transportation trust fund to shift it's funding from an 80/20 split prioritizing road improvements and switch to an 80/20 focus with a priority on transit and complete street design.

the TCI should be engaged provided 1.) the tax isn't regressive, that is that those most able to pay carry the burden, 2.) provided the most basic due diligence is done, that is, that the data that overwhelmingly supports the thesis that it is CO2, one of the fossil fuels combustion products, that is the primary driver of climate, and that this is ascertained and made clear and public 3.) that the CO2 increase constitutes a "climate crisis" demonstrated by data, not just "studies," or hearsay from other sources, that is made public, 4.) that the CO2 increase benefits--greater harvests of all agricultural sorts and others--are out weighed by the damages it causes, 5.) that it's shown that the reduction in CO2 will have a measurable benefit to life and out weigh the benefits that the use of fossil fuels have brought the world and remain to come to those peoples who have lacked these developmental benefits thus far. This is a list of minimum requirements. Others will appear and must also be considered.
And, just to check, please answer this question: "In 1950 there were about 5000 of the climate-crisis pin-up icon, endangered polar bears in the Arctic. Mankind having done nothing to address "Climate Change," the polar bear population has been reduced to...how many polar bears? How many of these threatened, iconic bears are there now in the Arctic/"

With our suburban, spread out neighborhoods we have to have cars just to get food. There are many towns that we can't get to in a timely manner on Cape Cod because the CCRT's one bus at a time makes travel without a car, especially for visitors, too timely. It would take a whole day to ride busses from Falmouth to Provincetown. I'm not complaining about CCRT because I know it is a lifeline for many Cape residents. Trains from Cape Cod to Boston would help with commuters and locals with business or fun in Boston. The traffic to the Steamship Authority ferry terminal in Woods Hole is extremely polluting and intrusive to local residents. More public transit would be most useful there.

Maine is treasured for it's clean air, water, and clear blue skies. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy the CLEAN air and beautiful night skies!! Certainly Maine is desperate for more affordable transportation, BUT at what costs? Negative inducements like taxes, do NOT work! What we really need are positive incentives, supportive government, and investors that believe in clean transportation initiatives! The technology is out there and Maine is "ripe" for investors and developers of clean transportation. We should be doing all we can as a state to promote clean energy and transportation. The time is NOW!

I support this initiative. If we are to save our planet from the worst effects of climate change, we need organized efforts like these across many carbon producing sectors. A few important points to recognize and support:
• Connecticut’s transportation sector is the biggest single emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the state at 38% of the total. This is a climate crisis, and we must immediately work to address the greatest challenge of our generation.

• I support a transportation plan that is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution while investing in sustainable transportation modes. Bus transit, rail, walking, and biking must be improved across the state, especially in cities and town centers.
• This transportation plan is also a land use plan, and we must stop investing in a sprawling, unsustainable development model. Future development in the state must be in cities, town centers, and near transit stations.
• We should not be investing in expanding interstates. Expanding our interstates in Connecticut both increases emissions in the long term from induced demand and increased driving while putting development pressure on the state’s dwindling forests and farms.
• Many cities and towns in the region have shovel-ready plans to improve transit, rail, and active transportation. We must invest in a future with more people on buses, trains, on foot, and riding bicycles. That future includes more transit-oriented development in walkable communities.
• Addressing greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles also means immediate health benefits for our most overburdened populations as a result of improved air quality and fewer emissions of localized pollutants responsible for cancer and respiratory and cardiovascular ailments, among other adverse health impacts.

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.