2/1/2020 |
Carl |
Wardwell |
Independent |
Waterville |
Maine |
I am a small business owner and operate a delivery business in the waterville area. the tci policy as it is now is the worst plan to reduce emmissions which from what i read is the "intent... read more I am a small business owner and operate a delivery business in the waterville area. the tci policy as it is now is the worst plan to reduce emmissions which from what i read is the "intent" of the tci proposal. taxing fuel further will increase operating costs for all transportation services by increasing their anual fuel costs by approximately 7.5% seems like a small ammount for a good cause until you look at it further take my small business to start in a year i will purchase just over 850 gallons of gasoline this is running a 30 mpg vehicle at optimal fuel consumption. which equates to just $144.50 more in fuel costs. i have still maintained the same carbon emissions the same can be said for oter companies as well lets look at a trucking and freight company, an 18 wheeler gets roughly 5.3 mpg runs 3,000 miles per week and annually will consume 29,434 gallons of fuel. which means every operating 18 wheeler will be taxed an additional $5,003.78 and has not altered its carbon emissions not to mention the operating cost which will be passed along to the consumer. now i would say it makes more since to adopt something like the california emissions laws. it would be better to impose a fee for failing an emissions test rather than paying more for doing your job and paying another tax for fuel. these fees can fund projects on atmospheric carbon scrubbing projects which will clean the already poluted air and at the same time will do more than encourage drivers to lower emissions, new cars sold will already meet or exceede these emissions requirements and older vehicles can either be brought up to code at the owners expense or end up with fines for failing the emissions test. trucking companies, cab companies, public transport, mail couriers and so many others will be forced to do 3 things! 1 look into overhauling its logistics to deliver more efficiently 2 bring all operating vehicles up to code for emissions and 3 pay for not meeting emissions testing. and these emissions tests and fines can be anual with vehicle inspections and a part of d.o.t highway checks imposing a fee for every mile driven after the initial fine is issued until an emissions test is passed will also encourage these high emission vehicles to be parked and cease operation until they meet code. bottom line taxing the fuel needed to run your business or to commute to work or deliver essential goods across the united states is a terrible idea! i understand a road tax it pays for infrastructure repairs and upkeep and new roadways bridges etc. but saying no matter how low your emissions are you get to pay the same ammount as everyone else is crazy! we have all seen diesel pickup trucks take off from a stop and "rolling coal" because its fun, how is it fair they pay $0.17 while im sitting here in a ford focus. another outcome could be the forced purchase of ev's which simply changes the source of this pollution and new england does not have an effective infrastructure for ev charging or even repair. please reconsider the proposal and target offenders with fees rather than all purchases of road fuel, and use these fees to fund existing atmosphere pollution elimination projects. thank you! |
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11/2/2019 |
Hilary |
Ware |
concerned citizen |
Norway |
Maine |
Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people.
Maine people deserve clean, modern, affordable... read more Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people.
Maine people deserve clean, modern, affordable transportation options that deliver economic, health, and climate benefits to local communities.
It makes sense for Maine to work with neighboring states through TCI’s bipartisan, proven policy model.
It is absolutely the right thing to do to move toward a cleaner, sustainable climate friendly future. |
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1/16/2020 |
Zoe |
Warner |
concerned resident of PA and mother |
Malvern |
Pennsylvania |
I have a PhD in City and Regional Planning. One of the issues we frequently discuss is inefficient transportation systems and auto-dependency. One priority should be to improve train travel... read more I have a PhD in City and Regional Planning. One of the issues we frequently discuss is inefficient transportation systems and auto-dependency. One priority should be to improve train travel throughout this reason. With improved train service, it would be possible to travel from Washington DC to Boston with greatly reduced emissions.
I often think of these transportation issues and how they play out at the local level. I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I experience inefficiencies and auto-related gridlock daily. In Chester County we are expected to add 140,000 people in the next 20 years. On neighborhood forums, I see the tendency to want to reject all development, which is not possible when considering the projected population growth. A major reason for not wanting more development is the overburdened infrastructure that will become increasingly inefficient with more cars on the road. We need a solution that will provide other means of local and regional transportation. These local transportation solutions should be part of the scaffolding of a regional transportation system.
Creating an enforceable limit on transportation pollution and investing in clean, modern mobility solutions across the region will reduce vehicle emissions, especially GHG emissions; support clear air initiatives; and improve the quality of life of residents in these states. A regional planning initiative is long overdue, but I am grateful that the process has begun. I request that Pennsylvania will formally join the plan to reduce emissions. This bipartisan project will provide an example to the rest of the country, demonstrating that state jurisdictions can do this important but difficult work even as our federal government continues to roll back regulations and refuses to address issues that will make us competitive in the future. I also hope this policy will prioritize clean energy investments on behalf of all residents, especially those in areas overburdened by pollution or in areas where access to clean energy options are limited. |
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11/4/2019 |
Greta |
Warren |
Maine Conservation Voters |
Augusta |
Maine |
Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. |
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1/16/2020 |
Roxanne |
Warren |
Ms. |
New York |
New York |
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2/21/2020 |
Carol |
Warren |
Retired |
Chesapeake |
Virginia |
Sustainable and convenient transportation is greatly needed. We need to get more cars off our roads to help reduce carbon emissions. Convenient and reliable public transportation is needed to... read more Sustainable and convenient transportation is greatly needed. We need to get more cars off our roads to help reduce carbon emissions. Convenient and reliable public transportation is needed to help our citizens who cannot afford or have problems maintaining a personal vehicle. I have recently downsized to one vehicle for our household and would use public transportation more if it was convenient. Let's reduce the number of cars on our highways to help with climate change and the stress that congestion brings to our citizens. |
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11/2/2019 |
Robert |
Warrington |
Human |
South Paris |
Maine |
Please develop a low carbon emissions plan for the transportation industry. Our future survival depends on making these types of changes.
Robert Warrington Please develop a low carbon emissions plan for the transportation industry. Our future survival depends on making these types of changes.
Robert Warrington |
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2/25/2020 |
Karina |
Warshaw |
Vermont resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott, please support the TCI - it makes financial and environmental sense. Your common sense support of this regional advancement in transportation will be reflected in a more... read more Dear Governor Scott, please support the TCI - it makes financial and environmental sense. Your common sense support of this regional advancement in transportation will be reflected in a more sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. I urge you to stand by future generations and sign on to the TCI. Best Regards, Karina Warshaw |
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1/16/2020 |
Robert |
Wasilewski |
An Automobile Driver |
Wilkes Barre |
Pennsylvania |
I support the Obama era, or stricter, clean car standards. Climate change deniers must not be allowed to weaken vehicle efficiency standards. We already are suffering the consequences of climate... read more I support the Obama era, or stricter, clean car standards. Climate change deniers must not be allowed to weaken vehicle efficiency standards. We already are suffering the consequences of climate change. Our leaders must take advantage of every means to halt and reverse the upward trend in global temperatures and to lessen the effects of the changing climate. |
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2/25/2020 |
Robert |
Wasilewski |
None |
Wilkes Barre |
Pennsylvania |
I am writing to express my support for the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI).
Transportation is responsible for much of Pennsylvania's, and the nation's,... read more I am writing to express my support for the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI).
Transportation is responsible for much of Pennsylvania's, and the nation's, contribution to climate change. Hence, reducing pollution from transportation is a key component of reducing Pennsylvania's total greenhouse gas emissions, and investing in public transportation would greatly help to reduce such emissions. For example, in Luzerne County, the Luzerne County Transportation Authority has several hybrid buses in its fleet. However, although such vehicles produce fewer harmful emissions, electric buses would eliminate emissions. Investing TCI funds in public transportation could help counties, like Luzerne, purchase electric buses. TCI funds also could be used to improve public transportation in currently under-served communities and in communities that experience the worst vehicle pollution. Hence, I ask that Governor Wolf and other leaders join together to from the TCI, and I urge those leaders and policy makers to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction targets that the most recent climate science tells us we need to meet in order to adequately reduce Pennsylvania's, and the nation's, substantial carbon footprint.
Thank you for considering my comments.
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1/16/2020 |
Joseph |
Wasserman |
self |
West hartofrd |
Connecticut |
I urge investment in mass transit and the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles. we need to protect and upgrade clean car standards
It is critical we reduce our carbon... read more I urge investment in mass transit and the infrastructure needed for electric vehicles. we need to protect and upgrade clean car standards
It is critical we reduce our carbon emissions quickly, in that climate change is moving faster than expected ,, as measured by accelerated melting of the polar ice caps, the increased burning of forests and extreme weather events. |
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2/17/2020 |
Joseph |
Wasserman |
self |
West Hartford |
Connecticut |
I urge you to move toward investment in mass transit and electric car infrastructure. It is imperative that we reduce carbon emissions in that climate change is moving rapidly upon us, as... read more I urge you to move toward investment in mass transit and electric car infrastructure. It is imperative that we reduce carbon emissions in that climate change is moving rapidly upon us, as evidenced by the accelerated melting of the polar ice caps. This will contribute to stronger storms , hurricanes, flooding and droughts. I fear a feedback loop of carbon and methane releases from the tundra region, which will further accelerate climate chaos.
Reducing carbon emissions from cars could help alot |
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10/9/2019 |
Paul |
Wasserott |
P.S.Wasserott, independent trucking company hauling bottles from redemption centers throughout Maine for further recycling |
Woolwich |
Maine |
Fuel is the greatest expense for my small, independent company. I support my family with this business. It is already difficult to maintain a business in Maine between high fuel costs, high taxes... read more Fuel is the greatest expense for my small, independent company. I support my family with this business. It is already difficult to maintain a business in Maine between high fuel costs, high taxes, high medical insurance costs, and more. As an independent truck driver, I cannot absorb the increase if fuel costs go up even more due to this initiative, nor can I get additional compensation from the company I contract with. By hauling recycled products, my company is already helping the environment. This initiative will put me out of business. It may sound good on the surface but please think it through. Think about the actual people who you will put out of business and leave the state. I am a taxpayer who needs relief, not an additional burden. |
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1/12/2020 |
Susan |
Wasserott |
Maine Citizen and hardworking taxpayer |
Woolwich |
Maine |
I am deeply opposed to Maine being part of this initiative. While I support reasonable steps to reduce our carbon footprint, this initiative is not reasonable. Maine is a relatively poor state,... read more I am deeply opposed to Maine being part of this initiative. While I support reasonable steps to reduce our carbon footprint, this initiative is not reasonable. Maine is a relatively poor state, with an aging population, incomes below average and many people living paycheck to paycheck. Adding this tax to already high fuel prices will be burdensome on hardworking Maine families. Personally, it will add to my fuel costs to drive to work, add to our expenses at the grocery and other stores (the companies who deliver goods to stores cannot absorb this additional tax and the cost will trickle down at the market) and it will add significantly to my husband's costs. He is a self-employed truck driver; he will take the hit for the additional tax, which cuts into our profits, plus we will have the higher cost at the market and likely higher heating costs. We will seriously need to consider leaving Maine after 25 years living here if this goes through. PLEASE reconsider, as it looks like other states are reconsidering. Mainers simply cannot afford it!! |
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1/12/2020 |
John |
Waterbury |
None |
Turner |
Maine |
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1/12/2020 |
Gail |
Watkins |
Republican |
Harpswell |
Maine |
Those proposing such a tax in the State of Maine need to spend time living in the parts of the state where one must travel for hours to get to hospitals, schools, shopping, etc. We have a state... read more Those proposing such a tax in the State of Maine need to spend time living in the parts of the state where one must travel for hours to get to hospitals, schools, shopping, etc. We have a state legislature full of self-absorbed, self-promoting radicals. One legislator, I recall, was observed "filling up" in New Hampshire because he lived just across the Maine / NH line! Such hypocrisy undermines the well being of our citizens. Hopefully, the ballot box will bring this nightmare to an end, and there will be some common sense once again in Maine government (and we need to start at the VERY TOP!!) |
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2/13/2020 |
Thomas |
Watkins |
MA Sierra Club |
LYNN |
Massachusetts |
Every source of global warming gases must be reduced drastically. Governor Baker needs to continue his leadership addressing global warming by Massachusetts formally joining the Transportation and... read more Every source of global warming gases must be reduced drastically. Governor Baker needs to continue his leadership addressing global warming by Massachusetts formally joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Gov. Baker's leadership team needs to pursue an aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target.
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5/25/2019 |
Nancy |
Watson |
CCL |
Greenwich |
Connecticut |
As an extremely concerned citizen and chapter leader of Greater Stamford CCL, I have learned so much about the most sensible policy to move towards renewables : carbon fee and dividend. In fact, a... read more As an extremely concerned citizen and chapter leader of Greater Stamford CCL, I have learned so much about the most sensible policy to move towards renewables : carbon fee and dividend. In fact, a bill (HR 763) is working it's way through congress to enact this policy. Simply put, a steadily rising fee is placed on carbon emissions which is then is returned to every American household in the form of a montlhy dividend. The increasing fee signals the market that renewables are increasingly more attractive than fossil fuels. The dividend protects lower income families rom the price increase. Environmentalists and economists see this as the best policy to move towards renewables while protecting the vulnerable. And it has bi-partisan support, including from the fossil fuel companies. I urge you to explore this policy in the transition to renewables in the transportation sector. |
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8/1/2019 |
Anne |
Watson |
Montpelier City Council |
MONTPELIER |
Vermont |
This seems like a plan that has some potential to make change in Vermont. I hope that it moves forward.
This seems like a plan that has some potential to make change in Vermont. I hope that it moves forward.
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10/27/2019 |
Jerome |
Watson |
Maine ratepayer |
Pittston |
Maine |
I am opposed to this initiative. Maine taxes are already much too high, we do not need more. I am opposed to this initiative. Maine taxes are already much too high, we do not need more. |
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