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2/28/2020 |
Bobbie |
Wells |
Concerned citizen, Sierra club, CCAN |
Easton |
Maryland |
Transportation and Climate Initiative -Less pollution, healthier lives
Reducing Pollution and Transforming Our Transportation System
Transportation is now the largest source of... read more Transportation and Climate Initiative -Less pollution, healthier lives
Reducing Pollution and Transforming Our Transportation System
Transportation is now the largest source of climate disrupting carbon pollution in Maryland and across the country. The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a collaboration between Washington D.C. and 12 Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from transportation modes like cars, buses, and trucks and accelerate clean, modern and multimodal forms of transportation. Maryland and other states are engaged in ongoing conversations and gathering of public input, with the facilitation of Georgetown Climate Center, to determine a regional policy that would reduce transportation pollution.
One policy that has been widely discussed is a cap and invest program, similar to a program that exists in the electric power sector. This policy could set a declining cap on the amount of carbon pollution released by the use of transportation fuels by requiring entities like wholesale fuel distributors that sell gasoline and other fuels to retail outlets (i.e., gas stations) to purchase emission permits available under the cap (2). The proceeds from sale by states of those permits could then be invested in clean alternatives like electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, public transportation, walking and biking projects, and other smart growth initiatives, speeding up the must needed transition to a clean, equitable, 21st century transportation system.Mirroring a partnership that works.This partnership could closely mirror an effort the region has taken through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which sets a declining cap on the amount of carbon dioxide power plants can emit and generates dedicated funds for clean energy programs through states’ sale of emission permits under the cap to power plants. The program has helped cut regional emissions nearly in half and invested over $616 million (3) in Maryland mostly for energy efficiency, consumer benefit, and clean energy projects. Participating Governments CT, D.C., DE, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VI, VA.
WHAT WOULD INVESTING IN CLEAN TRANSPORTATION GET US?
A recent analysis by the Georgetown Climate Center found that investing $3 billion annually in the Northeast states to reduce vehicle GHG emissions would (4):
Save thousands of lives in the region in 2030. Create more than 113,000 jobs in D.C. and Maryland through 2030 Put $11.81 billion in D.C. and Marylanders pockets through 2030. 73% of Marylanders support a policy to limit transportation pollution (5)
Who makes the decisions?
The Maryland Departments of Environment and Transportation makes decisions on adopting this policy in collaboration with other agencies, states, and D.C. The Maryland General Assembly passed a law affirming the state's direction in this program in 2019.
Recommendations for policy solutions
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 in 2016.
Investment and policy decisions should be made based on pollution reduction and equity goals, as well as robust engagement opportunities from the public‒particularly those most overburdened by transportation pollution and undeserved by our current transportation system. |
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2/27/2020 |
Tom |
Wenzel |
citizen |
Prescott |
Arizona |
Communities of color breathe air that is 66% more polluted from tailpipe emissions than white communities in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic region. Communities of color breathe air that is 66% more polluted from tailpipe emissions than white communities in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic region. |
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2/29/2020 |
Lou |
Wenzer |
self |
Takoma Park |
Maryland |
Save the environment. Save the environment. |
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10/30/2019 |
John |
Werner |
York Ready for 100, Retired |
Kittery |
Maine |
I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand... read more I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand kids will not survive in the world that they will inherit from us.
I applaud Governor Mills for participating in the regional design process. This policy design should reflect the best and latest available science on climate emissions from transportation. This policy should include a strong component of equity that ensures that low-income, rural, or aging populations are not hurt by this program.
One of my key ideas in addition to having municipal, public school and all State agencies convert to electric or hybrid electric vehicles as fast as possible follows.
Based on a recently completed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the Town of York Maine the Town's largest source of Green House Gas Emissions (GHG) is on-road transportation at 44%, the next closest category is Heating Fuel at 30%. To respond to the on-road transportation category that includes emissions largely from interstate 95 I would propose a “renewable energy fee” to be levied at the York Toll Plaza that would be used to provide financial assistance to the Town of York residents, commercial businesses and municipal facilities in converting from fossil fuel sourced heat and electricity to renewable sources like solar and wind.
2. I would suggest a starting fee of $5 per vehicle to begin. Such a fee will not stop tourists from driving up through York on I95 and through the Exit 7 toll plaza – they would still come. This system could be made “smart” with an electronic tolling system that would read a vehicles license plate, then interface with the USA vehicle registration system for every state and the fee could be graduated to have a higher fee for the largest polluters (greenhouse gas) such as SUVs, pick-up trucks. With this interface, Maine residents could possibly be excluded from this fee. It could be smarter by including an interface with EPA miles per gallon data by vehicle year and type so as to charge a higher fee on the largest polluters such as SUVs and pick-up trucks. For example I will use my own vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Altima 4 door sedan with a 4 cylinder engine, average miles per gallon (mpg) 29, Fee $3, as compared to a 2015 Toyota Tundra V-8 average miles per gallon 15 mpg, Fee $8. Electric Vehicles would be charged $0.0. I do not know if a data interface such as this can be enabled but research could provide the answer.
3. Maine turnpike authority traffic volume at Exit 7 toll plaza was reported at 931,079* vehicles in 2017 [see footnote * below from the MTA web site report] (see: http://www.maineturnpike.com/About-MTA/Traffic-Statistics/Traffic-by-Interchange.aspx ) – a $5 per vehicle fee would generate $4,655,395 in one year - $4.7 million dollars! How many York residential, commercial, etc. solar systems could be installed? Etc. etc. This fee could also be levied on commercial vehicles as well such as tractor trailer rigs, etc. EV tractor trailer and truck vehicles are currently under development so….
NOTE: The definition for the “traffic by interchange” as reported at the MTA web site would need to be clarified – I am not sure if this count is what we need to determine the total fee dollars.
• Data is represented as total number of trips averaged daily along the Turnpike. This is different than a count by transactions.
. This renewable energy fee could be also applied at every toll plaza along I95 in the States of Maine and NH. New cashless toll plazas to collect these fees could be installed on all the major interstate routes in Maine and NH. Cashless toll plazas have been implemented in other US locations, why not here?
4. Observation: Conversion to Electric Vehicles will continue to be very, very, very slow – climate change is not waiting for this conversion.
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2/27/2020 |
Connor |
Wertz |
VPIRG |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
The TCI is a critical initiative that will demonstrate the regional leadership we need to actually tackle the climate crisis. I'm a student, and increasingly growing frustrated with... read more The TCI is a critical initiative that will demonstrate the regional leadership we need to actually tackle the climate crisis. I'm a student, and increasingly growing frustrated with government inaction or moderation. The TCI is the first step, and it needs both complimentary legislation and language that will support low income residents who may be affected by the TCI. Attached is a joint letter by orgs in Vermont that demonstrate the urgency of this bill.
Thanks! |
TCI MOU-Joint VT Comments-Feb 2020.pdf |
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2/24/2020 |
John |
Wesner |
Retired from Nokia (Alcatel/Lucent) |
Pittsburgh |
Pennsylvania |
Preventing (or at least limiting) climate change is critical. Transportation is responsible for a lot of pollution that threatens to make climate change worse, It is thus critical that we put a... read more Preventing (or at least limiting) climate change is critical. Transportation is responsible for a lot of pollution that threatens to make climate change worse, It is thus critical that we put a focus on these two related areas. |
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2/24/2020 |
Terrie |
West |
Retired |
North Chesterfield |
Virginia |
Having lived in the British Isles on two occasions and visited numerous European countries, I have been able to observe and use public transport in most of those locations. I found public... read more Having lived in the British Isles on two occasions and visited numerous European countries, I have been able to observe and use public transport in most of those locations. I found public transport there easy to use and efficient, especially in Amsterdam. Bon Air, the community I live in, had passenger train service to and from Downtown Richmond in the past and could so once again. In fact, much commuter automobile traffic could be converted to mass transit using bus and rail service. Also, there are numerous towns and cities throughout our Commonwealth that could serve as regional transport hubs. Why is this relevant? What could we gain by expanding public transport? Cleaner lungs. Reduced carbon emissions, less reliance on fossil fuels which are wreaking havoc with our climate, resulting in global warming. Fewer highway fatalities, less traffic congestion, less time spent in traffic. Our children’s futures depend on us making good choices, choices to protect their health, the entire ecosystem, our climate. |
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2/26/2020 |
Meredith |
West |
Self |
Chicago |
Illinois |
I am doing everything I can as an individual to reduce my carbon emissions. I bought an electric-only car. I would like my state to make the same commitment and minimize mass transportation... read more I am doing everything I can as an individual to reduce my carbon emissions. I bought an electric-only car. I would like my state to make the same commitment and minimize mass transportation emissions. This is a climate emergency! Big investments and changes are required, by everyone! |
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2/27/2020 |
Kelly |
West |
Independent |
Bethel |
Maine |
I am disabled and rely on The VA Healthcare System my clinic is in Rumford, Specialists primarily in Togus though some are in Lewiston. There is no Mass Transit or Public Transportation Option so... read more I am disabled and rely on The VA Healthcare System my clinic is in Rumford, Specialists primarily in Togus though some are in Lewiston. There is no Mass Transit or Public Transportation Option so yeah go ahead and make my HealthCare more costly to access. Raise Taxes AGAIN and waste the money. Destroy the economy it will make you feel better. |
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11/1/2019 |
Lynn |
Weston |
None |
Houlton |
Maine |
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2/21/2020 |
Benjamen |
Wetherill |
NRDC member |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Our transportation system has become completely outdated. It needs a modernization urgently, and we need to raise taxes to do it. The infrastructure we need cannot be built without increasing... read more Our transportation system has become completely outdated. It needs a modernization urgently, and we need to raise taxes to do it. The infrastructure we need cannot be built without increasing funding dramatically. We have learned that transportation issues can't be solved by building more highways, and global warming has taught us that we urgently need to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. Please prioritize an overhaul of our train and commuter rail systems and increase bus routes. If we make it more convenient for people to ride public transportation, then there will be less cars on the roads and there will be more room to build safe infrastructure for bicycling - the most environmentally friendly form of transportation that exists. |
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5/24/2019 |
James |
Whalen |
Citizens Climate Lobby |
Hudson |
Massachusetts |
My name is Jim Whalen and I live in Hudson, MA. I am an avid cross country skier so I KNOW that climate change is real. I also see violent weather all over the place and I read the science. We... read more My name is Jim Whalen and I live in Hudson, MA. I am an avid cross country skier so I KNOW that climate change is real. I also see violent weather all over the place and I read the science. We must do something and soon. So thank you for this initiative. Market or economic based solutions are needed. A tax on carbon simply makes sense. When gas was over $4 a gallon we all drove less and we looked for fuel efficient vehicles. No more. Gas is cheap and we drive more and huge pickups are popular once again. But let’s avoid the problems we saw in France and be cognizant of people who would suffer under a carbon tax. We should return some of the tax revenue to those who would need it. |
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2/21/2020 |
Ellen |
Whalen |
Massachusetts |
Hingham |
Massachusetts |
Like the majority of of the people of my state, I support Massachusetts' participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. That we are in a climate crisis is not something to... read more Like the majority of of the people of my state, I support Massachusetts' participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. That we are in a climate crisis is not something to choose to believe or not. It is a fact to acknowledge and respond to. The economic and health benefits we will all experience from cleaning our air is also important. |
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1/16/2020 |
Keith |
Wheeland |
Concerned resident |
State College |
Pennsylvania |
Reduce pollution from transportation.
Prioritize those areas that have the most pollution
I want the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia to be a part of this effort since I... read more Reduce pollution from transportation.
Prioritize those areas that have the most pollution
I want the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia to be a part of this effort since I have property in each place
I am pleased that this effort is bipartisan |
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10/13/2019 |
Eric |
Wheeler |
Concerned citizen |
Pittsfield |
Massachusetts |
This should be done now to avoid higher climate costs in the future. This should be done now to avoid higher climate costs in the future. |
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10/25/2019 |
Mariellen |
Whelan |
Member NRCM |
Newcastle |
Maine |
I am supportive of the transportation climate initiative. I am supportive of the transportation climate initiative. |
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12/13/2019 |
Timothy |
Whelan |
MA House of Representatives |
Brewster |
Massachusetts |
As a state legislator in Massachusetts, I firmly believe that any and all attempts to raise taxes (which I view this initiative as) should derive from a recorded vote by myself and my colleagues... read more As a state legislator in Massachusetts, I firmly believe that any and all attempts to raise taxes (which I view this initiative as) should derive from a recorded vote by myself and my colleagues in both branches of the Massachusetts legislature. I have voted for, and against, increases in taxes in my tenure and it is important to me that we legislators make a transparent vote and then answer to our constituents for any measure that would increase their tax burden. Please let the system work, whatever the end result of that vote may be. Thank you for your consideration. |
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1/16/2020 |
Peg |
whelley |
none |
billerica |
Massachusetts |
Boston is being choked by traffic, to the point i have changed my behavior. We really need a regional proposal for public transportation. Boston is being choked by traffic, to the point i have changed my behavior. We really need a regional proposal for public transportation. |
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8/1/2019 |
Dan |
Whipple |
taxpayer |
Wallingford |
Vermont |
I abhor this theft of my livelihood via taxation for the fool's pursuit of Carbon Reduction. First most, carbon dioxide is NOT a pollutant! Anthropogenic climate change is NOT a proven... read more I abhor this theft of my livelihood via taxation for the fool's pursuit of Carbon Reduction. First most, carbon dioxide is NOT a pollutant! Anthropogenic climate change is NOT a proven fact, it relies on pseudo science, mass hysteria, and most of all (TAX) MONEY. I live in rural Vermont, a state with the lowest carbon footprint of any in our nation. Our economy is precarious at best. We travel to work on rudimentary roads, for limited pay from businesses teetering on financial collapse. Our State government continues to overtax it's citizens to support those that can't or won't support themselves. This CARBON TAX is just more of the same. It will ruin our local economy, bankrupt businesses, and hasten the exodus of those who cannot afford to live here. Your blind ambitions will yield a poisoned fruit. |
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1/16/2020 |
James |
Whitcomb |
Westbury Group LLC |
Southport |
Connecticut |
I'm a CT resident deeply concerned about climate change caused by carbon emissions and the inaction of our current federal government. That's why I feel that strong leadership must be... read more I'm a CT resident deeply concerned about climate change caused by carbon emissions and the inaction of our current federal government. That's why I feel that strong leadership must be carried out at the state and local levels; in particular, by the governors of our region.
To reduce carbon emissions to the extent necessary to avoid climate disaster, market forces will need to be harnessed to effect rapid and far-reaching change. The astounding growth of renewable energy is one example of the power of market forces to drive rapid sustainable development. By putting a price on carbon via a 'cap-and-trade' or 'cap-and-invest' program throughout the Northeast the external costs of carbon can be 'internalized' and an imperative for economic actors to move quickly towards carbon neutrality.
By joining a regional New England/Mid-Atlantic compact, CT can harness this much larger economic area as a 'force-multiplier' to drive other regions in a similar direction - if they wish to compete in our region. Similar to the power of California's market in driving auto emission reduction measures.
So I urge you to join in this promising regional initiative. I view climate change now as an existential threat on a level with nuclear proliferation, and one that will have to be addressed by leadership at the state level. As such, this is my #1 political concern as a Connecticut voter.
Many thanks for your attention to this.
James H. Whitcomb, Jr.
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