2/21/2020 |
Roxanne |
Donohue |
Mrs. |
Weehawken |
New Jersey |
Time is running out for our planet we must move swiftly and do the right thing be bold be brave and help save us all Time is running out for our planet we must move swiftly and do the right thing be bold be brave and help save us all |
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10/25/2019 |
Tony |
Donovan |
Maine Rail Transit Coaltion |
Portland |
Maine |
In recent weeks, Gov. Mills made the bold proclamation “Maine will be carbon-neutral by 2045.” “And we mean it,” she said.
We wish to congratulate the governor for her leadership... read more In recent weeks, Gov. Mills made the bold proclamation “Maine will be carbon-neutral by 2045.” “And we mean it,” she said.
We wish to congratulate the governor for her leadership on an issue with so much impact on the lives of every Mainer, and for inviting stakeholders to recommend innovative strategies to reach this ambitious goal.
When Governor Mills made that statement at the inaugural meeting of the Maine Climate Council last week, the Maine Rail Transit Coalition -- a longtime group of business and political leaders in Portland, Lewiston, Auburn -- launched into action. The MRTC lends its support to the Climate Council, and we are offering our considered advice toward making Maine carbon-neutral by 2045.
MRTC believes Maine can get fully halfway to its goal of 2045 carbon neutrality utilizing a “silver bullet” solution that also provides economic development, workforce housing, tax relief and quality of life benefits beyond the carbon dividend.
That solution is passenger rail, and Maine has a shovel-ready project to link Portland to Lewiston in three to five years. Brunswick, Freeport, Portland have all received the benefits of passenger rail. The communities of Western Maine, along with Rockland, Westbrook, Auburn and Lewiston have all been planning for rail over the last decade. Lewiston/Auburn is next.
The concept for a modern, hybrid-electric commuter passenger train service connecting Maine’s two largest urban centers is based on a plan developed by the Maine Department of Transportation 12 to 15 years ago. It is driven by the demographics and relationships between Lewiston and Portland. This is a plan to move a lot of people on an existing, state-owned, but unused rail line.
There may be a perceived conflict between using the rail for freight. However, at this moment in time we need to move passengers on rail and off the roads to address the issues of congestion, parking, housing and climate. Passenger rail is far more effective, and this can be done. The Grand Trunk railroad route is the solution we are pursuing. This state-owned rail, developed in conjunction with private capital, is the best way to work for everybody.
The critical framework for this is complete. We simply want the state to adhere to plan they devised 15 years ago and updated this year that offers benefits to an economic corridor that encompasses the largest population in the state.
This project has the full backing of the L/A Metro Chamber, the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, a group of 13 towns through Oxford and Androscoggin counites and a large segment of the population of Portland. Maine does not have to wait another 15 years to do a plan that is already good. The work to move forward is done, this can be implemented very quickly to the benefit of a large area of the state.
Linking the downtown centers of Maine’s two largest cities to create a multimodal transit link -- reaching from Casco Bay and downtown Portland to Lewiston-Auburn, setting the stage for a Boston-to-Montreal regional super route -- makes sense.
The route will launch high-frequency, regularly scheduled hybrid-electric passenger trains from Portland Ocean Gateway in the Old Port, along the Eastern Promenade and crossing the B’n’M Bean swing bridge, with stops in Falmouth, Yarmouth, Cumberland, New Gloucester/Pineland Farms, Auburn and Downtown Lewiston.
This infrastructure -- an engineering marvel -- is still in place, publicly owned, and waiting for an investment to provide mobility, economic development, and housing and employment access, and away from carbon-heavy transportation modes that require more and more upkeep.
Everyone agrees roads have always dominated the transportation discussion -- and spending -- in Maine, and that we have thus far committed ourselves to an almost exclusively pavement-based transportation system here. Pavement-based is emissions-heavy, resource extractive, costly to build and rebuild, inefficient for moving people, pollutes waterways, diverts resources from renewables, drives demand for fossil fuels and thus is an untenable path under the bold new Mills carbon initiative. Rail has been a largely unconsidered option in Maine’s new climate reality.
If given the chance, passenger rail advocates will tell a very compelling story about the benefits of rail for Maine, at a very standard cost in terms of bold public infrastructure investment. We will talk about a truly public-private partnership that leverages developers and investors, not public funds. We will talk about making the project long-term sustainable with a bold state bonding program. And we will talk about the vast social costs -- including climate change -- that Maine will avoid by pursuing rail-centered economic development.
Carbon reduction is but one improvement. Workforce housing, clustered business development, traffic reduction and tourism innovation are all within our grasp if we can escape the car culture that’s harming the climate.
Instead of more and more hot top maintenance paving, suburban strip malls and dying Big Box retail shells along with highway budgets that soak up 90% of the federal infrastructure allocation to Maine, we can have a different future.
But only if rail has a seat at the climate table.
Because we will never pave our way out of the climate crisis. And only if you all have a seat with us. Join us. It is Train Time.
Thank you
Anthony J. Donovan
Maine Rail Transit Coalition
Mailto: MELIKESRAIL@GMail.com
www.mainetrain.org |
GT_RAIL_Tri fold_w_fold lines.pdf |
11/8/2019 |
doraon |
donovan |
retired |
n andover |
Massachusetts |
Re Massachusetts:
The legislature should be the one to vote on this measure, not the governor. We are not paying the governor to make approve bills unilaterally. We pay the legislature for... read more Re Massachusetts:
The legislature should be the one to vote on this measure, not the governor. We are not paying the governor to make approve bills unilaterally. We pay the legislature for this function, so they can be held accountable.
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11/12/2019 |
Tim |
Donovan |
Gasoline consumer |
Weymouth |
Massachusetts |
Absolute insane tax on fuel and 100 percent do not support this tax Absolute insane tax on fuel and 100 percent do not support this tax |
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2/26/2020 |
Elaine |
Donovan |
Private citizen |
Cedar Rapids |
Iowa |
Transmission cuts must be made to ensure clean air. Transmission cuts must be made to ensure clean air. |
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2/27/2020 |
Philip |
Dooley |
Dynage |
TOLLAND |
Connecticut |
Stop Global Warming NOW, or nothing else we do will matter.
Stop Global Warming NOW, or nothing else we do will matter.
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2/28/2020 |
Richard |
Doran |
none |
Baltimore City |
Maryland |
I Have studied transportation issues for about 30 years. You do not need another long letter citing the all of the reasons this needs to happen. Stop denying the logic because the time for... read more I Have studied transportation issues for about 30 years. You do not need another long letter citing the all of the reasons this needs to happen. Stop denying the logic because the time for solutions is almost past. As a great, late politician used to say "Do it now!" |
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11/15/2019 |
Tracy |
Dorgan |
Citizen of the region |
Kittery |
Maine |
I am completely uncomfortable with the use of the TCI to make political, social, economic decisions and changes without allowing the public to vote either directly via ballot or even via elected... read more I am completely uncomfortable with the use of the TCI to make political, social, economic decisions and changes without allowing the public to vote either directly via ballot or even via elected officials. This initiative feels very much like a back-door and sneaky/disingenuous way to place gas/fuel taxes on vendors/businesses and through them to the citizens of the region. I disagree completely with this approach.
If you want to advocate for ideas, great. But the people and their elected officials by law have the sole ability to create TAX’s! |
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2/27/2020 |
Daniel |
Dorgan |
Concerned Resident/Parent/Physician |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative as a Philadelphia resident and father of two children. I also support it as a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician with many patients whose... read more I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative as a Philadelphia resident and father of two children. I also support it as a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician with many patients whose lung diseases are worsened by poor air quality. A comprehensive program creating a safe environment for biking and walking, along with improved public transportation is crucial for the health of our city and region and would make the region a more vibrant and desirable place to live. We also have a responsibility to future generations to play our part in mitigating the effects of climate change. This should be a top priority for anyone who wants want is best for our region and the world. |
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1/16/2020 |
Francis |
Dorsey |
none |
Ipswich |
Massachusetts |
We could create a whole new industry based on clean energy. Jobs, Jobs, jobs. Make the parts here, build it here - making real jobs not 3 retal jobs to not even make enough to live on. Then there... read more We could create a whole new industry based on clean energy. Jobs, Jobs, jobs. Make the parts here, build it here - making real jobs not 3 retal jobs to not even make enough to live on. Then there is the secondary and tertiary jobs that would be created.
Think big |
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1/22/2020 |
Ryan |
Dorsey |
Massachusetts Resident/Homeowner |
Ayer |
Massachusetts |
I am a Mass resident and voter and I just wanted to say how excited I am to see a high-impact, regional approach to tackling carbon emissions in this plan. I think our state is in desperate need... read more I am a Mass resident and voter and I just wanted to say how excited I am to see a high-impact, regional approach to tackling carbon emissions in this plan. I think our state is in desperate need of infrastructure updates and the best way to do that—for people and the planet—is by developing the clean energy economy, reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector, and increasing sustainable public transportation options. |
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11/1/2019 |
Teri |
Doty |
Republican |
Bucksport |
Maine |
She's trying to turn Maine into California and us Republicans won't let her! read more She's trying to turn Maine into California and us Republicans won't let her! |
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10/10/2019 |
Michael |
Dougherty |
Maine Taxpayer |
South Portland |
Maine |
Dear Sir or Ma'am: I am writing to you today to voice my opposition to the Transportation Climate Initiative. My sole income is a small pension. Any kind of direct tax or back door tax to... read more Dear Sir or Ma'am: I am writing to you today to voice my opposition to the Transportation Climate Initiative. My sole income is a small pension. Any kind of direct tax or back door tax to fund this initiative will cause me to incurre an additional financial burden on me. Not every Mainer is a multi-Billionaire or multi-Millionaire that can afford this tax. Additionally, Mainers on Social Security or other fixed income cannot also afford paying this hidden tax. We Mainers are being fleeced by all the taxes up-front, or hidden taxes, and are being taxed to death. How are we suppose to survive when we also have other daily expenses. You people are living in a fantasy world, or are extremely wealthy, and have no clue what it is like just to survive day to day on a small income. Worst yet, no income at all. What are we suppose to do? Think about how most Mainers have to live before you mandate another tax or hidden financial burden upon most of us. Please cancel this Utopian initiative from being in acted. What good is saving the planet from so called Climate Change when the rest of us cannot afford to live. Killing the patient but curing the illness is not the answer. Stop taxing us into oblivion! |
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2/23/2020 |
norman |
douglas |
none |
Great Barrington |
Massachusetts |
It is way past the time to say, "the planets warming" and leave it at that. It is time to deal with the effects of that warming and that is why I fully support the Transportation and... read more It is way past the time to say, "the planets warming" and leave it at that. It is time to deal with the effects of that warming and that is why I fully support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. The city of Boston, in my state, is already facing rising sea levels that will flood the city. The animal kingdom is under severe stress. It's time to act and theTCI is movement in that direction. The fossil fuel industry moguls, only concerned with their company's immediate quarterly earnings and the effect of lower earnings on their personal wealth, opposes any remedial action. We must not be paralyzed into inaction by their greed. |
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10/9/2019 |
Heidi |
Dow |
Republican |
Dover-Foxcroft |
Maine |
Mainers are hard working people trying to meet the needs of their families under the burdens of long winters as well as heavy taxes. Please consider the cost benefit analysis here. What... read more Mainers are hard working people trying to meet the needs of their families under the burdens of long winters as well as heavy taxes. Please consider the cost benefit analysis here. What guarantee do we have that the result of this tax hiking climate initiative will provide any relief or improvements in the lives of the citizens of state of Maine?? |
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1/13/2020 |
Tammy |
Dow |
citizen |
CALAIS |
Maine |
I oppose any increase in fuel tax. I oppose any increase in fuel tax. |
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12/1/2019 |
Mark |
Dowling |
Taxpayer |
N.Attleboro |
Massachusetts |
Why should people of the commonwealth have to pay more at the gas pump on a flawed theory about climate change. Very convenient that everything will be fixed in 50 plus years. When we who pay this... read more Why should people of the commonwealth have to pay more at the gas pump on a flawed theory about climate change. Very convenient that everything will be fixed in 50 plus years. When we who pay this tax won’t be here to see the “improvements”. Another money grab to create new unneeded bureaucracy’s. I remember how the money from tobacco windfall in the nineties was going to go to smoking prevention. Where did that money go? |
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1/18/2020 |
Joseph |
Dowling |
Republican |
Machiasport |
Maine |
I am opposed to any increase in fuel taxes for any reason. This would place a heavy burden on rural Mainers while benefiting a chosen few. Elderly Mainers can not afford to keep increasing their... read more I am opposed to any increase in fuel taxes for any reason. This would place a heavy burden on rural Mainers while benefiting a chosen few. Elderly Mainers can not afford to keep increasing their costs to do business on a limited income. |
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2/28/2020 |
Kevin |
Downey |
Retired |
Wilmington |
Vermont |
If the States in this Initiative are serious about our commitments to reduce our CO2 emissions, the TCI must include incentives or tax rebates for the oldest of all the Greens, geothermal. It has... read more If the States in this Initiative are serious about our commitments to reduce our CO2 emissions, the TCI must include incentives or tax rebates for the oldest of all the Greens, geothermal. It has been around since the 1950's and very few people are even aware of it. I installed a geothermal heating system back in '08 and it's been paid for since 2018 with savings from zero gas deliveries over that time. New construction would be the easiest target for incentives, as the wells needed for the system could be drilled within the home's or business's building footprint. Retrofits are a bit harder(that is what I had to do), but they could be popular too with incentives to change from fossils. Please consider this important system type when finalizing this important Bill. Thank-you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Downey |
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12/1/2019 |
Ed |
Downing |
Stakeholder |
Wakefield |
Massachusetts |
You are all a bunch of Thieves, you are so out of Touch with every day working me and Women. If I conducted My fiscal affairs the way Beacon Hill does, I would be broke and homeless. You are all a bunch of Thieves, you are so out of Touch with every day working me and Women. If I conducted My fiscal affairs the way Beacon Hill does, I would be broke and homeless. |
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