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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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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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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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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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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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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11/2/2019 |
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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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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12/22/2019 |
Thomas |
Ward |
The Valley Breeze |
Cumberland |
Rhode Island |
I am against this initiative because it will hurt my cost of doing business, hurt employees, and in the end, not reduce our use of fossil fuels at all. To us, it will merely be a cost increase,... read more I am against this initiative because it will hurt my cost of doing business, hurt employees, and in the end, not reduce our use of fossil fuels at all. To us, it will merely be a cost increase, with no good outcome. I founded and distribute a FREE weekly newspaper across northern Rhode Island. We sell advertising in person. We gather news, face to face. (Collecting news electronically is a poor substitute). Finally, we deliver those newspapers.
Your efforts will cost the company more money, which will translate to smaller annual raises and profit-share funds to my employees. They will earn less, and spend more on the gasoline they need to do their jobs.
If your hope is to gather more money, you will succeed. If you hope is to lower the use of fossil fuels, you will fail.
Frankly, I think you know that already.
Secondarily, I urge you to consider the impact on a single mom out there. You are simply cutting her pay and hurting her family. So many of the same political officials behind TCI claim to care for poorer people. What nonsense! People see right through this.
Thomas V. Ward, Cumberland, RI |
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2/10/2020 |
Vincent |
Ward |
Republican |
Woonsocket |
Rhode Island |
I own a home care agency where my staff go to home visits throughout northern RI. They drive from house to house. The increase in the gas tax will have a direct impact on their income and expenses... read more I own a home care agency where my staff go to home visits throughout northern RI. They drive from house to house. The increase in the gas tax will have a direct impact on their income and expenses. The state already steals money from all of the residents with a toll on trucks (what do you think, the cost doesn't get passed on to consumers)? RI signing on to this TCI will do nothing for the world's pollution problem. It will only put money into the pockets of the connected wealthy politicians and friends who are allowed to get into businesses that will benefit from the money generated by the new tax. This would be a disaster and would give home care workers another reason to quit their job and move into career paths that would not require them to drive their car so much, leaving many, many patients with no one to care for them, forcing them into much more expensive nursing homes. |
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2/26/2020 |
Cynthia |
Walter |
self |
Dover |
New Hampshire |
I am a scientist with over 35 years of experience in teaching and research in biology including environmental toxicology, such as air pollution. I strongly support the Transportation and Climate... read more I am a scientist with over 35 years of experience in teaching and research in biology including environmental toxicology, such as air pollution. I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) for several reasons:
1. TCI will bring much needed reductions in toxins from transportation and this pollution reduction will save lives and reduce health care costs.
Reducing the amount of commuter car traffic and replacing fossil fuel transit of goods and people with low-carbon methods reduces the toxins emitted from combustion engines in cars and trucks. For example, these toxins include nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds that harm lungs and also cause ozone formation, another substance that triggers asthma and heart attacks in sensitive people and scars lungs in healthy individuals. I have lived in cities with serious air pollution from traffic congestion and in rural towns with truck emissions and studied the peer-reviewed science of transportation pollution effects on public health. The scientific evidence is clear that a wide range of people need reductions in air pollution. For example, areas of Southwestern Pennsylvania have 10% of school children with asthma and about 50 % of people in the sensitive category because they have one or more of the following conditions: asthma, diabetes, lung impairment, cardiovascular illness or advanced age. TCI is critical because the alternatives of piecemeal change in transit and tinkering with combustion engines are too slow and ineffective to make reductions we need now in transportation toxins. Much of the technology to change transit is available; TCI provides the organization to implement it and accelerate cleaner transit systems.
2. TCI fosters job growth through American development and manufacturing of transportation innovations. Growth in this job sector requires the power of large scale projects fostered across all of the Mid-Atlantic and New England. For example, I lived many years in Pennsylvania and know many counties where underemployed workers have the skills to be reemployed in transportation and manufacturing jobs TCI will create. These workers are ready now to become part of projects, but investors and entrepreneurs need help to organize projects, especially across state borders. TCI provides this organization.
3. TCI builds better local economies through better access to employment, health care and education. Our economy suffers now because we need better public transportation and affordable housing near transit networks. I have seen how poor public transportation impairs quality of life when people cannot reliably get to jobs, the doctor or classes for vocational or other schools. For example, I have participated in many revisioning sessions in rural/suburban Pennsylvania where county officials admit they cannot overcome public transportation gaps that impair economic development. Now, as a resident of New Hampshire, I see similar problems in rural areas. This is a problem throughout Mid-Atlantic and New England states. TCI is essential to help small towns get this help quickly to stem the downward spiral in declining small towns.
4. The Fee and Reinvest component in TCI can be used to provide fair incentives to make the changes we need and have funds for continuing innovation. Those who criticize this approach are often large companies who cause transportation pollution and other problems, but do not pay their share of solving problems. No one state or even the federal government could act efficiently to provide incentives for coordinated change because laws and regulations take too many years to enact. With key incentives through TCI, however, those transportation companies that are willing to change could benefit.
Cynthia Walter, Ph.D.
22 West Concord St.
Dover, NH 03820
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2/26/2020 |
Karen |
Walter |
Self |
Bellows Falls |
Vermont |
There many seniors living in Bellows Falls, VT senior housing facilities. Many no longer drive and depend on calling for rides with local organizations. People living in close access to town... read more There many seniors living in Bellows Falls, VT senior housing facilities. Many no longer drive and depend on calling for rides with local organizations. People living in close access to town shops, library, post office, grocery stores can not walk very far so they take their cars. If we invested in small electric scooters with convienent baskets on them I think a town the size of Bellows Falls could cut down on our carbon footprint quite bit. Personally I would buy a scooter and use it in good weather rather than my car. I could charge my scooter at home however those living in housing would need charging stations and parking space. |
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11/1/2019 |
David |
Walsh |
WOCO Oil Company, Inc. |
Mechanicsville |
Virginia |
|
TCI input WOCO 20191101.doc |
11/12/2019 |
Joseph |
Walsh |
citizen |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
This is a tax. All taxes must be voted upon by each state's legislation read more This is a tax. All taxes must be voted upon by each state's legislation |
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1/16/2020 |
Jennifer |
Walsh |
Concerned resident |
Astoria |
New York |
Transportation is our largest source of regional and national carbon emissions, and I fully support efforts to curb transportation-related pollution. In addition to protecting our planet for... read more Transportation is our largest source of regional and national carbon emissions, and I fully support efforts to curb transportation-related pollution. In addition to protecting our planet for future generations, reducing pollution will better our air quality and therefore the health of residents. I commend the bipartisan effort to curb carbon emissions, and am hopeful that New York State adopts these stricter regulations. |
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2/18/2020 |
Kevin |
Walsh |
none |
Madison |
Connecticut |
Polluters are murders. Polluters are murders. |
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3/1/2020 |
Kevin |
Walsh |
Mr. |
Madison |
Connecticut |
The enviornment is the most important issue in the whole world. The enviornment is the most important issue in the whole world. |
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