2/12/2020 |
Joan |
valva |
state resident |
Northfield |
Massachusetts |
No new taxes - we pay Mass. gas tax, federal gas tax, excise tax on car yearly, sales tax when we purchase a car, yearly inspection tax, yearly registration tax, - ENOUGH! WE ALSO PAID FOR THE... read more No new taxes - we pay Mass. gas tax, federal gas tax, excise tax on car yearly, sales tax when we purchase a car, yearly inspection tax, yearly registration tax, - ENOUGH! WE ALSO PAID FOR THE BIG DIG FOR GREATER BOSTON. Western Massachusetts has had enough! |
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11/5/2019 |
Ellen |
Valentino |
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Assn. |
Annapolis |
Maryland |
To: TCI
From: Ellen Valentino
Subject: Proposed Draft Regional Policy
Date: November 5, 2019
The members of the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors... read more To: TCI
From: Ellen Valentino
Subject: Proposed Draft Regional Policy
Date: November 5, 2019
The members of the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association (MAPDA) respectfully submit comments regarding the TCI framework and proposal released this fall. Our members are deeply concerned that the framework is moving ahead to foregone conclusions that are not substantiated by the real-world experience of other states.
The Transportation Climate Initiative sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses, including those of our members. The proposal outlines a program that will cap the sale of gasoline, tax it, and then require the revenue generated to be spent on new government programs and projects that will further reduce the sale of gasoline. Some of the projects envisioned have ramifications that have not been verified or well thought out.
Electric vehicles are not the only answer.
The framework pins emissions reduction on electric vehicles, or EVs to reduce gasoline sales. EVs are not the magic bullet to solving greenhouse gas emissions. An EV's massive battery must be charged with electricity, which requires power generated from another source such as coal, natural gas or even nuclear power, and has an adverse environmental impact upon disposal. Pushing consumers to electric vehicles has not been shown to lessen environmental impact due to the environmental costs of EV batteries and manufacture of new vehicles. Further, programs such as incentives to EV purchase often favor wealthier individuals while the new taxes on gasoline will disproportionate affect poor and rural communities.
Our members are at a geographic disadvantage.
The northeast compact has a greater impact on Maryland and Delaware than the other Northeast states. Geographically, Maryland and Delaware retailers will suffer the most because consumers may more easily choose to go elsewhere for fuel. It won’t just be gasoline prices that rise to meet the TCI demands. The Northeast is a major trucking corridor and this proposal will essentially raise prices on transported goods. California’s Cap and Trade program, upon which the TCI framework is based, has led to a surge in gasoline prices, which affects all aspects of the economy.
All voices are not being heard.
Although this proposal has been pitched as a consensus document, in fact, it is not. There have been only three work sessions and less than a handful of webinars to solicit public feedback and comment. The framework is not ready for adoption by the states as too many points have not been clarified and fleshed out. No one really knows the full detail of the proposal. More outreach and public input needs to happen to shift this to a consensus. At the present, the framework appears to be a predisposed outcome. I urge that the participating Governors be required personally to attend and hold public hearings throughout their states. Our members are willing to work with others on this issue to create a true collaborative plan.
The current proposal will not achieve its goals.
California enacted a similar program recently, and, by most accounts, their gasoline costs have skyrocketed while the environmental impact has struggled to show a true measurable benefit. We welcome the opportunity to create a realistic policy proposal that provides a more balanced solution.
Respectfully submitted,
Ellen Valentino
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MAPDA TCI comment letter.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Ellen |
Valentino |
Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Assn. |
Annapolis |
Maryland |
The TCI draft MOU and plan is ill-conceived and will negatively impact consumers and businesses as well as the larger economies of Maryland and Delaware. We believe the northeast governors should... read more The TCI draft MOU and plan is ill-conceived and will negatively impact consumers and businesses as well as the larger economies of Maryland and Delaware. We believe the northeast governors should reject the MOU and disband the Initiative. The TCI plan structure:
• restricts the amount of gasoline and diesel that can be sold in the Northeast region
• imposes a tax on gasoline and diesel, and
• establishes a regional non-profit government entity to oversee the whole TCI Plan, including how billions of dollars in new tax revenue can be spent and how much gasoline a state can receive without penalty.
Restricting the amount of gasoline that can be sold is a bad idea.
The stakes are too high to give complete control over gasoline sales to a newly created non-profit entity that must juggle the competing concerns of 12 states. The TCI proposal leaves many questions unanswered. What happens when a state hits the allowed allotment of gasoline? Who determines if they can get more? Who will control the price? And more importantly, how will the political environment in the Northeast play into decisions? Will Maryland and Delaware be forced to adhere to policies from other states?
Consumers will pay more for gasoline.
The draft plan clearly anticipates $.05 - $.17 per gallon increase in gasoline prices, explaining that money will go to poor and marginalized communities for clean transportation projects. Today, those communities are most reliant on gas-powered vehicles because the transportation infrastructure has lagged. Electric vehicles are commonly purchased by affluent consumers. The per gallon increase set out by the plan will hit poor and rural communities hardest.
State road projects will suffer.
The draft plan requires states to follow rules developed by the newly created multistate non-profit as to how this new gasoline tax can be spent. So far, the initiatives set forth by the plan are suggested spending on bike lines and tax breaks to purchase electric vehicles. Electric vehicles don’t support maintenance of roads and bridges – the current gasoline taxes do.
Businesses will be burdened.
The draft proposal imposes a new regulatory and inspection scheme on thousands of businesses. And, as drafted, the proposal would subject Maryland and Delaware’s business owners to the whim of this newly created multistate entity and tax collector.
Maryland and Delaware’s economy will be hit hard.
It’s simple geography. Delaware and Maryland’s citizens and business owners are on the periphery of the Northeast region. The disadvantages of the cap, tax and spend program on gasoline may be diluted in northern states that are surrounded by other states in the compact. Our region is the southernmost tip of the participating states, meaning Maryland, Delaware and DC are most vulnerable to consumers and businesses choosing to go where they can find less expensive fuels.
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TCI Comments MOU 2-28.pdf |
11/20/2020 |
Ellen |
Valentino |
MAPDA |
Annapolis |
Maryland |
please see the enclosed. please see the enclosed. |
Comments on TCI Nov 2020.pdf |
1/16/2020 |
jennifer |
valentine |
activist |
massa pk |
New York |
I care about reducing pollution from transportation because it is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I am requesting that NY state formally joins... read more I care about reducing pollution from transportation because it is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I am requesting that NY state formally joins the plan to reduce emissions.
I feel that the policy should have a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
Finally, thank you for the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward.
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2/26/2020 |
jennifer |
valentine |
citizen |
massa pk |
New York |
We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:
More public transit and electric... read more We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:
More public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
Expansion of commuter rail, electric vehicles, and streets in the suburbs that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
Sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities |
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2/26/2020 |
jennifer |
valentine |
resident |
massa pk |
New York |
states need to take action on the climate crisis now.
Demand a strong program that invests in public transportation, biking, walking, and prioritizes equity. states need to take action on the climate crisis now.
Demand a strong program that invests in public transportation, biking, walking, and prioritizes equity. |
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10/14/2020 |
Jennifer |
Valentine |
advocate |
Massapequa Park |
New York |
please include:
A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
Investments be... read more please include:
A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
Investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit |
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2/26/2020 |
RAJANI |
VAIDYANATHAN |
None |
PITTSBURGH |
Pennsylvania |
The technology is there, we just need the heart. Thank you rajani The technology is there, we just need the heart. Thank you rajani |
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10/28/2019 |
Alan |
Vaccaro |
Maine citizen |
Springvale |
Maine |
Our governor forcing this tax does more harm than good. Stop the nonsense and punishing poor and middle class which make up the majority of the state. Our governor forcing this tax does more harm than good. Stop the nonsense and punishing poor and middle class which make up the majority of the state. |
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2/25/2020 |
Levon |
Utidjian |
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
To whom it may concern:
I would like to express my support for a regional policy for low-carbon transportation that will encourage better public transportation options and reduce... read more To whom it may concern:
I would like to express my support for a regional policy for low-carbon transportation that will encourage better public transportation options and reduce the production of transportation-related pollution. The contribution of carbon emissions from to climate change is indisputable at this point, and public investment in the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is an important step in reducing our greenhouse gas production. More and better public transportation options will take more vehicles off the road, and will help not only the environment but also improve the health of Pennsylvanians. Carbon emissions contribute to respiratory health problems in adults but especially children, increasing rates of asthma. In fact, the rise in asthma in children in the US has paralleled the rise in carbon emissions. This would be another benefit of the TCI.
Thank you,
Dr. Levon Utidjian, MD, MBI |
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2/17/2020 |
Nancy |
Urban |
concerned citizen |
West Hartford |
Connecticut |
We just purchased an electric car and see the need for further investment in fast charging stations. We also live in an area in which the public transportation system is basically set up for the... read more We just purchased an electric car and see the need for further investment in fast charging stations. We also live in an area in which the public transportation system is basically set up for the commuting workers in and out of Hartford, but is very inconvenient for evenings and weekends and those folks who work a non-9-5 schedule. If we as a nation are to move ahead with clean methods of transport, we need to invest in systems that people can use as an alternative to driving .
thank you. |
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3/1/2020 |
Letitia |
Upton |
Mothers Out Front |
NEWTON |
Massachusetts |
I learned about the TCI at a climate forum last week. Transportation is responsible for 40% of our air pollution. I hope very much the 12 NE states and DC can join together to put a price on... read more I learned about the TCI at a climate forum last week. Transportation is responsible for 40% of our air pollution. I hope very much the 12 NE states and DC can join together to put a price on carbon...where the money collected can go into investing in public transportation and better /safer bike lanes.. If we can cut down on air pollution, it would save alot of money and lives...due to decreasing particulate matter in the air we breathe... |
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10/27/2019 |
Cheryl |
Upperman |
Maine Citizen |
Corinna |
Maine |
Why is the answer to all so called problems more government? Maine is a very old and poor state, more taxes will not improve anything. Only hurt the people that choose to work for a living. Why is the answer to all so called problems more government? Maine is a very old and poor state, more taxes will not improve anything. Only hurt the people that choose to work for a living. |
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11/15/2019 |
Sophie |
Underwood |
Mrs. |
Wellesley |
Massachusetts |
It’s wrong for the Governor to pursue this tax increase without a legislative vote. Lawmakers are being completely excluded from the process, despite this being the exact task they were elected to... read more It’s wrong for the Governor to pursue this tax increase without a legislative vote. Lawmakers are being completely excluded from the process, despite this being the exact task they were elected to carry out. |
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2/28/2020 |
ROB |
UNDERWOOD |
PMAA |
ARLINGTON |
Virginia |
On behalf of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), I would like to offer our comments on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI... read more On behalf of the Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA), I would like to offer our comments on the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI). Please see attached.
Sincerely,
Rob Underwood
PMAA President |
PMAA_TCI_Draft_MOU_Comments.pdf |
11/2/2020 |
Rob |
Underwood |
Energy Marketers of America |
ARLINGTON |
Virginia |
Please see attached comments from the Energy Marketers of America regarding TCI. Please see attached comments from the Energy Marketers of America regarding TCI. |
EMA_TCI_Comments.pdf |
1/16/2020 |
Annie |
Umbricht |
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine |
TOWSON |
Maryland |
The US public transportation system is antiquated, unsafe, untimely, polluting and fails to appropriately serve the public at large. It is time to develop an electrified high speed comfortable... read more The US public transportation system is antiquated, unsafe, untimely, polluting and fails to appropriately serve the public at large. It is time to develop an electrified high speed comfortable rail system serving long distance, as well as well connected metropolitan light rails, metro, and electrified bus systems that serve all zip codes. This is allow children to attend school on time, will broaden access to food for underserved communities, and expand access to job opportunities while decongesting roads. Americans spend more than a month yearly behind the wheel. This increases stress, pollution, and decreases family time which is already abysmal compared to other developed countries. |
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2/26/2020 |
Annie |
Umbricht |
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
It is about time to for Maryland to tackle its public transportation deficiencies, renovate aging infrastructure and come into the 21st century. Public transportation is a human right: students... read more It is about time to for Maryland to tackle its public transportation deficiencies, renovate aging infrastructure and come into the 21st century. Public transportation is a human right: students have the right to timely and safe transport to school. Workers are spending more time behind the wheel each year, decreasing productivity and affecting quality of life. The environment suffers via increased pollution. |
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2/24/2020 |
Kevin |
Ulatowski |
Private Citizen |
Sharon |
Pennsylvania |
I’d like to submit a comment in support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative.
First, reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing Pennsylvania's... read more I’d like to submit a comment in support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative.
First, reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions. There are numerous benefits to Pennsylvania and the entire Northeastern United States in cutting emissions and the subsequent formation of toxic greenhouse gases; public transit investments that could be made with TCI proceeds would be valuable and could be reinvested to develop further climate saving, greenhouse gas reducing programs throughout the region, protecting our children and the elderly from the choking greenhouse gases that have been linked to increased rates of respiratory disease, have been shown to affect the birth weight and overall fetal health in our region and darken skies with clouds of smog that are brimming full of dangerous chemicals that collect on our skin, in our hair, contaminate our fresh water supply and adversely affect the health of livestock grown for human consumption in the region.
I ask, that as the leaders responsible for effecting change, you choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need. I also urge you to adopt policy that prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices.
The time to act is now! I’d like to point out that change has been a long time in coming, and it takes progressive, forward-thinking policy makers that agree with the urgency of the situation and are bold enough to perhaps step outside of their comfort zones in order to make meaningful change possible. |
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