TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

You’ve no doubt already heard from the TCI’s detractors which likely made no impact on this absurd policy.

I recently returned from Copenhagen, Denmark where Climate Change group think is in full tilt. The skyline is dotted with windmills, the bike paths are as wide as car lanes, there’s a 25% surcharge on all restaurant meals and a 180% tariff on cars all to become “carbon neutral” by 2025. With a population of 750,000 and 1.5 million bicycles, it was amusing to think how riding a bike in winter works out. Better yet, what do they do if they visit a pub at night and have to make it home on icy roads? Do they do make 20 trips to the grocery store per week since their bicycle baskets can only hold so many items? Technology has evolved and lifted billions out of poverty because of carbon fuels. Now, you want our country to go backwards?

No one wants pollution. But, climate change advocates can’t differentiate between pollution and “man-made” global warming which in junk science as well as a power and wealth grab by the global elites. If Thunberg is Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, then the planet is doomed anyway. That’s almost as bad as B. Hussein O. being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The irony of my visit to Scandanavia is that the people love their herring but can’t eat it more than twice a month because the Baltic Sea is so polluted. They can’t do anything about climate change but should be and could be working on cleaning up the sea which is the lifeblood of their economies.

In closing, my eye doctor’s assistant works in Portland, ME but commutes from Oxford county. Increasing the burden on her commute by increasing gasoline taxes to boost government revenues is not only foolish but, if I had the power to do so, I would make it a criminal offense.

For most Mainers we depend on the forestry industry, we have to travel to work, not just a 5 minute drive, more like an hour plus. My wife has to drive her and our son for appointments over an hour and 4 hours away. We are a 1 income family because my wife is disabled. For us to get any decent health care we have to go way out of town..

No new gas tax for anything! People in Maine can't afford any more taxes! We are one of the most expensive states in the USA!

TCI is unwanted, un-needed and if it is to be considered must go thru proper legislative channels. These commie back door no vote tactics are an attempt to kill the economic and political fabric of Massachusetts. More open honest debate is what is needed not less.

CO2 is required for life and taxing fuel for the benefit of the elite is an immoral act akin to genocide.

https://www.zerohedge.com/article/cap-and-trade-gigantic-scam

I am very concerned with environmental issues. I live frugally and with a keen eye to minimizing use of plastics and other waste. We are in a rural area of Maine where personal transportation is essential. There is no public transportation. Maine’s estimated $.17 per gallon increase in gas price, as well as increase in heating oil price, and likely propane as well, will be a critical hardship on middle and low income people.There is no alternative for us.

“In the public debate surrounding this program, especially in the media, confusion exists over whether regulated entities will pass the costs of purchasing allowances onto consumers who buy motor fuels. To be 100% clear, and eliminate any confusion, these costs, and the costs necessary to comply with this program by regulated entities (these costs) *will be reflected in retail motor fuel prices that consumers pay*.”

Apparently the politicians need a new means to fund the general fund since the 911 funds have been exposed.

It is critical that we decarbonize transportation as quickly as possible as a state, region, nation and world. Please pass the Transportation and Climate Initiative for Vermont and the region! In rural areas people depend on their cars. I have been fortunate to drive an electric car for the last couple of years and will never go back. A small tax on gas when prices are low is a small price to pay to make progress on decarbonizing transportation and providing more public transportation options for all.

Gov. Wolf please join 11 other states and D.C. to form a regional initiative — the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) — that’s going to limit carbon emissions and significantly reduce pollution from gas-guzzling cars and trucks on heavily trafficked roads. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and raise much-needed revenue to modernize our transportation system on a regional scale, which will make it easier for everyone to get around! Thank you.