TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

The following comments are on behalf of the Addison County Vermont Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation Advisory Committee to offer public input on the draft Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a regional program to establish a cap on global warming pollution from transportation fuels. We support the goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, and offer the following comments to improve the draft MOU.

In apportioning the regional cap to TCI jurisdictions, the final MOU must take into account existing efforts to curb transportation related greenhouse gas emissions. For example, jurisdictions that already invest heavily in mass transit should not be penalized for prior investments that have reduced emissions.

Section 3 of the MOU discussing Investments and Equity lacks detail. The costs of the program are fairly clear, but the benefits, which should be spelled out in this section, are still vague. It will be extremely important in building political support for the MOU that constituents have a better idea of how the revenue raised will make an impact in their lives.

To that point, it is very important to our constituents that efforts be made to mitigate the impacts of the TCI on low-income populations in rural areas. In rural areas like Addison County, our poorest community members often live far from populations centers. In purchasing vehicles, they rely upon second-hand cars and trucks, and the availability of fuel-efficient vehicles at a low price point in that market is constrained. Some of the revenue raised by the TCI should go to assist this population in transitioning to low emission vehicles and to offset the economic hardship they will face when the cost of fuel increases.

The draft MOU lacks detail on how a Participating Jurisdiction would leave the TCI (Section 5B) and what would happen to allowances auctioned on their behalf. Would those allowances still be honored as in Section 2J – “Participating Jurisdictions shall accept allowances sold or originated in other Participating Jurisdictions”?

We thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft MOU.

I am submitting this form stating that I applaud and also support Governor Wolf's decision to join the eight other states and the District of Columbia to support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This move by Governor Wolf is a bold and timely move and comes at a time when it is of the utmost importance to take the necessary steps to reduce and eventually overcome human-caused climate change. Governor Wolf's very wise decision to join this initiative will aid in the reduction of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and also help to improve air quality. I also ask Governor Wolf to please end fracking here in the Keystone State and also to stop the construction of new oil and gas pipeline projects in our state and to transition to renewable and nonpolluting forms of energy--particularly solar power.

Apologies for the late submission. The comments from Consumer Reports are provided at a file attachment. Thank you for the opportunity to comment, and for considering our input.
- Adam Winer, Consumer Reports

As transportation is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally), I request that Connecticut formally join the plan to reduce emissions. This policy must have a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access. I am encouraged by the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward.

Repairs and improvements to MTA. Hybrid/electric buses on bus lines. And says when number of cars on the road are limited in NYC. There are WAY too many cars on the road. More people need to ride share, carpool, use public transport. Make it happen by law.

New York and other eastern states must cut the pollution coming from current transportation systems, to help cut global warming and all the negative effects it is having on climate change. All feasible alternative energy sources must be considered and we need to encourage our colleges and universities to work on new innovations to reduce power usage, reduce pollution and increase use of efficient mass transportation.

Increasing tax on gas and diesel would be devastating for my family. I commute daily 30 miles to work and home. I cant drive any less from my rural home to work. My husband works 6 days a week installing satellite internet to rural Mainers that cant get internet through other providers. His day is spent with hours of driving. His company doesn't reimburse him for gas or mileage so if he drives two hours and the satellite can't go in, he doesn't get paid. With more taxes, he will not be able to afford to work. This is a horrible idea for the common peoples of Maine and would only hurt us. City living isn't what everyone does!!