2/25/2020 |
Emma |
Huvos |
Vermont resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
I'm confident that joining TCI will improve our transportation system, reduce carbon emissions, and provide an opportunity to better address issues of economic inequality. There are serious... read more I'm confident that joining TCI will improve our transportation system, reduce carbon emissions, and provide an opportunity to better address issues of economic inequality. There are serious costs associated with failing to act, and as a Vermont resident, I know that I'll end up paying TCI’s compliance costs whether or not the governor decides to sign on. TCI isn't a silver bullet, but it's an important step in the right direction, and Vermont should absolutely join. |
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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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2/25/2020 |
Greg |
Hostetler |
Vermont resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Vermont should join the TCI! A few cents per gallon is within the normal daily fluctuations for fuel prices, and this would be a great start to reducing our climate emissions. If we invest the... read more Vermont should join the TCI! A few cents per gallon is within the normal daily fluctuations for fuel prices, and this would be a great start to reducing our climate emissions. If we invest the funds in rural transit, it could help provide affordable transportation for those who need it most. The RGGI has been a success and we should build on that by joining the TCI. |
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2/26/2020 |
jessica |
paige |
vermont resident |
Putney |
Vermont |
Please support this iniciative. It is a step in the right direction, and will benefit us all. Please support this iniciative. It is a step in the right direction, and will benefit us all. |
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2/27/2020 |
Liz |
Edsell |
Vermont Resident |
WINOOSKI |
Vermont |
I strongly support Vermont joining the Transportation Climate Initiative.
First, I'm grateful for what the state's done so far. I recently was able to lease a 2020 Nissan... read more I strongly support Vermont joining the Transportation Climate Initiative.
First, I'm grateful for what the state's done so far. I recently was able to lease a 2020 Nissan Leaf at an affordable price thanks to the state's EV incentive program and love it. However, as I'm beginning to get the hang of using an EV for my main transportation, it's clear that the state's EV charging infrastructure needs to be significantly improved. I don't know what that looks like specifically, but I hope the TCI incentives could be used to make it as easy to charge as it is to visit a gas station. Also, the pool of funding for EV incentives needs to be dramatically expanded so that thousands (not hundreds) of Vermonters are making the switch.
Thank you! |
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2/27/2020 |
Liam |
O'Sullivan |
Vermont Resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
I am excited to see Vermont join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Given that our emissions are still 13% above 1990 levels, with transportation acting as the biggest culprit, Vermont... read more I am excited to see Vermont join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Given that our emissions are still 13% above 1990 levels, with transportation acting as the biggest culprit, Vermont must be looking at innovative ways to substantially decrease our emissions through 2030. Our efficiency utilities, low-income weatherization program and EV incentive program have done great things to get the ball rolling on climate action, but I fear they are not doing nearly enough to make Vermont a leader on this issue. The emission reduction goals spelled out in TCI are by no means bold, but if TCI could bring in $18-$60 million in just the first year of its implementation for substantial investments in EV incentives, EV charging infrastructure, public transportation, and returns for low-income Vermonters - while making out of state travelers pay their fair share - I'm all in. |
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2/28/2020 |
Jacob |
Flanigan |
Vermont resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
This looks like a no brainier. Let's do it already read more This looks like a no brainier. Let's do it already |
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3/2/2020 |
Lisa |
Meyer |
Vermont resident |
Waterbury Center |
Vermont |
I am in support of this program. I urge you to join the initial group of states. Thank you. I am in support of this program. I urge you to join the initial group of states. Thank you. |
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9/30/2020 |
Cheryl |
Hogan |
Vermont resident |
Irasburg |
Vermont |
1) As an affected rural Vermont resident, I am interested in monitoring emissions reduction progress. For example, where could I find cubic models including baseline and changing air quality... read more 1) As an affected rural Vermont resident, I am interested in monitoring emissions reduction progress. For example, where could I find cubic models including baseline and changing air quality statistics that can be viewed by zip code or other measures?
2) I joined yesterday's webinar but found the scope and focus to be about social injustices. Is there a local organization that can address less complex but effective complimentary initiatives for emissions reduction at a local level? |
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1/27/2020 |
Steven |
Stone |
Vermont resident and voter |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
This is a bipartisan (multi-partisan) multi state push to reduce fossil fuels in the region (and as a result, reduce greenhouse gas pollution).
This is the way to do it, en mass and in... read more This is a bipartisan (multi-partisan) multi state push to reduce fossil fuels in the region (and as a result, reduce greenhouse gas pollution).
This is the way to do it, en mass and in collaboration with our neighbors.
Of course it's sometimes hard to do the right thing, but I believe this region wide approach to drastically reduce the fossil fuels used in our transportation system is the way to do it.
I won't be able to attend the public hearing on TCI coming up in Manchester Center on January 30th but it is important that my voice is heard.
Now is the time to make commitments.
Thank you
Steven Stone |
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2/27/2020 |
Robb |
Kidd |
Vermont Sierra Club |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Transforming Rural Transportation to Benefit All Vermonters with TCI
The status quo of transportation in Vermont isn’t serving the best interests of our communities. Instead, it’s... read more Transforming Rural Transportation to Benefit All Vermonters with TCI
The status quo of transportation in Vermont isn’t serving the best interests of our communities. Instead, it’s hurting our environment, health, and wallets. With Vermont’s rural geography, Vermonters drive 20 percent more than the national average to get to work and spend a large part of their incomes on gasoline and car maintenance. Our cars and trucks make up over half of our state’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the tailpipe pollution spewing from them contributes to an influx of health problems, drives hospital visits and burdens Vermonters with healthcare costs.
The good news is that Governor Scott has an immediate opportunity to shift us away from the dirty status quo and invest in Vermont’s future. It’s called the Transportation and Climate Initiative, or TCI for short. TCI would establish a multi-state program that caps emissions from motor fuels in the Northeast and invests in clean transportation solutions as early as 2022.
Multiple polls in Vermont and across the region have shown broad, bipartisan support for a cleaner, safer, healthier, more equitable and modern transportation system. Legislative and business leaders, urban and rural communities, and stakeholders across the political spectrum are all on board to reduce transportation pollution, create thousands of new jobs and save consumers billions of dollars in healthcare costs. (If this sounds good to you, take action: Residents from across the region can offer their comments on the draft plan at the online portal through February 28th.)
Opponents of TCI are mostly dirty energy companies and well-funded allies that are happy to keep profiting off Vermonters, polluting our communities and climate as they take hard-earned dollars out of state. (In Vermont, 80 cents out of every dollar spent on motor fuels is sent out of state.). Imagine instead if we kept that money in Vermont: How many jobs could we create, how many electric vehicles could we adopt, and how many transit services could we expand and improve?
Given the urgency of intertwined climate and public health crises, clean transportation policies must be even more ambitious than what states have proposed so far. Reducing pollution from motor fuels only 20 to 25 percent by 2032, what the current TCI plan has modeled, falls far short of Vermont’s climate protection goals. A stronger program would mean more emissions reduced, more jobs and wealth for communities, less childhood asthma, and more lives saved.
The states’ draft plan for TCI already projects big benefits; a 25 percent reduction in motor fuels could prevent over 1,000 premature deaths and 1,300 asthma attacks per year in the region and raise up to $23 million dollars for Vermont to start. Imagine the benefits under a stronger pollution reduction target, such as 45 percent.
While the state advances incentives for electric vehicles (which just started and must be increased), we have massive room for improvement to clean up our transportation system in an equitable way that benefits all residents, including a statewide shift to electric buses, infrastructure to enable more telecommuting, more affordable housing near work and transportation hubs, and more accessible and affordable transit with new innovations such as micro-transit. These policies will set us on a course to reach our goals and save Vermonters money. Funding generated from the TCI — the top fuel distributors would need to purchase pollution permits — can help make them happen.
Throughout this process, we must ensure that Vermont’s rural and low-income communities that are underserved and have the least access to clean and safe transportation options are first in line for investment and benefits.
We need to look towards our future, bettering our transportation and moving forward on climate progress. We can’t let dirty energy interests continue to pollute our communities and hold Vermonters hostage to the whims of oil barons. Given federal attacks on clean car standards, 2020 is the year that state leaders must work together on regional solutions to transform our transportation systems. Governor Scott should join his fellow governors to finalize a strong and just regional Transportation and Climate Initiative to limit climate pollution from motor fuels this spring.
Robb Kidd
Conservation Program Manager
Sierra Club Vermont
Montpelier
robb.kidd@sierraclub.org
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KIDD-TCI OPED.docx |
2/25/2020 |
Laurene |
Cochran |
Vermont state resident |
Guilford |
Vermont |
Governor Scott should join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Vermonters will end up paying whether or not we join the program, and there's a good chance if the state does join that... read more Governor Scott should join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Vermonters will end up paying whether or not we join the program, and there's a good chance if the state does join that we will end up receiving back more for investment than we put into it. The governor could use the proceeds from it to help low income Vermonters. We're in the midst of a climate emergency. We need to do everything we can to reduce carbon pollution, and the TCI will lead to a 25% reduction in transportation emissions by 2032 - not enough but certainly a step in the right direction. |
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2/26/2020 |
Lissa |
Schneckenburger |
Vermont tax payer |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
Please please please join the TCI program, our economy and the health of our state depends on these important funds! Please please please join the TCI program, our economy and the health of our state depends on these important funds! |
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2/19/2020 |
Deborah |
Martin |
Vermont Voter |
Norwich |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott,
Our nation has neglected climate change to the point of imminent crisis proportions. Our "brave little state" and every one of us needs to step up and change... read more Dear Governor Scott,
Our nation has neglected climate change to the point of imminent crisis proportions. Our "brave little state" and every one of us needs to step up and change the things we can. The TCI addresses 40% of our emissions and is a perfect place for you to start. Please, please, please do not follow Sununu's and trump's anti-environmental examples. Do not be just another spineless, Republican lackey. Vermont and Vermonters are counting on you.
Sincerely,
Deborah Martin
Norwich, Vermont |
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1/24/2020 |
Donna |
Smyers |
Vermont, New England, the US, and the planet Earth |
Adamant |
Vermont |
I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes... read more I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes people's behavior in this country is financial incentive. It is actually a very capitalistic and Republican manner of achieving results without the government deciding how it gets done.
TCI does not go far enough to cut carbon quickly, but it is a very important step that can be taken without major economic upheaval. We have endured gas price increases much more drastic than TCI would cause during prior gas shortages or panics. We paid up to $4/gallon not that long ago. When we did, people bought smaller cars and carpooled and used public transit or stayed home more. They had to. That is a price that we should pay now, and use the funds generated to help people who can least afford the price increases to change their mode of transportation and decrease their heating fuel needs. Upgrading vehicles and weatherization for those least able to pay will give them long term economic benefits from the price increases and help VT and the world achieve the needed decrease in fossil fuel use.
If we do not pay the small price now, the cost in disaster mitigation will dwarf the cost of TCI. Even though we are a small portion of worldwide CO2 emissions, Vermont must do its part. Every single portion counts. If we do not do it, everyone may not do it. We all must pay a price for the excesses of the last century or pay a much bigger price later. Delaying aggressive action is like obtaining an extremely high interest loan--it will come due and we will pay for it.
Please approve joining into the Transportation Climate Initiative now.
Thank you,
Donna Smyers |
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11/12/2019 |
David |
Mulholland |
Vermonter |
Westminster West |
Vermont |
While the purpose and aims are commendable, when it comes to charging money for polluting -- even as offsets -- we make the ability to pollute a sought after prize for those who can afford to... read more While the purpose and aims are commendable, when it comes to charging money for polluting -- even as offsets -- we make the ability to pollute a sought after prize for those who can afford to pollute. We should all work to reduce carbon emissions.
Here are implicit problems with such approaches:
1) Will we provide the poorest individuals with "gas-guzzlers" new, efficient, high mpg cars for free or as low a cost as the vehicles they can inherit from relatives or find on street corners in poorer neighborhoods? Why shift the blame to them?
2) Will you run mass transit on rural back roads where many New Englanders actually live? I would love to use public transit and find myself needing to drive beyond my intended destination to access any. I am not alone in this.
3) How will there be fair and equitable distribution of opportunities for change on a personal level in all ways that reduce a carbon footprint? Massive TCI plans cannot replace individual effort or become a "feel good" surrogate on a social level.
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1/28/2020 |
Melody |
Stone |
Vermonter |
Dummerston |
Vermont |
Governor Phil Scott please do all you can to support Vermont through this climate crisis we are in by backing your fellow Vermonters by signing off on TCI. Think of our child and our children’s... read more Governor Phil Scott please do all you can to support Vermont through this climate crisis we are in by backing your fellow Vermonters by signing off on TCI. Think of our child and our children’s children. Be the man to make a difference. |
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2/25/2020 |
James |
Burde |
Vermonter |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I am writing to encourage Gov. Scott to join TCI today.
Whether or not Vermont joins TCI, we will pay. TCI will require fossil fuel depot operators to purchase an allocation for the... read more I am writing to encourage Gov. Scott to join TCI today.
Whether or not Vermont joins TCI, we will pay. TCI will require fossil fuel depot operators to purchase an allocation for the amount of pollution their products cause. As the Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources explained, Vermont imports 100% of its gasoline and diesel from fuel depots located in other states. While depot operators could absorb these costs out of their profits, it is anticipated that they will pass most, if not all, of their obligation expenses onto downstream distributors. If, as seems likely, some of the states Vermont imports fossil fuels from join TCI then Vermont distributors will be burdened with TCI’s compliance costs and they, in turn, will pass those costs onto consumers whether or not Vermont joins the compact.
If Vermont joins TCI, the State will receive more revenue for investments than Vermonters contribute to the program. As currently contemplated, the proceeds from depots buying allowances will be distributed to TCI states based on the volume of transit fuels sold within each jurisdiction. This design works in Vermont’s favor since, as Scott Administration officials estimated at the recent public meetings, 20-25% of the gasoline and on-road diesel sales in Vermont are sold to out-of-state travelers. That means that for every dollar Vermonters contribute, the State will receive as much as $1.25-$1.33 for 21st Century transportation investments.
Taken together, these points make joining TCI a no-brainer, and refusal to join a disservice to Vermont’s economy. Vermonters will pay either way, but if we’re in we’ll receive back more than we put in. |
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2/25/2020 |
Maeve |
Power |
Vermonter |
Burlington |
Vermont |
It is so crucial that Vermont joins TCI to reduce carbon emissions from our most polluting sector in a fair and equitable way. It is so crucial that Vermont joins TCI to reduce carbon emissions from our most polluting sector in a fair and equitable way. |
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2/25/2020 |
Josiah |
Klingler |
Vermonter |
Williamstown |
Vermont |
Vermont really needs to do more to reduce emissions. A carbon tax would be great. Vermont really needs to do more to reduce emissions. A carbon tax would be great. |
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