|
1/20/2020 |
Nick |
Berezansky |
Citizen |
Ridgewood |
New Jersey |
Scotland is aiming for 100% renewable energy THIS YEAR. Certainly we can at least have clean transportation in our nation's Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. read more Scotland is aiming for 100% renewable energy THIS YEAR. Certainly we can at least have clean transportation in our nation's Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. |
- |
|
1/20/2020 |
Mary |
Memmott |
citizen |
Framingham |
Massachusetts |
As a middle school science teacher, I have personally tried to learn as much as I can about climate change over the past thirty years, so I can explain it to my students. I follow the science... read more As a middle school science teacher, I have personally tried to learn as much as I can about climate change over the past thirty years, so I can explain it to my students. I follow the science journals carefully and the evidence has been overwhelming over this time that we must act to bring down emissions, quickly. TCI is one small step in the right direction -- a small step -- but at least it is a step. It is a model for the kind of regional collaboration that will be needed to really start to drive down emissions. Like the Massachusetts "experiment" in health insurance, I think it will serve to actually strengthen our economy, not weaken it, at the same time it actually improves air quality, not just lowering carbon dioxide emissions. I think it is the kind of experiment we need to start now -- to really try to see what works for driving down emissions. We won't know until we try and the resulting competition and improved efficiency can only be a good thing.
|
- |
|
1/20/2020 |
DeeDee |
Tostanoski |
Citizen |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
As a lifelong resident of the Northeast Corridor (Maine-DC), I cannot state more strongly the need for improved public transportation options. Driving from Charlottesville (when I was in college... read more As a lifelong resident of the Northeast Corridor (Maine-DC), I cannot state more strongly the need for improved public transportation options. Driving from Charlottesville (when I was in college) to New York sometimes took up to 8 hours due to traffic. I now live in the DC area and would prefer to take the train home to visit family, but it is cost prohibitive in comparison to driving. It's ridiculous that the better environmental choice is more expensive monetarily. All of us in the Northeast Corridor (as well as the rest of the country) deserve better options. |
- |
|
1/21/2020 |
Michaelina |
Watson |
Citizen |
Vassalboro |
Maine |
As a life long citizen of Maine, I strongly stand against the TCI. This is just another unfair tax on an already over taxed state. Maine is too large in area and low in population to have a viable... read more As a life long citizen of Maine, I strongly stand against the TCI. This is just another unfair tax on an already over taxed state. Maine is too large in area and low in population to have a viable public transportation system, nor are electric vehicles an alternative in this spacious, wintery climate. |
- |
|
1/21/2020 |
Christine |
Erb |
Citizen |
Lanesborough |
Massachusetts |
I strongly support a high-impact regional approach to reduce transportation-generated pollution. We must act as soon as possible to solve the climate-change crisis. Tackling carbon emissions is... read more I strongly support a high-impact regional approach to reduce transportation-generated pollution. We must act as soon as possible to solve the climate-change crisis. Tackling carbon emissions is an essential step. |
- |
|
1/24/2020 |
Charles |
Kelly |
Citizen |
Westfield |
Massachusetts |
I vote for politicians that agree to be held accountable for every tax and fee they have the opportunity to vote up or down. I completely disagree with methods of taxes and fees imposed because a... read more I vote for politicians that agree to be held accountable for every tax and fee they have the opportunity to vote up or down. I completely disagree with methods of taxes and fees imposed because a group of think tank activists believe they know more than any individual. This is a scam. |
- |
|
1/26/2020 |
Rebecca |
Powell |
Citizen |
Enfield |
New Hampshire |
I write as a citizen who is aware that our region, our country, and the entire world are at grave risk of incurring more and more dangerous and expensive climate disasters. I want to see my child... read more I write as a citizen who is aware that our region, our country, and the entire world are at grave risk of incurring more and more dangerous and expensive climate disasters. I want to see my child and grandchildren living in a world that is not under the threat of increased wildfires, floods, drought, refugee crises, and so on. I urge my state of New Hampshire to join in a regional clean transportation plan. Since transportation makes up over 40 percent of our region's global warming emissions, reducing these emissions will be an effective way to reduce our contribution to that warming. In addition to warming the planet, emissions also have enormous and costly ill effects on our health.
No single state can solve the problem alone, and the transportation systems of our region are intertwined. We have the ability to create a regional solution that will help alleviate climate change, improve the health of our region--thereby saving millions in healthcare costs--and provide new jobs in clean energy fields.
This is a bipartisan issue that has the potential to affect all of us, and thus I again urge our governing officials to get behind the clean transportation initiative. |
- |
|
2/9/2020 |
Pamela |
Shafto |
Citizen |
Media |
Pennsylvania |
I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. It is important that regions begin to work together to put caps on emissions and to look forward in order to develop new ways to move... read more I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. It is important that regions begin to work together to put caps on emissions and to look forward in order to develop new ways to move around the region. I would hope that some of the money from additional taxes would be used to develop better public transportation alternatives in rural areas of PA. |
- |
|
2/13/2020 |
Christine |
O'Neill |
citizen |
Belmont |
Massachusetts |
Dear policy developers,
Thank you for all your work on this project thus far. It's exciting to see plans for improving transportation and public health and reducing our fossil... read more Dear policy developers,
Thank you for all your work on this project thus far. It's exciting to see plans for improving transportation and public health and reducing our fossil fuel use.
My two concerns are with implementation. Firstly, how will you mitigate the the disproportional cost borne by lower income people and people who live in areas not well served by public transportation? How will you assure that they are not adversely affected in such a way that they are not feeling that they are bearing the brunt of the cost? The yellow vest folks in France reacted to this very issue.
Secondly, what accountability will there be for investments in infrastructure? It would be a shame to have delays or have projects that result in inefficient outcomes. I am thinking of the tent city disappointment in Boston, where urban renewal projects took away affordable housing and negatively affected pre-existing communities and promised replacement housing but did not follow through on the bargain.
The devil is in the details, isn't it? I applaud the aim of making the policy flexible. It is fantastic that states are working together to address the vital issue of our quality of life. We can't do this soon enough. I wish you all the best in your work.
Sincerely,
Christine O'Neill |
- |
|
2/13/2020 |
Mitchell |
Shea |
Citizen |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Please plan for a good future. Please plan for a good future. |
- |
|
2/13/2020 |
Ms. Maria Celia |
Hernandez |
Citizen |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Transportation and Climate Initiative:
Time to stop rising taxes and adding new ones. Massachusetts residents, who drive pay gas tax, federal gas tax, tax on car yearly, sales tax. When... read more Transportation and Climate Initiative:
Time to stop rising taxes and adding new ones. Massachusetts residents, who drive pay gas tax, federal gas tax, tax on car yearly, sales tax. When purchase a car,yearly inspection tax,yearly registration tax, local tax. Please,This State has gotten paid so much tax ;yet nothing its done.Only creating new buildings,leaving streets with holds, and if it is fix the holes get back again.Never fix pothold; that won't brake at least for 5 years.Buses still spread fumes. I believe that sense 2016 nothing has change that ;truly makes sense.Ms.Maria Celia Hernandez 2/2020 |
- |
|
2/14/2020 |
Leslie |
Goldman |
Citizen |
Bellows Falls |
Vermont |
I would urge Governor Scott to support the TCI.
The impacts of the climate crisis are getting more profound. We have a responsibility to our grandchildren to take meaningful action... read more I would urge Governor Scott to support the TCI.
The impacts of the climate crisis are getting more profound. We have a responsibility to our grandchildren to take meaningful action now. Joining with other states involved in TCI will reduce transportation emissions in a way that will keep us economically competitive with our neighboring states and create structures to to meet stricter goals than we would did not join. If we don’t join we will lose the economic benefits but we will continue to be in the same markets as states who are involved in TCI. Although Vermont actions such as increasing EV charging stations are important they would not have the same impact As joining TCI. |
- |
|
2/14/2020 |
Sean |
Abbott |
Citizen |
Malden |
Massachusetts |
Transportation is a major contributing factor to climate change and the environment, and it is critical that we do everything within out power to reduce the impact of our transit.
... read more Transportation is a major contributing factor to climate change and the environment, and it is critical that we do everything within out power to reduce the impact of our transit.
That means immediately prioritizing moving people over moving cars. We need to invert our spending, and spend more on micro-mobility (bike and scooter only paths/roads), walking, and mass transit (trains, separated bus lanes, etc.)
Further, communities like mine, in Malden, have serious health concerns because we're surround by roads. Instead of people commuting through our town by car, it is only just to switch it out and have them commute through our community via bikes.
This is critical. And urgent. Please set policy accordingly.
|
- |
|
2/15/2020 |
Susan |
Castelli-Hill |
citizen |
Melville |
New York |
In order to combat and reduce global climate change, we must eliminate most of the air pollution from not only privately-owned vehicles, but from public transportation vehicles--buses, taxis,... read more In order to combat and reduce global climate change, we must eliminate most of the air pollution from not only privately-owned vehicles, but from public transportation vehicles--buses, taxis, trains and planes. If we do so, we shall lessen climate change and improve air, land and water quality radically. Please concentrate on the big vehicle polluters and eradicate the leading contributors to global warming. I have already promised to do my part by acquiring a nonpolluting vehicle, recycling and reducing waste and unnecessary usage of resources. Please do everything legally possible to promote and litigate regulations which highly restrict or eradicate pollution from public transportation. Thank you. |
- |
|
2/16/2020 |
Lisa |
Grasso |
Citizen |
Clinton |
Massachusetts |
Reducing pollution from emissions is a public health concern and one we should attend rigorously. There is a clear difference between the urban areas of my state and the rural areas relative to... read more Reducing pollution from emissions is a public health concern and one we should attend rigorously. There is a clear difference between the urban areas of my state and the rural areas relative to air quality and temperature. Industry and commerce will mostly be located in urban centers, and so our recourse is to do whatever we can to limit emissions from transportation by leveraging technology when possible, and rethinking the movement of people and goods.
I would like to thank Governor Baker for his leadership and request that Massachusetts formally join the program.
Please choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need. We don't have time to waste.
Please ensure that the policy prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices.
Finally, let's please continue to be a state that leads at the national level when it comes to policies such as this - policies that will help turn the tide on climate change, and help us find better ways for choices for people when it comes to cleaner transportation across the Commonwealth.
Thank you.
|
- |
|
2/19/2020 |
John |
Moss |
Citizen |
Durham |
Maine |
Maine is the exhaust pipe for the country... Maine is the exhaust pipe for the country... |
- |
|
2/20/2020 |
Eileen |
Herman-Haase |
citizen |
Medford |
Massachusetts |
It is crucial for the well being of future generations that a design for a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of... read more It is crucial for the well being of future generations that a design for a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels is created now. Thank you |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Mark |
Wolf |
Citizen |
New York City |
New York |
Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the United States. That means it's time to totally reimagine the way that we transport people and goods.
I live... read more Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the United States. That means it's time to totally reimagine the way that we transport people and goods.
I live right next the the Ed Koch 59th St Bridge in Manhattan and see daily the number of single driver vehicles entering a city that is frequently gridlocked throughout the business day. My wife and I cough when exiting the building due to car fumes and we can never open our windows due to the soot and chemicals emitted from internal combustion engines.
This is simply not sustainable and the region needs bold solutions. I have a family member who commutes through the Hudson Train tunnels and faces multiple delays because of aging infrastructure, the third Hudson rail tunnel should have started years ago and not treated as a political piggy bank/football.
The transportation plan MUST cut harmful transformation pollution at scale - to avoid climate crisis and an increased burden on our health care system. Solutions should include:
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
Thank you for allowing me to comment. |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Alex |
Pierschalla |
Citizen |
Chesapeake |
Virginia |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Modernizing the regional transportation system in Southeastern Virginia is overdue. This system desperately needs attention to reduce air... read more I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Modernizing the regional transportation system in Southeastern Virginia is overdue. This system desperately needs attention to reduce air pollution and traffic accidents, while helping us reduce Virgina's impact on climate. Each day, we have thousands of military commuters who need reliable and efficient transportation to bases. Each day, we see more and more shipping vehicles on our streets. Most people in our area live in one city and work in another, placing additional burdens on roads and air quality. There are a variety of vehicles spewing clouds of pollutants into our air - I see this every single day. Citizens are not protected from the toxic air quality in our region. We need strong policies that hold fossil fuel industries accountable for the pollution that they are creating, while making our cities healthier. These industries should not be allowed to make profits by contributing to asthma and lung disease in our citizens without taking responsibility and paying for clean and modern transportation solutions that benefit everyone. |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Susan |
Ely |
Citizen |
Yarmouth |
Maine |
As a citizen of Yarmouth, Maine, I strongly support Maine signing on to TCI. While I think that the current program design could be improved, such as by making the cap more stringent, dedicating... read more As a citizen of Yarmouth, Maine, I strongly support Maine signing on to TCI. While I think that the current program design could be improved, such as by making the cap more stringent, dedicating funds to underserved and low-income communities, and ensuring robust public engagement and feedback throughout the program, I think that these important considerations should not distract from the enormous potential this program holds for Maine and the region. 54% of Maine's greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, the only sector in the state that's growing. Maine must do something to reverse this trend, especially if we are going to reach our climate goals. But it's not just the greenhouse gas emissions that a TCI can help us address. Maine is experiencing a transportation crisis. We are dependent on cars to get to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, and all of the other important errands we run every day. Not only are our cars polluting, but they're expensive, costing us thousands of dollars a year in gasoline, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and tolls. They're also ruining our health, polluting the air and making us sit for hours a day as we shuttle from place to place in our busy lives. For those of us without the luxury of having a car, our lack of public transportation often leaves citizens unable to meet basic needs. Mainers deserve better. TCI will provide us with the opportunity to do better. This is an opportunity we can't afford to pass up.
Opponents of TCI are claiming that the program is nothing more than a gas tax, citing the worst-case 17 cents/gallon increase from the modeling. This is not a fair critique. Unlike the money we currently spend at the gas pump, which goes out of state to large oil and gas corporations, these funds would flow directly back to Maine, where it would be invested in reducing emissions and our dependence on single passenger vehicles. We know that this type of model works for Maine because of our experience with RGGI. What's more, we can learn from RGGI to make this program even more effective.
Please support TCI, it's a great opportunity for Maine and the region. |
- |
