TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

The challenge does not lie with a shortage of efficient technology. We possess all that we need. Steps to take:Set strict standards for the energy efficiency of all buildings. They are a major source of pollution. Ratings are easy to establish and monitor and with common sense upgrades. - coupled with heavy fines for non-compliers. Utilize advanced battery technology combined with solar and wind making it possible to have an extremely energy efficient home that is not even connected to the grid. This will work now in many parts of the county. The payback is fast, the results incredible. Develop and utilize high speed rail service that will minimize the heavy pollution caused by air travel (More pollution is generated by a coast to coast flight than if every passenger drove instead. Develop dedicated truck "piggy back rail service" between regional hubs. Of course local and accessible parking are key. Reward companies for staggering work hours to maximize traffic flow. Stop subsidies for Oil and Gas production and put the savings to research. If we are serious we can accomplish in a limited time frame.

I urge Vermont to formally join TCI so we can create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region.

TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed transportation infrastructure that will benefit all.

We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.

Vermont, like other states, desperately needs additional funding to create innovative, equitable transportation options for all, including seniors/people with disabilities/people with low incomes, for whom transportation costs and accessibility are an added burden. TCI can provide this support.

As you know, Vermont’s participation in a cap and invest program is not new. Under Governor Jim Douglas, Vermont joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in 2008. This cap and invest program covers the electric sector in the Northeast, and it has proven very successful, reducing consumer costs and carbon pollution from the power sector by 40%.

Vermont has strategically invested the revenues raised from RGGI, directing the $2 million annually into weatherization programs that help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. We know this type of project works — there is no excuse not to adopt TCI as well.

I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative so that all Vermonters live in a world where they do not have to choose between being able to get where they need to go and polluting the planet irreparably.

Dr. Michael Shank

Clean and affordable energy and transportation through an increased and appropriate level of new federal investment in zero-emissions transportation options for all community members in both rural and urban areas must be a priority. This includes programs to scale up investment in public transit; zero-emissions transit buses, diesel trucks, and school buses; and accessible and affordable adoption of electric cars. We also must assure that communities impacted the most are included in decision making from the very beginning.

TCI is not nearly ambitious enough given the scale of the climate emergency. However, if specific policies are clearly defined by TCI it will provide a start in the right direction. Given that Vermont gets all of our fossil fuels from other states, we should clearly join TCI, but must create policy that ensures equity for lower-income and rural Vermonters.

Vermont TCI should include:

-A mechanism to mitigate the impacts of TCI on low-income populations in rural areas with acknolwedgment that rural consumers must use more fossil fuels in order to get to work and commerce centers

-Higher EV and renewable energy rebates for low-income residents

-Increased weatherization funding for low and moderate income Vermonters and access to renewable energy sources via community solar development

-Development of safe roads for biking and walking, and focus on smart growth centers

-Investment in agricultural and natural responses to the climate emergency including carbon farming and forest health, acknowledging the impact of higher fuel rates on farmers, sugarmakers and others who work in agricultural and forestry professions


-Investment of TCI funds in clean energy, energy efficiency, and more robust public transportation to expand career opportunities and make jobs more accessible. The Vermont Green New Deal aims to do this, and is an essential part of all Vermont climate legislation.

Thank you for trying to address the climate crisis in a bipartisan way by pricing carbon. I hope you will ensure that any carbon price is high enough to create sufficient incentive to reduce carbon levels substantially, and that the policy will have a mechanism for minimizing impacts on low income folks.
Thanks.

We desperately need to modernize our public transportation in a clean and efficient manner and this proposal would do exactly that. Currently, our system is an embarrassment in that it is extremely overcrowded and constantly plagued with delays, equipment problems, vehicles that should have been retired decades ago, and over-reliance on expensive, dirty, obsolete, and taxpayer-subsidized fossil fuels. This proposal would fix many of these problems and thus should be implemented ASAP. Not only would the proposal create jobs, but it would also create a cleaner, more stress-free environment for us all -- in short, a system we could be proud of.

As a bit of a side note, it is extremely suspicious that many of the disapproving comments that are flooding this proposal appear to be generated by automated bots impersonating real people. One can only wonder who is behind this activity, but the fact that the fossil fuel companies are flush with cash and have repeatedly demonstrated a contempt for our democracy and the needs of local communities, as well as a willingness to corrupt the political and regulatory processes, points to an obvious culprit.

This is just another tax on citizens. Massachusetts leadership are not fiscally responsible. MA. citizens get screwed enough.

- Rreducing pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
• Request that your state formally join the plan to reduce emissions.
• Demand that the policy has a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
• Express gratitude for the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward.

We need a low carbon transportation policy! Offer tax credits and government rebates for purchase of electric vehicles.