TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Material submitted through the TCI Public Input form from April 2019-February 2021 is viewable here. View input submitted from March 1, 2021 forward here. All material submitted on this page informed the participating jurisdictions in the 2019-2020 TCI regional policy design process. Click on the column headings to sort the submissions.

Date	First	Last	Affiliation	City	State	Input	File
2/27/2020	Shelby	Grantham	Concerned Citizen	Norwich	Vermont	My name is Shelby Grantham. I’d like to reduce my personal carbon footprint and help reduce climate change. But I am a senior resident of Norwich, VT, living alone seven miles outside the... read more My name is Shelby Grantham. I’d like to reduce my personal carbon footprint and help reduce climate change. But I am a senior resident of Norwich, VT, living alone seven miles outside the business center of Norwich. There is no public transportation out here except the school buses, which I am not allowed to ride. I wish I didn’t have to take my car into town to get groceries and do errands. Transportation is Vermont’s highest source of carbon emissions. As an otherwise proud citizen of Vermont, I hope the state government sees fit to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) that aims to develop within one year a regional policy to cap and reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program that would also earn funds to help us tackle our high emissions and implement transportation solutions statewide. Cap-and-invest programs are not new. Our Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) instituted in 2008 has reduced carbon pollution and raised funds to invest in improved weatherization that makes Vermont homes warmer and more energy efficient. With TCI, we can do the same in the transportation sector. Across the country, cap reduction scenarios have led to environmental, health, and economic benefits. Some Vermonters may see TCI as merely a gas tax, but frankly I’m willing to pay a little more at the pumps when the outcomes are so critical and the long-term benefits so far-reaching. Being at the table with the other TCI states will allow us to craft a VT policy that is equitable and could help us create a climate in which we can all thrive.	-
2/27/2020	Alison	Hill	Concerned Citizen	Manchester Center	Vermont	TCI seems to be an effective way to help us reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions while providing important funds to invest in clean transportation initiatives. TCI seems to be an effective way to help us reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions while providing important funds to invest in clean transportation initiatives.	-
2/27/2020	Linda	Pagani	concerned citizen	Bloomfield	Connecticut	I strongly urge TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emission cap; and I strongly urge the state of Connecticut to formally sign on to this initiative. Most... read more I strongly urge TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emission cap; and I strongly urge the state of Connecticut to formally sign on to this initiative. Most of our transportation infrastructure is optimized for motor vehicles: trucks, buses, and cars. CT and many of its towns have turned a blind eye toward the needs of people who can’t, or don’t want to, use those means of transportation and rely instead on using wheelchairs, walking (with or without the help of walking aids), or biking. One component of the initiative, Complete Streets, would equalize transportation choices among all stakeholders regardless of age, income, neighborhood, and physical ability. The time to politely tiptoe around transportation sector emissions and inequality is over. I demand the modern, forward-looking changes inherent in the initiative, and say that they must begin now. The environmental present and future of our state, our region, and our world depend on it. Thank you.	-
2/28/2020	Nancy	Shaw	Concerned Citizen	Cabin John	Maryland	This seems the most reasonable way to move forward! This seems the most reasonable way to move forward!	-
2/28/2020	Lorna	Copp	Concerned citizen	Cumberland	Maine	Stop with the additional taxes and oh by the way electric cars only put more money in CMPs pocket. Stop with the additional taxes and oh by the way electric cars only put more money in CMPs pocket.	-
2/28/2020	Mary	Price	Concerned citizen	Brewster	Massachusetts	We need low carbon emissions in our transportation We need low carbon emissions in our transportation	-
2/28/2020	Jessica	Hunt	Concerned citizen	Rockport	Massachusetts	“…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other... read more “…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy“	-
2/28/2020	Christina	Nunez	concerned citizen	SILVER SPRING	Maryland	I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. As a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, I am fortunate enough to have access to the Metro system, such as it is. But my area... read more I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. As a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, I am fortunate enough to have access to the Metro system, such as it is. But my area, and much of Maryland, is still overwhelmingly dependent on cars to get where we need to go. And while pervasive, inescapable traffic congestion prompts calls to expand 495, nearby communities do not want to face more noise, air pollution, and construction in service of what is ultimately an unsustainable trajectory for transportation in this region. We need better, cleaner options, and we need dedicated leadership from Maryland and other states in the region to imagine alternatives that will enhance mobility in the region while doing our part to address climate change.	-
3/5/2020	arlene	Mercurio	concerned citizen	New Kensington	Pennsylvania	Everyday another scientific article comes out stating how URGENT the climate crisis is - essentially the entire ecosystem is unraveling. Even if you do as much as you can as fast as you it, it... read more Everyday another scientific article comes out stating how URGENT the climate crisis is - essentially the entire ecosystem is unraveling. Even if you do as much as you can as fast as you it, it won't be enough - and yet, you must do your part to help mitigate the impending catastrophes until more aggressive policy steps are taken.	-
10/14/2020	Phyllis	Blumberg	concerned citizen	Bala Cynwyd	Pennsylvania	I am a mother and a grandmother. I am appealing to you as a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. We must ensure low-carbon transportation so that our next generations will be able to live. To... read more I am a mother and a grandmother. I am appealing to you as a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. We must ensure low-carbon transportation so that our next generations will be able to live. To do this I am asking that you approve: - cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032 -an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%) - investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit According to a recently released study by Harvard and other institutions, if the program is designed appropriately, up to 1,100 lives can be saved annually, and the region could see $11 billion in health benefits each year. Thank you for yout consideration of these requests.	-
10/14/2020	Alix	Keast	Concerned citizen	New York	New York	Please be sensible and responsible and protect the underserved and overburdened communities that would be affected by this. Also, please include state advisory boards and allow for... read more Please be sensible and responsible and protect the underserved and overburdened communities that would be affected by this. Also, please include state advisory boards and allow for community involvement and review. This is a very important initiative and must be carried out with care. Thank you.	-
10/14/2020	J.	Beverly	concerned citizen	Urbana	Illinois	I am writing to support a strong Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) program, the purpose of which is to design a program that will reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.... read more I am writing to support a strong Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) program, the purpose of which is to design a program that will reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. According to a recently released study by Harvard and other institutions, if the program is designed appropriately, up to 1,100 lives can be saved annually, and the region could see $11 billion in health benefits each year. I ask that the following issues are supported in the design: a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032; an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%); and, I respectfully request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit. A regional low-carbon transportation program could only provide benefits for citizens and the environment. Thank you for your consideration.	-
10/14/2020	Aleks	Kosowicz	Concerned Citizen	Abrams	Wisconsin	Our world is LITERALLY ON FIRE. There can be no denying we have instigated a climate crisis and must take immediate action to mitigate the worst effects of it. Enacting a TCI program that... read more Our world is LITERALLY ON FIRE. There can be no denying we have instigated a climate crisis and must take immediate action to mitigate the worst effects of it. Enacting a TCI program that addresses our carbon footprint and modes of transport is one way we can begin to do just that. Please do all you can to ensure we place a cap on carbon emissions (of at least 25%) by 2030, increase (by more than 35%) the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities, and invest in active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit. Together we MUST find and implement multiple solutions in order to maintain a habitable climate for life on earth. Thank you for doing your part.	-
10/16/2020	Maurice	Samuels	Concerned citizen	Pittsburgh	Pennsylvania	A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032 An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%) Request that investments... read more A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032 An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%) Request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit	-
1/16/2020	Nancy	Zajano	Concerned citizen and grandparent	Exeter	New Hampshire	Please reduce greenhouse gases coming from vehicles by formally joining the regional plan to reduce emissions. Ensure that the forthcoming plan prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened... read more Please reduce greenhouse gases coming from vehicles by formally joining the regional plan to reduce emissions. Ensure that the forthcoming plan prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and providing for the transportation needs of the poorest among us. I am please that this is a bipartisan project, moving us forward even if the federal government will only move backward.	-
11/7/2019	Jennifer	Holan	concerned citizen and VPIRG supporter	Westminster	Vermont	It is vital that we take steps to curb emissions from all sectors, but regulation will be needed to control wasteful transportation consumption. The most effective action would be to develop an... read more It is vital that we take steps to curb emissions from all sectors, but regulation will be needed to control wasteful transportation consumption. The most effective action would be to develop an extensive and reliable system of affordable public transport; but until that's done every emitter must pay for the damage. As things are now, people idle their engines with impunity, and it drives me crazy!	-
1/16/2020	Eric	Cornetta	concerned citizen of Hingham MA	Hingham	Massachusetts	I am excited to support a strong plan to reduce transportation pollution in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Cleaner transportation can protect our environment and grow our economy... read more I am excited to support a strong plan to reduce transportation pollution in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Cleaner transportation can protect our environment and grow our economy with green jobs that last. We must include those left behind most often by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and folks who don't have access. It is amazing there can be bipartisan support of this project, moving local areas forward while the federal government moves us backward. Massachusetts must join this initiative, I urge Governor Baker to get on board with this Transportation & Climate Initiative.	-
1/16/2020	Diane	Dunning	Concerned citizen of the planet	Philadelphia	Pennsylvania	To whom it may concern, I care about reducing pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally, next to cattle... read more To whom it may concern, I care about reducing pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally, next to cattle farming) because it affects the health care/costs & well being of us all, children, adults, seniors, not to mention it's REALLY expensive to clean off soot from buildings to keep our cities presentable for tourism. I kindly request that your state formally join the plan to reduce emissions. The policy should have a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access. It is our duty as citizens of a free thinking democracy to work together for the good of citizens to move forward by planning ahead to protect future generations & our cities' economies by acting with forethought now. Now is the time! Thank you for hearing my words. Thank you for all you do in the name of the public good. Please make me proud again to be a citizen of the US by connecting with your heart, & asking yourselves, will this do good? If the answer is YES, Please Act Now. Thank you. With great respect & gratitude, Diane Dunning D.A.R., Philadelphian, Mother, Concerned citizen	-
2/24/2020	Carol	Langstaff	concerned citizen of Vermont	Sharon	Vermont	Please go along with this very important opportunity: “…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation... read more Please go along with this very important opportunity: “…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.” and sign on with TCI!	-
2/24/2020	Moe	Hevey	Concerned Citizen of Vermont for 75 Years.	Burlington	Vermont	Vermont is a very SMALL player in the Climate problem in the U.S.,our small decreasing population is not causing the Climate fiasco that other very large populated states do!! We are bearing the... read more Vermont is a very SMALL player in the Climate problem in the U.S.,our small decreasing population is not causing the Climate fiasco that other very large populated states do!! We are bearing the brunt thou(Hurricane Irene ) for example! And warmer then normal temperatures! I am more concerned with our WATER quality for drinking purposers(Lake Champlain for instance) pollution solutions are very slowly being implemented to correct the the pollution cause?? Will we be having boil water alerts that last for months?? NO MORE studies,time for action is NOW! ACTION to close COAL fired electric power plants should be number one on the agenda for Climate Change agenda!NO CARBON TAX IN VT.We are not the problem!	-

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