TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

To disregard the potential dangers of climate change by those with the responsibility and authority to take reasonable precautions to mitigate these dangers is nothing short of a crime against humanity. Certainly, the detrimental effects of clogging our air and water and earth with greenhouse gasses, particulate matter, various chemical byproducts, many of which are toxic not only to humans but other organism in the ecosystem upon which humans rely for their own health, welfare, and even survival, are already reshaping life on the planet. However, it is all too easy to disregard climate change since the effects seem so small and distant in terms of either time or geography (ie a mere 2˚C, or effects which tend to occur in poor regions, or effects that will not substantially impact most people's lives for decades to come). But as moral and ethical creatures, we have an imperative to leave the planet in as at least as good a condition as we first inherited it. It would be breathtakingly selfish, inhumane, and ignorant for us not to act and act swiftly to protect the lives of every single living creature that will ever exist. Yes, that is unarguably what is at stake. The health and wellbeing of every single organism and conscious creature that will ever exist. The number of human beings yet to be born and live on this planet FAR outweighs the number currently living or even the total number that has ever lived. Any hardship or sacrifice we must make, which we should think of as an investment in the health and welfare of our children, our grandchildren, and indeed all of our descendants for as long as our race shall continue to exist, will yield dividends that will dwarf any sacrifice we must make to ensure a safe and habitable future for our species.

As far as how any of this relates to the TCI regional pliocy now under consideration, there are so many steps that can be taken to improve public transportation infrastructure which don't even really require great sacrifice, but will actually improve our current economy and quality of life, which simultaneously benefit the environment and address all of the overriding concerns stated above. For example, rail transportation is much more efficient per passenger mile than car, bus, or air travel. If we made a commitment to using only renewable energy (such as solar or wind generated electricity to power these systems), then we would be expanding the economy to develop new technology, addressing wealth inequality by providing a more comprehensive public transportation system, reducing wasted human hours in inconvenient and inefficient existing transportation systems), and make an enormous contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are countless examples of efficiencies to be found. Another example is that the more people utilize public transportation, the more we can reduce real estate devoted to roads and parking and create bike paths and greenspace which in turn contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The examples are endless. It is a no brainer. Of course it is a big investment, but it will pay dividends for countless generations to come and most of us will see the benefits within our own lives both in terms of improvements to the environment (air quality in particular), and economic benefits. Please work towards making the most comprehensive, efficient, cost effective, evidence based system that you have the power to make. You have a responsibility not only to your constituency, but to humanity.

We need to keep our air clean & climate change under control any bit will help. We don’t want Colorado to be come like some of the big cities around the country.

On behalf of the American Lung Association, I am writing to express our support for moving forward with a thoughtful program design that affords the greatest benefits to local community health. The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is an important regional effort to maintain progress in the fight for healthy air and a healthy climate, and one that must place community health and climate protection at the forefront.

Please see the attached letter for our full comments on the proposal.

This is a tax. I’m not that smart and I know that. This failed to pass in MA years ago, but yet here it is again. Had to come with numbers this time, pass it as a group because that makes it legitimate. The Democrats are thieves, plain and simple. Please do not pass this in Maine. Trump 2020.

Climate change is the most critical problem facing the planet. All forms of transportation contribute to the problem. We must coalesce around solutions NOW.

Certainly a great idea not only do we need efficient well run alternative fuel public transportation but it must Be superbly well run reliable pick up or scheduled stops
Something akin to Go Go Grandparent managed by a super logarithm for rural or small town densities reliably well run
It’s a huge challenge
Yes our elders as well as youth need it
Good luck
May the best young brains be engaged in designing it

Carbon reduction is a must. If you believe the science and the environmental impacts then it's a win. If you believe in the bottom line approach then it's a win. Either way. Having clean, safe and smart transportation alternatives to fossil fuel-driven transport is a great first step in enabling human powered transport or the obvious need for cleaner, more efficient alternatives for current modes.