12/21/2019 |
Justin |
Henault |
|
Pawtucket |
Rhode Island |
Your "Gas Tax" is a suicidal pipedream that will harm working people and auto enthusiasts alike. read more Your "Gas Tax" is a suicidal pipedream that will harm working people and auto enthusiasts alike. |
- |
11/2/2019 |
Jon |
Archer |
Zocalo permaculture center |
Gouldsboro |
Maine |
We need to switch all fossil fuel cars and small trucks to all electric in the next 10-15 years and make
Towns and cities friendly for micro mobility and pedestrian in 5 years We need to switch all fossil fuel cars and small trucks to all electric in the next 10-15 years and make
Towns and cities friendly for micro mobility and pedestrian in 5 years |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Jonathan |
Archer |
Zócalo permaculture center |
Gouldsboro |
Maine |
Please support electric transport ebikes escooters e-cars ebuses and strains thanks
Please support electric transport ebikes escooters e-cars ebuses and strains thanks
|
- |
1/16/2020 |
Jeanne |
Esposito |
Your neighbor |
Amherst |
Massachusetts |
My walking is limited. But I still work and like to get around, both locally and from western Mass. to Boston, the New England states, NY and NJ as well as further afield. Parking is a nightmare,... read more My walking is limited. But I still work and like to get around, both locally and from western Mass. to Boston, the New England states, NY and NJ as well as further afield. Parking is a nightmare, traffic makes a trip take twice as long, and it all uses gas. We can do better! |
- |
1/6/2021 |
Jenna |
Van Donselaar |
Young Evangelicals for Climate Action |
Willimantic |
Connecticut |
Cap and invest is proven to work. In order for this initiative to be just, however, the policy must make sure that low-income communities receive investment in good transportation options. Public... read more Cap and invest is proven to work. In order for this initiative to be just, however, the policy must make sure that low-income communities receive investment in good transportation options. Public transit must be effective in order to be useful. |
- |
10/30/2019 |
John |
Werner |
York Ready for 100, Retired |
Kittery |
Maine |
I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand... read more I am a retiree who relocated to beautiful Kittery Maine in 2016. My wife Jane and I have been climate activists since about 2014 and we need to take action now to this global crisis. Our grand kids will not survive in the world that they will inherit from us.
I applaud Governor Mills for participating in the regional design process. This policy design should reflect the best and latest available science on climate emissions from transportation. This policy should include a strong component of equity that ensures that low-income, rural, or aging populations are not hurt by this program.
One of my key ideas in addition to having municipal, public school and all State agencies convert to electric or hybrid electric vehicles as fast as possible follows.
Based on a recently completed inventory of greenhouse gas emissions in the Town of York Maine the Town's largest source of Green House Gas Emissions (GHG) is on-road transportation at 44%, the next closest category is Heating Fuel at 30%. To respond to the on-road transportation category that includes emissions largely from interstate 95 I would propose a “renewable energy fee” to be levied at the York Toll Plaza that would be used to provide financial assistance to the Town of York residents, commercial businesses and municipal facilities in converting from fossil fuel sourced heat and electricity to renewable sources like solar and wind.
2. I would suggest a starting fee of $5 per vehicle to begin. Such a fee will not stop tourists from driving up through York on I95 and through the Exit 7 toll plaza – they would still come. This system could be made “smart” with an electronic tolling system that would read a vehicles license plate, then interface with the USA vehicle registration system for every state and the fee could be graduated to have a higher fee for the largest polluters (greenhouse gas) such as SUVs, pick-up trucks. With this interface, Maine residents could possibly be excluded from this fee. It could be smarter by including an interface with EPA miles per gallon data by vehicle year and type so as to charge a higher fee on the largest polluters such as SUVs and pick-up trucks. For example I will use my own vehicle, a 2013 Nissan Altima 4 door sedan with a 4 cylinder engine, average miles per gallon (mpg) 29, Fee $3, as compared to a 2015 Toyota Tundra V-8 average miles per gallon 15 mpg, Fee $8. Electric Vehicles would be charged $0.0. I do not know if a data interface such as this can be enabled but research could provide the answer.
3. Maine turnpike authority traffic volume at Exit 7 toll plaza was reported at 931,079* vehicles in 2017 [see footnote * below from the MTA web site report] (see: http://www.maineturnpike.com/About-MTA/Traffic-Statistics/Traffic-by-Interchange.aspx ) – a $5 per vehicle fee would generate $4,655,395 in one year - $4.7 million dollars! How many York residential, commercial, etc. solar systems could be installed? Etc. etc. This fee could also be levied on commercial vehicles as well such as tractor trailer rigs, etc. EV tractor trailer and truck vehicles are currently under development so….
NOTE: The definition for the “traffic by interchange” as reported at the MTA web site would need to be clarified – I am not sure if this count is what we need to determine the total fee dollars.
• Data is represented as total number of trips averaged daily along the Turnpike. This is different than a count by transactions.
. This renewable energy fee could be also applied at every toll plaza along I95 in the States of Maine and NH. New cashless toll plazas to collect these fees could be installed on all the major interstate routes in Maine and NH. Cashless toll plazas have been implemented in other US locations, why not here?
4. Observation: Conversion to Electric Vehicles will continue to be very, very, very slow – climate change is not waiting for this conversion.
|
- |
1/13/2020 |
David |
Olean |
yes |
Lebanon |
Maine |
I am very opposed to the TCI. My reasons are that the Initiative reeks of centralized control over resources and outcomes. My 75 years of living has taught me that such placement of trust always... read more I am very opposed to the TCI. My reasons are that the Initiative reeks of centralized control over resources and outcomes. My 75 years of living has taught me that such placement of trust always produces wrong consequences and un-intended outcomes. I would rather place my trust in the individual who has 100% control over his future, rather than a government bureaucracy with it's attendant overhead and populated by over-seers with little first hand knowledge of what is happening on a regional or local level. |
- |
1/16/2020 |
Michael |
Pan |
Year |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
|
- |
2/18/2020 |
Michael |
Pan |
Year |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
No comments right now. No comments right now. |
- |
1/16/2020 |
Wayne |
Meeks |
Yale University |
Hamden |
Connecticut |
Transportation remains one of our main sources of air pollution and climate change--and one that involves every one of us. But to make significant improvement requires more than individual... read more Transportation remains one of our main sources of air pollution and climate change--and one that involves every one of us. But to make significant improvement requires more than individual efforts. We are therefore counting on initiatives like TCI to assure that our children and grandchildren can live in a safe environment. |
- |
2/20/2020 |
Nate |
Kaufman |
Yale |
New Haven |
Connecticut |
Transportation is the largest source of air pollution in the region, and we need to build a modern, clean, safe, and accessible transportation system for the 21st century. The more we limit... read more Transportation is the largest source of air pollution in the region, and we need to build a modern, clean, safe, and accessible transportation system for the 21st century. The more we limit pollution from motor fuels, the more jobs we create, the more the economy grows, the healthier our air becomes, and the more lives we save. Connecticut should join TCI to fund better transportation infrastructure, reduce traffic, and make my community a cleaner, safer place to live. |
- |
10/31/2019 |
Stan |
Moran |
Xpress Markets Inc |
Riner |
Virginia |
Xpress Markets, Inc., currently employs 90 people, is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the petroleum marketing... read more Xpress Markets, Inc., currently employs 90 people, is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the petroleum marketing industry. Over time this plan proposes to move Virginia from simple rationing and new taxes to the ultimate prohibition of fossil fuels.
This plan does not assess the collateral damage it will inflict on state revenue, local tax collections, Virginia's Transportation Trust fund, and consumers.
Many of the advocates of these policies support regulation to electrify transportation. Those advocates somehow forget to mention that a major component of batteries powering these vehicles is cobalt, 90 percent of which is mined in third world countries under unfavorable working conditions.
As the number of electric vehicles grows, petroleum marketers will likely have to battle for a share of the electric vehicle charging market with utility companies that see EV charging as a new business opportunity without cost. When utility companies install charging stations, they may seek the ability to include that cost as part of their capital investment. When these costs are approved by governmental regulatory agencies, they can then be passed on to all ratepayers as part of their monthly electric bills.
Xpress Markets, Inc believes this would provide regulated utilities an unfair competitive advantage that Virginia based small businesses simply cannot compete with. I must economically justify and self-fund at risk investments in new equipment like EV charging stations and so should my competition.
Another likely competitor under this scheme is the state government itself. This is not a concept, as just this past session the General Assembly passed legislation to allow the Departments of Conservation and Recreation, General Services, and Transportation to install electric chargers. Fortunately our association was able to narrow this initiative considerably by limiting the number of state agencies involved and mitigating the threat of unfair competition by requiring the state to sell the power at prevailing market rates including taxes.
All Virginians, particularly the petroleum marketing and convenience industries, support a clean environment. There are many ways to achieve this without rationing. Incentivizing the sale of electric vehicles does nothing to meet your stated goals of "equity, environmental justice, and non-discrimination." As one example, the stated goals could be achieved far faster and cheaper via efforts to assist low-income Virginians to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles that meet current and future CAFÉ standards.
History has proven that rationing followed by prohibition - the ultimate goal of TCI - has led to black markets, unregulated and untaxed sales, and undue burdens on law enforcement.
The impact of these proposals will not be solely on fuel sellers and convenience stores - what about the auto repair industry, muffler shops, service facilities at new car dealers, quick lubes etc.? What about agriculture, construction and watermen who will be forced to scrap present equipment or pay artificially high prices due to rationing? What about the consumer who will experience not only higher prices to operate their personal vehicles, but higher prices for consumer goods and services?
Xpress Markets, Inc opposes the TCI plan to ration, tax and ultimately eliminate fossil fuels. |
- |
2/14/2020 |
Ted |
Kidd |
X |
Rochester |
New York |
I traveled from Rochester New York to New York City in my Chevrolet Bolt and was basically stranded in Herkimer because all of the Electrify America fast charging stations were out of order.... read more I traveled from Rochester New York to New York City in my Chevrolet Bolt and was basically stranded in Herkimer because all of the Electrify America fast charging stations were out of order.
We need more DC fest charging stations and better reliabilityor these automobile manufacturers are going to be producing cars nobody will buy. |
- |
12/8/2019 |
Steven |
DiVirgilio |
www.stevedcpa.com |
Everett |
Massachusetts |
PFMLA tax, increases sales taxes, higher real estate taxes. Time for businesses and individuals to move to New Hampshire!
www.stevedcpa.com PFMLA tax, increases sales taxes, higher real estate taxes. Time for businesses and individuals to move to New Hampshire!
www.stevedcpa.com |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Alicia |
Contelmo |
WRWC |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
I support TCI because transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in my state and we have to act on climate. I support TCI because transportation is the largest source of carbon emissions in my state and we have to act on climate. |
- |
11/25/2019 |
Gordon |
Silva |
WRKO |
Medford |
Massachusetts |
You people want these taxes to create more jobs and profits for MORE political hacks. YOU ARE KILLING THE GOLDEN GOOSE! You people want these taxes to create more jobs and profits for MORE political hacks. YOU ARE KILLING THE GOLDEN GOOSE! |
- |
2/27/2020 |
William |
Neil |
Writer Daily Kos |
Frostburg |
Maryland |
Dear TCI Initiative:
This is not a new topic for me, stuck in traffic, and Neoliberal austerity preventing the public funding of serious mass transit alternatives. The solution is... read more Dear TCI Initiative:
This is not a new topic for me, stuck in traffic, and Neoliberal austerity preventing the public funding of serious mass transit alternatives. The solution is the Green New Deal at the National Level, because the sums your proposals put forth in the trading regime will not be enough to build out the missing rail connections which stopped with the Purple and Silver lines in the Metro Area.
So I support your work as a holding action and interim step, better than Governor Hogan's privatization plan to build more highway lanes. That's not what we need.
I've attached my essay and publication here at the Daily Kos: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2018/9/8/1794256/-Maryland-Hogan-s-Highways-will-still-leave-us-Stuck-in-Traffic-on-the-road-to-Global-Warming
The full text of my essay from January of 2008, "A Citizen's Guide to the Missing Green Rail Visions for the Metro MD/DC Region" exceeds your submission file limit of 100 MB's so you will have to rely on the full text in the link above, which was kindly published at the Daily Kos.
Of course, we both know that the America of the Trumpian Republican Right, more traditional Republican Conservatives like Gov. Larry Hogan and the Clintonian-Biden Democratic Centrist fiscally cannot imagine anything of the scope needed to combat climate change/chaos in time, anything approaching even the scale needed to build an effective modern rail system.
To do that, we do need change beyond these self-imposed limits. That's why I am a Green New Deal Supporter and support Bernie Sanders in the coming elections. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Nancy |
Jenkins |
writer |
Camden |
Maine |
One quick partial solution to our carbon output would be to provide funding for electric buses for all school districts throughout the state. Probably (I'm guessing, have no statistics) more... read more One quick partial solution to our carbon output would be to provide funding for electric buses for all school districts throughout the state. Probably (I'm guessing, have no statistics) more fuel is consumed in bussing kids to and from school and other activities than any other transportation system in Maine and this would go a long way toward mitigating our output.
Providing public transportation throughout the state is a really thorny problem since we are such a sprawled population but I am convinced that here on the coast at least affordable housing would help resolve some of that. Every morning and every afternoon in Camden, Rockland, and other midcoast communities where the jobs are, hordes of mostly large SUVs, often with heavy snowplows attached, and usually with just one occupant, flood in from Washington, Appleton, Hope (the hinterland), as workers drive from where they live to where they work. Housing costs in the midcoast have soared so high, often with out-of-state demand for a piece of the coast of Maine, that employees at all levels can no longer afford to live in the town where they work.
Beyond that, of course, is the problem of public transportation which almost seems insoluble in a state as large and with a population as sprawling as Maine's. I will be looking for creative solutions to this--tax relief for shared vehicles? more and safer bicycle lanes? more power outlets for electric vehicles? Everything I come up with seems like a minor stopgap measure but there HAS to be a way to get people where they want to go (and, equally important, when they want to go there) that doesn't involve massive single-person transit by the most energy-wasteful form of population that humankind has invented, the personal automotive vehicle. Perhaps a good way to start would be by funding a huge research effort at the University of Maine. |
- |
10/16/2020 |
Brad |
Snyder |
World citizen, Scientist, Educator, Goals: Protect the natural world/nature/biodiversity, Fight climate change. |
Maple Grove |
Minnesota |
As a Science Teacher/Outdoor-Environmental Educator and a former Engineer, my top priorities have always been the three E's - Energy, Environment, and Education!
We MUST... read more As a Science Teacher/Outdoor-Environmental Educator and a former Engineer, my top priorities have always been the three E's - Energy, Environment, and Education!
We MUST eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and prepare for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolutions (which have already started!)! This must include the following:
- 100% electrification of homes, buildings, and transportation systems (vehicles, buses, trucks, mass transit)!
- Immediately stop ALL exploration and development of fossil fuel sources.
- Immediately stop ALL development of fossil fuel infrastructure (e.g. pipelines, power plants)!
- Eliminate ALL fossil fuel subsidies and tax breaks!
- Increase spending on research and development of renewable energy, energy storage, and improving energy efficiency!
- Implement natural climate solutions (e.g. restoring and conserving the natural world/ecosystems)!
- Improve environmental literacy of all citizens, but especially our youth! |
- |
10/15/2020 |
jon |
longsworth |
World Citizen |
Aptos |
California |
For a strong Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) program, right out of the gate:
– Before 2032 (if not in half that time, 2027 or sooner): a reduction in carbon emissions to no less... read more For a strong Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) program, right out of the gate:
– Before 2032 (if not in half that time, 2027 or sooner): a reduction in carbon emissions to no less than, indeed hopefully well under three-quarters of current rates -- at bare minimum -- when we've really needed it at 100%, DECADES ago
– Irreproachable investment in active transportation, e.g., bicycling infrastructure; high quality public transit; improved sidewalks
– An increase by no less than one-third or more greater investment in traditionally disadvantaged communities, the overburdened and underserved since living memory
Get this right. |
- |