10/28/2019 |
Jason |
Kulaszewski |
University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI) |
Buffalo |
New York |
Below are suggestions regarding how the TCI can accelerate implementation of alternative fuel transportation and reduce GHGs related to traditional transportation (in no particular order):... read more Below are suggestions regarding how the TCI can accelerate implementation of alternative fuel transportation and reduce GHGs related to traditional transportation (in no particular order):
- Re-allocate portions of funding from traditional road infrastructure projects toward high speed rail, commuter rail, and metro services
- Moratorium on building new gasoline/diesel fuel stations
- Require any new fuleing stations to offset their carbon footprint (including those of their fuel sales)
- Invest in DC Fast Charging stations (rather than level I or II EV infrastructure)
- Charging large transportation reliant businesses a carbon tax (Amazon uses next day delivery...they should have to pay the environmental cost of shipping)
- Offering large fleet reliant businesses incentives for fleet conversion (trucking industry, police, DOT, taxi, pizza delivery, schools, buses)
- Reduce need for single occupancy vehicles by investing in public transportation options in/around population centers without encouraging sprawl (no expansion to areas with low population densities as an example)
- Communities with higher populations of drivers (based on DMV registration data) could have larger % of cost burden for maintaining road infrastructure
- Auto-centric land use patterns should bare larger cost of transportation infrastructure costs (if a community chooses to sprawl, they will have to pay for infrastructure - no subsidizing sprawling land use patterns)
- reserve a larger portion of any carbon related "tax" for public transportation options (rail, EV infrastructure, electric buses, etc.)
- Move away from traditional paving and use recycled plastics as a way to reduce plastic waste and replace traditional petroleum based paving methods with those that re-use existing petroleum in plastics. (keep fossil fuels in the ground).
- All new transportation projects meet carbon sequestration goals associated with that particular project (for example - road projects would require a sequestration technique for every lane mile to offset usage, or expanding transit would need to procure energy from renewable sources, installation if EV infrastructure would require solar+storage or other emission reduction technique like tree planting)
- Lending interest rates for non-GHG reducing transportation projects would be higher
- support projects that reduce VMT
see also: https://www.gbnrtc.org/movingforward2050
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2/27/2020 |
Katherine |
Fite |
Univ. of Massachusetts |
Hadley |
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts and other TCI participating states must adopt a more ambitious goal in keeping with the climate emergency, while finding ways to spend TCI funds to make this gas tax progressive and... read more Massachusetts and other TCI participating states must adopt a more ambitious goal in keeping with the climate emergency, while finding ways to spend TCI funds to make this gas tax progressive and equitable for those who can least afford higher energy cost. Funds collected by TCI should also be allocated to measures that continue to drive down other emissions, and TCI should specify how it will spend its funds in each state, rather than leaving that open-ended.
* The large emissions from jet fuel should be included in TCI.
Without specific policies defined by TCI, it would create a regressive gasoline tax, taxing moderate and low-income residents at a higher rate in proportion to their income, along with rural residents, who have limited public transportation and longer driving distances. TCI policy regulations in Massachusetts should include the following:
1. Ensure that low and moderate income residents do not bear an inequitable financial burden that they can ill afford, by distributing TCI funds to cover added energy expenses in a manner that corresponds with the timing of higher costs.
* Provide TCI funding to rural residents to cover the added gasoline costs incurred from longer driving distances and from extremely limited public transportation options (e.g. Franklin County, MA, has no evening and weekend buses).
* Allocate TCI funds to public transportation, municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, EV charging stations in rural areas and urban areas with rental properties, rebates for electric vehicles, including used EVs, and higher EV rebates for low-income residents, to make EVs more accessible to residents of all income levels.
* Target TCI funding for the development of community solar for moderate and low income residents.
Rather than being an economic burden, investing TCI funds in clean energy, energy efficiency, and more robust public transportation would expand career opportunities, and better public transportation would make jobs more accessible. Lastly, clean transportation will improve the health of our region and lower our related healthcare costs by reducing air pollution from fossil fuel vehicles.
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1/16/2020 |
John |
Sadler |
Univ. MD & Independent Dialysis Foundation |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
We all agree that emissions should be reduced, but cling to lifestyles thhat produce emissions. Low emission public transportation is good, but limited in availability. Electric autos are... read more We all agree that emissions should be reduced, but cling to lifestyles thhat produce emissions. Low emission public transportation is good, but limited in availability. Electric autos are increasing, and also offer improvement. To be realistic, we need means to take carbon out of the atmosphere also, a project in its infancy. Increased taxes may help, but committed individuals will do this without tax incentives - we need to pursuade more citizens this is important. No single solution exists. Transportation is a necessity. Keep trying. |
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2/24/2020 |
Jane |
Harris |
Univ of Pittsburgh |
Pittsburgh |
Pennsylvania |
It is time to pay attention to the needs of people and transportation, and not only improve travel by train and electric bus, but to
pay attention to the Climate in realizing those... read more It is time to pay attention to the needs of people and transportation, and not only improve travel by train and electric bus, but to
pay attention to the Climate in realizing those considerations. |
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10/27/2019 |
Paul |
Bonarrigo |
United States Citizen |
Richmond |
Maine |
If you have a plan that will reduce the impact of the human race on the earth's climate that will not increase our tax burden, go with it. In the meantime stay out of the state of Maine. We... read more If you have a plan that will reduce the impact of the human race on the earth's climate that will not increase our tax burden, go with it. In the meantime stay out of the state of Maine. We are a state of low median income, any raise in our tax burden will drive many to death by poverty or we will be forced to move to states that are citizen friendly, out side of your 9 collaborating states. |
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1/6/2020 |
Michelle |
Mariani |
United States Citizen |
Woonsocket |
Rhode Island |
This tax is ridiculous. Climate change is a hoax. Stop it!!! This tax is ridiculous. Climate change is a hoax. Stop it!!! |
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2/27/2020 |
Shobhana |
Kanal |
Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Action Network (UUPLAN) |
Bala Cynwyd |
Pennsylvania |
I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). I urge Pennsylvania state government to do everything in our power to reduce emissions, invest in a clean transportation... read more I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). I urge Pennsylvania state government to do everything in our power to reduce emissions, invest in a clean transportation system, and reduce the impact of climate change as much as we still can.
Thank you |
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3/6/2020 |
EDWARD |
OLMSTEAD |
Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence Climate Action Group |
FLORENCE |
Massachusetts |
March 6, 2020
Testimony to TCI by Edward Olmstead
Thank you for your work on TCI to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. I strongly urge you to build on what you have so... read more March 6, 2020
Testimony to TCI by Edward Olmstead
Thank you for your work on TCI to reduce emissions from the transportation sector. I strongly urge you to build on what you have so far developed.
Our current status:
The efforts to head off the continued destabilization and disruption of the global climate is woefully inadequate. There are many forces actively opposing taking action to stabilize the global climate including our own President and his administration. You are in a position to make improvements to the TCI and urge other states to do the same. A multi-state effort like this could have a significant impact on carbon pollution.
The change is too little:
The current proposals to cut transportation emissions by between 20% and 25% includes an expected 19% drop that we on track for in the next ten years. I urge you to set emissions goals that would be 20% to 25% in addition to the expected 19% drop.
I urge a carbon fee and rebate to residents:
The Transportation Climate Initiative seems to assume a cap program instead of a fee program. I urge you to reconsider this. Fee programs are much less complicated than cap programs making them much less expensive to run, more predictable, much more flexible to design for effectiveness and transparency including fraud detection.
Residents of the Commonwealth need help to adjust to green transportation:
Policies must address equity regarding access to public transportation, cost-effectiveness of public transportation, traffic congestion and its effects, the reduction of transportation climate emissions and related health impacts, impacts on access to new jobs, access to greener transportation options, and access to greener automobile technologies. TCI must clearly articulate how equity will be created for those most burdened by the adaptation to green transportation. I urge direct investment in green infrastructure in low income and other disproportionately affected communities.
Clearly and specifically use funds for carbon pollution reduction:
I urge you to take a position that money from this initiative should be primarily used for projects that reduce CO2 pollution and only a small portion of it should be used for adaptation to
climate change. While adaptation is important, carbon dioxide reduction is what addresses the underlying cause of climate destabilization.
Please take this opportunity to strengthen TCI so that it creates a road forward where human activity is not the cause of continual climate and environmental disruption. We can be leaders in this state, but you hold the key to creating a response that is proportional to the problem and which solutions are proportional to the action needed.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Edward Olmstead
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1/16/2020 |
Charlotte |
Shnaider |
Unitarian |
Staunton |
Virginia |
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10/25/2019 |
natasha |
mayers |
union of maine visual artists |
whitefield |
Maine |
Our state needs an ambitious plan to reduce climate-changing transportation pollution,. Working together with neighboring states makes sense.
Maine should use TCI as an opportunity to... read more Our state needs an ambitious plan to reduce climate-changing transportation pollution,. Working together with neighboring states makes sense.
Maine should use TCI as an opportunity to invest in local transportation solutions that help Maine people get to where they need to go in an affordable way that’s good for our environment.
Mainers deserve creative new choices and new investments to meet our transportation needs; the one thing we know is that pouring pollution into the atmosphere and sending our hard-earned money out of state for the oil that causes that pollution are NOT the way forward.
Maine can see significant economic, health, and environmental benefits by transitioning to cleaner and more efficient transportation options through adoption of TCI.
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10/12/2019 |
Jerry |
Malczewski |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Lancaster |
New York |
After reviewing many of the comments posted to date was well as the draft framework policy proposal, I offer the following:
1. The predicted climate impacts due to our current trajectory of... read more After reviewing many of the comments posted to date was well as the draft framework policy proposal, I offer the following:
1. The predicted climate impacts due to our current trajectory of injecting GHGs into the environment is settled science with the caveat that due to the complexity of earth’s climate engine and the uncertainty of our collective mitigation actions, the statistical margins of error in the predictions leave room for debate as to any one specific outcome. But what is certain is that at some point in the near decades we will reach a point where attempting to reverse the damage in any reasonable time frame will become highly unlikely without resorting to risky geoengineering solutions (e.g. aerosols inserted into the atmosphere to block sunlight) with a ton of potentially unintended consequences such as significant impacts to crop production.
2. Any course of action must not disproportionately come back on low income communities which already have a higher exposure to toxic environments. Similarly, rural areas could see a bigger impact if fuel costs are significantly raised, due to carbon taxing/offsets, as a necessary step in lowering emissions – this must be counterbalanced.
3. The idea that we should depend on as yet undiscovered “wonder technologies” or fusion base energy sources to invent our way out of the crisis is way too risky. One does not go to war with a strategy that depend on weapons not even thought of.
4. That said, both businesses and individuals must ramp up their contributions to mitigation efforts. Politicians never use the word “sacrifice”, election implications being what they are, but that is what we will have to do. There is no climate mitigation free lunch and those that have more should sacrifice more.
5. Many questions remain about the exact mechanisms that will be used to reverse the increase in transportation related emissions – DEC/TCI/NYSERDA should provide a few detailed plausible scenarios to illustrate the entire process flow from energy supplier to consumer.
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11/5/2019 |
Paulina |
Muratore |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Cambridge |
Massachusetts |
On behalf of the undersigned 357 scientists, researchers, health professionals and doctors from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, attached is a letter in support of a strong regional... read more On behalf of the undersigned 357 scientists, researchers, health professionals and doctors from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region, attached is a letter in support of a strong regional transportation policy that will reduce carbon emissions and equitably address dangerous local air pollution. |
Letter from 357 Scientists.pdf |
1/16/2020 |
nancy |
mellen |
union of concerned scientists |
hingham |
Massachusetts |
The air pollution caused by commuter rail needs to be eliminated. The air pollution caused by commuter rail needs to be eliminated. |
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1/16/2020 |
Daniel |
Alesandro |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
ORADELL |
New Jersey |
It is extremely important that we transition from a carbon based transportation system (internal combustion engine based) to clean public transportation. While individual autos will likely remain... read more It is extremely important that we transition from a carbon based transportation system (internal combustion engine based) to clean public transportation. While individual autos will likely remain a major part of overall transportation, our country lags severely behind most other developed nations in public transportation. A robust and modern public transportation system can only augment economic growth (not deter it) therefore such an investment will have both positive economic as well as environmental benefits. |
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1/16/2020 |
James |
Nagengast |
Union of concerned scientists |
Shrewsbury |
Massachusetts |
Reducing our carbon emissions is critical and we need to make long term investments now. Reducing our carbon emissions is critical and we need to make long term investments now. |
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1/16/2020 |
Gabriel |
Voiles |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Bronx |
New York |
It is vitally important to reduce pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I request that New York state... read more It is vitally important to reduce pollution from transportation, which is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I request that New York state formally join the plan to reduce emissions.
I 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. |
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1/16/2020 |
Ellen |
Hopman |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Belchertown |
Massachusetts |
I am now on the verge of chronic bronchitis due to living in the Connecticut river valley in Massachusetts. We get air pollution from New York and states west like Ohio. I am also developing... read more I am now on the verge of chronic bronchitis due to living in the Connecticut river valley in Massachusetts. We get air pollution from New York and states west like Ohio. I am also developing asthma and my doctor says he is seeing more and more of this. Our lungs can't take it. We need clean transportation NOW! |
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1/16/2020 |
Patricia |
Vondran |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
Clean air is essential for people, like me, who have asthma. Clean air is essential for people, like me, who have asthma. |
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1/16/2020 |
Karen |
Vincent |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Burlington |
Vermont |
I give my support for a clean transportation initiative. We need clean public transportation. We have the technology and the ability to do this. Monorails bring in three times as much economic... read more I give my support for a clean transportation initiative. We need clean public transportation. We have the technology and the ability to do this. Monorails bring in three times as much economic benefit to a community compared to driving cars. Electric, elevated high-speed trains can move large numbers of people quietly and efficiently from place to place without endangering individuals, domesticated animals, or wildlife, unlike diesel engine trains currently in use. We need to overcome the influence to dirty energy corporations that seek profit over enriching the lives of our communities. |
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1/16/2020 |
Donald |
Weigt |
Union of Concerned Scientists |
Bloomfield |
Connecticut |
We need to take strong actions to minimize the climate impact of our transportation system now, to reach zero carbon emissions in a decade or two! Half measures are NOT enough. We should be adding... read more We need to take strong actions to minimize the climate impact of our transportation system now, to reach zero carbon emissions in a decade or two! Half measures are NOT enough. We should be adding charging stations for electric cars and trucks, electrifying our buses and railroads so they don't pollute in cities and can be powered by electricity from renewable energy. This is not a time for incrementalism, it's a time for big, bold measures. |
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