TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Maine is a state with a small population except in the summer when Maine is a tourist destination. Because Maine is a physically large state the impact of traveling distances to various tourist destinations, or simply going to work, creates a large amount of carbon emissions from cars and trucks bringing goods into the state. Maine has very little public transportation that would help move an influx of tourists and virtually no other system of transporting goods other than trucks. However, Maine is 90 percent forested and thus affords a great way to harvest carbon emissions through its forests and farmland. This way to capture carbon that is emitted here in Maine, but also in the Atlantic corridor and from the Midwest because of prevailing winds, puts Maine in an unique position to become a great asset in carbon harvesting. This concept needs to be perused as to how to effectively implement carbon harvesting. In addition, Maine has an extremely high incidence of asthma due to air pollution from the Atlantic corridor and the Midwest. The health of the people of the State of Maine should not be impacted by pollution and climate change due to carbon emissions from the above mentioned areas. It is imperative that TCI states develop a working policy that addresses the issues that the people of Maine are facing such as health issues, rising sea levels and the warming of the Gulf of Maine due to the carbon produced by cars and trucks in the Atlantic corridor and the Midwest.

As the owner of a Vermont-based business with clients around the country, I strongly support the TCI. It's a big step toward reducing our carbon emissions and also makes economic sense because:

1. We import 100% of our gas, propane, and heating oil from outside of Vermont. Many of those states will join TCI and then pass the costs to consumers further down the line, including in Vermont. If we don't join, then we're stuck with the costs without receiving any of the benefits.

2. About a quarter of fossil fuels sold in Vermont are purchased by tourists and other travelers. TCI proceeds will be distributed based on fuel sales within each state, so we will receive back more in revenues than Vermonters contribute.

Note to Governor Scott: This is an opportunity to earn more than we spend and use that money to support the Vermonters who need it the most. You have often encouraged a regional approach to climate change -- well, this is it. It's a rational, thoughtful, equitable, and economically valid solution. I urge your support.

The only way to move forward is to stop borrowing carbon from the future. Let's be smart.

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