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2/7/2020 |
Robert |
Evans |
590003226438-001 |
Millbury |
Massachusetts |
No more taxes especially energy taxes of any kind,also no green deal No more taxes especially energy taxes of any kind,also no green deal |
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1/18/2020 |
Cliff and Margot |
Ammon |
3rd Planet from the Sun |
Saratoga Springs |
New York |
We've all known since he early 1960s, that global warming/climate crisis endangers all life, including Homo Sapiens (the top of the food chain), on Earth. I wonder whether lack of December... read more We've all known since he early 1960s, that global warming/climate crisis endangers all life, including Homo Sapiens (the top of the food chain), on Earth. I wonder whether lack of December 8,1941 action, continuously, to address the issue, is Mass Murder, or Mass Suicide. We've also known, since the '60s, the solutions to this potential 6th Major Extinction. Everything we can do to cut out CO2 from burning fossil fuel, and the faster, before we reach the "Tipping Point" the better. Keep up the good work. |
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2/25/2020 |
Natalee |
Braun |
350VT, Labor Climate Committee, Peace and Justice Center |
Essex |
Vermont |
As a psychologist working primarily with the next generation, I know firsthand young people's significant concerns about the health of our planet. For that reason and in view of my... read more As a psychologist working primarily with the next generation, I know firsthand young people's significant concerns about the health of our planet. For that reason and in view of my longstanding climate justice activism, I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I shudder to think what accrual of environmental degradation is required for us to face the reality that this is a pivotal moment in our history - we need to act decisively now. Volunteers with 350VT and other climate justice organizatons are working steadily to address the challenge of transportation, our most carbon intensive sector, and TCI provides an excellent structure for reducing emissions while providing funding for a transportation infrastructure that reflects the need for a radical reduction in greenhouse gasses. Let's do it in a big way!
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2/25/2020 |
Abby |
Mnookin |
350VT staff, educator, doula, parent, concerned resident |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
Through my work at 350 Vermont, with the Vermont Wilderness School, and as a parent of young children, I am committed to cleaner transportation future for Vermont. Vermont’s largest source of... read more Through my work at 350 Vermont, with the Vermont Wilderness School, and as a parent of young children, I am committed to cleaner transportation future for Vermont. Vermont’s largest source of carbon pollution comes from the transportation sector, accounting for 44% of Vermont’s climate pollution. That is unacceptable.
I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative so that all Vermonters, including my young children, live in a world where they do not have to choose between being able to get where they need to go and polluting the planet irreparably.
Vermont, like other states, desperately needs additional funding to create innovative, equitable transportation options for all, including seniors/people with disabilities/people with low incomes, for whom transportation costs and accessibility are an added burden. TCI can provide this support.
As someone who works with rural Vermonters, I see the extreme need for increased accessibility. We might be a rural state, but that is no excuse for expecting people to rely solely on personal vehicles, which are costly to operate and have limitations for many, in addition to being high polluters. A lack of reliable transportation options can have a negative effect on entire rural towns.
As you know, Vermont’s participation in a cap and invest program is not new. Under Governor Jim Douglas, Vermont joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in 2008. This cap and invest program covers the electric sector in the Northeast, and it has proven very successful, reducing consumer costs and carbon pollution from the power sector by 40%.
Vermont has strategically invested the revenues raised from RGGI, directing the $2 million annually into weatherization programs that help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. We know this type of project works — there is no excuse not to adopt TCI as well.
TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed transportation infrastructure that will benefit all.
We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.
I urge Vermont to formally join TCI so we can create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region. |
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10/19/2019 |
Mako |
Bates |
350ME |
Portland |
Maine |
See attachment. See attachment. |
TCI comments Mako Bates 20191019.pdf |
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5/26/2019 |
Tim |
Brainerd |
350massachusetts and sustainable framingham |
Framingham |
Massachusetts |
Mass Transit.
Mass Transit in many more locations.
Mass Transit with vastly more runs. Mass Transit powered by electricity....renewable sources, available battery infrastructure... read more Mass Transit.
Mass Transit in many more locations.
Mass Transit with vastly more runs. Mass Transit powered by electricity....renewable sources, available battery infrastructure.
The cost would seem daunting, but so are the costs of ignoring the carbon contributions to worsening conditions even in Massachusetts. Again the costs would seem daunting, but so are the costs of keeping roads and bridges functioning....in the landscape of no political will to increase gasoline taxes.
Some day really soon, I hope the big thinkers take a serious look at the monorail concepts (Transit-x, JPod, maybe others) which are comparatively inexpensive to build, privately funded, dependent on municipalities granting less intrusive rights-of-way, modest fares, frequent pods, convenient locations, good for radial lines from local transit hubs, good for main lines from major cities/towns to boston, good along the entire mass pike (thank you to the late chris walsh, state representative from framingham), also good for some freight. (Check the analogous build out of the regional trolley car systems throughout the northeast before and after 1900!) |
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2/29/2020 |
John |
MacDougall |
350Mass. |
Cambridge |
Massachusetts |
TCI is an important tool for addressing the climate crisis. But also a) the price of carbon under TCI should be high, probably at least $50/ton, b) in distributing funds raised thru TCI,... read more TCI is an important tool for addressing the climate crisis. But also a) the price of carbon under TCI should be high, probably at least $50/ton, b) in distributing funds raised thru TCI, priority must go to (i) public transit and bike/pedestrian facilities, (ii) the needs of marginalized and frontline communities. |
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11/3/2019 |
Susan |
Gatti |
350maine.org |
Portland |
Maine |
I support this initiative 100%. The major avenue to reducing our carbon foot print is to have more transportation options beside a fossil fuel private vehicle. As a professional vocational... read more I support this initiative 100%. The major avenue to reducing our carbon foot print is to have more transportation options beside a fossil fuel private vehicle. As a professional vocational rehabilitation counselor I also recognize the importance of bringing transportation options to people with disabilities and people living in rural areas that need reliable transportation to employment locations. Additionally, many youth are ready to live without cars but the public transportation system in our small cities and towns are not feasible options to get them to work and life events, grocery stores etc. |
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2/28/2020 |
Marcia |
Hart |
350MA/Elders Climate Action |
Gloucester |
Massachusetts |
I am for a regional transportation initiative but with reservations, as the devil is always in the details. Since 40% of emissions come from this sector, it is critically important to develop... read more I am for a regional transportation initiative but with reservations, as the devil is always in the details. Since 40% of emissions come from this sector, it is critically important to develop smart, clean and efficient transportations systems that are designed to reduce emissions to the greatest extent possible. Accountability, through frequent benchmarking and 3rd party review are needed to ensure that TCI investments deliver actual pollution reduction, improved air quality, increased sustainable transportations options and are being done in an equitable manner that protects vulnerable populations, rural areas, small businesses, good jobs and good workplace standards. I support the most ambitious emissions reduction of 25% by 2030 with funds going to green transportation infrastructure, not highway expansion or road maintenance. Transparency is very important. I would like to be informed of the actual emission reduction this program will garner, separate from the reductions that are already anticipated from measures already in place and that we already count on to allow us to reach net zero by 2050 or sooner. We do not have time and cannot afford misinformation or overinflation of benefits when we discuss programs that influence taxes and create or fail to truly create solutions for a viable future. A regional transportation system that uses our best green technology and initiatives, that is grounded in the importance of our collective health, safety and future, rooted in honestly, not fraud, embellishment or self-dealing is what I want to pay for. I want this for myself, my children and grandchildren and for you and yours.
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10/1/2019 |
steven |
levy |
350.org, ACLU |
Marblehead |
Massachusetts |
We have to get the cars off the road. We need bus lanes. We need better public transit. Poor people cannot afford cars. Congestion by autos is taking it's toll on every part of our lives. We... read more We have to get the cars off the road. We need bus lanes. We need better public transit. Poor people cannot afford cars. Congestion by autos is taking it's toll on every part of our lives. We need to keep the Koch network out of the Mass. economy. |
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2/27/2020 |
Elizabeth |
Parsons |
350.org |
Burlington |
Vermont |
We need to take action to decrease carbon emissions now. Transportation is Vermont's largest source of carbon pollution, at 44% of the state's total emissions. These emissions are... read more We need to take action to decrease carbon emissions now. Transportation is Vermont's largest source of carbon pollution, at 44% of the state's total emissions. These emissions are contributing to a changing climate, which here in Vermont is impacting farming practices, creating more intense storms, and increasing tickborne illnesses. While doing our part to reduce pollution in the transportation sector, Vermont could be at the forefront of strategically and equitably – demographically and geographically – investing those dollars in transportation solutions that serve Vermont and Vermonters well. Designing programs and solutions that serve rural regions well, as well as investing in bus, bike, pedestrian and housing solutions in and around downtowns, is possible and essential. |
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2/28/2020 |
Kevin |
OKeefe |
350 vt |
bratt |
Vermont |
In May of 2018 the price of a gallon of gasoline was $2.90. That year the economy grew by 3%. The stock market was booming and the great Recession was in the rear view mirror of most Americans.... read more In May of 2018 the price of a gallon of gasoline was $2.90. That year the economy grew by 3%. The stock market was booming and the great Recession was in the rear view mirror of most Americans.
It is now 2020 (an election year) and Phil Scott is reluctant to address climate change solutions. As he recently stated he was, “not looking to come out with something dramatic.”
According to VT. Digger, “Some Republicans have raised concerns about the 12-state Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI), and called its system of fuel pricing a ‘carbon tax.’ Under the agreement, which would include Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, fuel prices could rise by as much as 17 cents per gallon.”
The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) describes itself as a bi-partisan, “regional collaboration of 12 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia that seeks to improve transportation, develop the clean energy economy and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. The participating states are: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Virginia.”
With all due respect Mr. Scott I’d be more than happy to pay $3 a gallon for gasoline if I knew that extra revenue was addressing long-term commitment to climate change initiatives. I suspect that many of the 76% of Vermonters who support real action on this vital issue might also be willing to tolerate this increase.
It wasn’t until gasoline went over $4 a gallon Vermont in 2011 that myself and many of my neighbors started changing our habits and to car pool and find alternatives to our gas guzzling ways. Good governance, in this instance, is about applying force on the market to encourage consumers to take climate change as the primary issue it is. What good is an affordable Vermont in a world that burns?
Vermont should be leading these 12 states not putting the brakes on real change and action. |
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12/20/2019 |
Arthur |
Hynes |
350 Vermont |
Hardwick |
Vermont |
Despite broad support for Vermont's stated climate goals, emissions in the state are rising, with almost 50% coming from transportation. The TCI Regional Policy Design is a significant step... read more Despite broad support for Vermont's stated climate goals, emissions in the state are rising, with almost 50% coming from transportation. The TCI Regional Policy Design is a significant step forward. We all need to support it. |
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2/26/2020 |
Nancy |
Gaudreau |
350 Rutland County |
Pittsford |
Vermont |
I applaud this effort. Would love more train & bus service throughout the region. I applaud this effort. Would love more train & bus service throughout the region. |
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3/24/2020 |
Downing |
Cless |
350 Massachusetts for a Better Future |
Arlington |
Massachusetts |
Great idea that needs to be kicked into gear! Great idea that needs to be kicked into gear! |
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11/5/2019 |
Stephen |
Malagodi |
350 Mass: Better Future Project |
Lowell |
Massachusetts |
While generally supportive of the TCI framework, many of my reservations concerning equity and climate justice have already been expressed and received by you in the on-line and community meetings... read more While generally supportive of the TCI framework, many of my reservations concerning equity and climate justice have already been expressed and received by you in the on-line and community meetings.
However, unspoken is the fact that the eventual burden of all 'cap and trade' or 'cap and invest' schemes is born by consumers who bear the cost through passed-through price increases, while those who have historically benefited greatly are the extractive industries themselves which have actively pursued policies deliberately designed to deny, deceive and distort the political process for decades concerning the cause and scope of global climate change. The cost of addressing climate change today is considerably more than it would be had we not been subjected to decades of delay perpetrated by the fossil fuel industry itself. Nothing in the TCI framework addresses this gross injustice. Nowhere in the TCI framework is there any mechanism for the extraction industries to bear or to share the "externalized" costs resulting from the sale and use of their products, or to provide compensation for the damage they have already done. |
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2/21/2020 |
Gleb |
Bahmutov |
350 Mass, CitizenClimate lobby |
Cambridge |
Massachusetts |
Transporation is a large sector of our economy contributing to fossil fuel emissions. As a state on a coast, Massachusetts will soon experience rising sea levels that can completely wipe out our... read more Transporation is a large sector of our economy contributing to fossil fuel emissions. As a state on a coast, Massachusetts will soon experience rising sea levels that can completely wipe out our infrastructure, causing economic hardships and civil unrest. I urge you to join this initiative to quickly drive green house gas emission down before it becomes irreversible. |
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3/10/2020 |
amy |
maguire |
350 Mass Metro North Node |
winchester |
Massachusetts |
I am in support of this initiative because I believe we need to do everything we possibly can to reduce our carbon emissions and this would be a great step forward. One day our grandchildren will... read more I am in support of this initiative because I believe we need to do everything we possibly can to reduce our carbon emissions and this would be a great step forward. One day our grandchildren will ask us what we did when we knew we had time to make a change to help them have a better future. Supporting TCI will be something we can point to as a possible turning point.
Thank you.
Amy Hunter Maguire |
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11/3/2019 |
Anna |
Dibble |
350 Maine |
Brunswick |
Maine |
I'm writing in support of the TCI regional policy initiative. Any effort at all to reduce carbon emissions through the combustion of transportation fuels is vital - considering the utter... read more I'm writing in support of the TCI regional policy initiative. Any effort at all to reduce carbon emissions through the combustion of transportation fuels is vital - considering the utter catastrophe of the current state of the planet and its atmosphere. I'm grateful to the people in the organizations working hard on this initiative. |
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2/27/2020 |
Amy |
Eshoo |
350 Maine |
North Yarmouth |
Maine |
350 Maine stands behind a regional bipartisan policy to provide no-to-low-carbon transportation solutions for Maine residents. Our current transportation system in Maine is outdated and... read more 350 Maine stands behind a regional bipartisan policy to provide no-to-low-carbon transportation solutions for Maine residents. Our current transportation system in Maine is outdated and contributes to poverty and public health problems.
Maine residents have very few transportation options. Driving in a fossil-fuel emitting vehicle is often the only mode of transportation available to us. This is due to the fact that most roads in Maine are not designed for pedestrian or bike traffic, and many transportation routes involve highways or multi-lane roads, making commuting by walking or biking nearly impossible. Furthermore, our current system is such that those who cannot drive often have limited options to access gainful employment. Public health concerns are increased by blocking access to those who can’t drive to health care, healthy food, social services and entertainment. Maine must design a transportation system that allows its citizens to safely access the goods and services they need.
The transportation sector accounts for more than half of Maine’s carbon emissions into our atmosphere. As Maine’s population continues to increase, we must find a way to transport our population safely and efficiently while reducing or eliminating the emissions associated with traditional forms of transportation.
350 Maine supports further clarification in the Final TCI MOA in the following areas:
350 Maine supports the establishment within the TCI framework of a Regional affordable High-Speed Rail that interconnects Canada, eastern Maine including Portland and Boston South Station;
350 Maine urges TCI to require the investment of the cap-and-invest funds into electric trolley service between all major Cities in Maine;
350 Maine urges the TCI to require the investment of cap-and-invest fund into local and regional electric bus service that runs on regular schedules serving the areas where people live, work, and access services;
350 Maine supports the prioritization of investment of transportation funds to provide reasonable, affordable access to public transit to low income and under-served communities;
350 Maine urges the TCI to further elaborate how the cap-and-invest program funds will flow equitably to communities that are currently underserved by clean transportation options;
350 Maine urges TCI to further study traffic patterns and transportation routes in the State of Maine such that at least 50% of current vehicular traffic can be replaced by electrified public transit, because replacing fossil-fuel vehicles with electric vehicles on a one-to-one basis is not a sustainable option for the electric grid;
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