TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

It is imperative that we do all we can to mitigate the effects of climate change. Implementing a comprehensive regional program could help to create safe roads for biking and walking, more frequent and reliable public transportation, greater access to electric vehicles, and a more equitable system with cleaner transportation options for everyone in the region.

I wish to thank Gov. Lamont for being involved in the design of this process & I would hope that Connecticut will sign the final draft. The cap on transportation emissions & a fee on fossil fuel imports will allow the region to work on needed safer & more reliable public transportation & safer private transportation. By reducing the admissions, we will help to stop damaging our environment, public health, & our quality of Life.

There is no cap on this tax, that is a problem. "The states are supposed to use these revenues to further drive down gasoline and on-road diesel use, and 'help their residents transition to affordable, low-carbon transportation options'." The key word here is "supposed", so what I am concerned about that it will be like the 911 tax instead of improving the 911 system it went into the general fund and again this tax would go into the general fund and help reduce the taxes that the wealthy pay. Also this will be a burden on low income families and the elderly on fixed incomes. No TCI tax,please.

Please stop trying to force the citizens of Massachusetts and other States to pay additional taxes on the fuel distributors, which will be passed on to us as consumers!

Dear Governor,
I have written before, but feel compelled to let you know, again, how much I hope you take a bold stand this legislative session to support TCI and the Global Warming Solutions Act. We need action as soon as possible to set us on the right track. I also understand that if some of VT's fossil fuel suppliers are in State that join TCI then Vermont will feel that burden of extra cost without any of the gain of being part of the initiative. That would really be a shame.

I am sure there is a way to relieve low income households from the extra burden of paying more for fuels. My experience with gas pricing is that it is all over the map anyway, but has anyone talked about issuing gas cards to low income drivers? That would be one way to relieve elevated costs of gasoline. There are already rebate systems in place for other costs, so I am sure there is a solution for this possible inequity. I do not consider the costs to low income Vermonters to be a real stumbling block to moving forward. We really can not wait. Thank you for your work and your consideration of my view point. .

Elisabeth McLane
Strafford Resident
Consulting Forester and Forest Ecologist

I am proud that our Governor, Janet Mills, is in support of this low carbon transportation policy planning initiative. After working in the field of public health for over 25 years, 17 of which were in Maine's state public health agency, I've watched the evidence emerge that we must address the social determinants of health, i.e. the factors that protect and improvce population health, and not just focus on access to medical care. A sustainable low carbon transportation plan can help mitigate the impact of climate change, and improve regional air quality. It will support improved quality of life in our communities, and especially so for vulnerable populations such as those affected by low income, the very old and the very young, and those experiencing heath inequities. In our rural state, this policy process will extend to attracting a workforce that seeks to work and reside in liveable communities. It will contribute to economic development when more viable alternatives are available to all in our very rural state where the demand for access to affordable transportation is so huge. Public health also recognizes that while community health happens on the ground, strategically it is efficient to develop policies, especially those which are deployed at the regional level. As a member of the Maine Public Health Association, I'm proud that our organization representing over 700 public health professionals, recently won an award for environmental health advocacy; I am sure many of my colleagues would agree with me.

Maine needs help in reducing emisssions due to our rural nature and lack of public transportation options. Please provide help.

I am a resident of Maryland and living on the Chesapeake Bay has given me a profound appreciation of the importance of nature and its preservation for future generations. I completely support the TCI in their efforts to reduce green house gas emissions and to help the support of new clean energy resources moving forward.