TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Reducing our carbon (and methane) footprint is imperative. I support all efforts to achieve this.

I support the climate initiative. I STRONGLY support re-creating the electric trolley system that Massachusetts had until 1920 or so. Around then Mass had 3,200 miles of privately owned trolley tracks. Folks could travel throughout the state often faster than we can today before COVID, anyway. :-) Now that we are in Covid, hasn't everyone noticed how much cleaner the air is? What about looking at the stars at night? Since I live near Boston, light and air pollution have affected what I can see. Now that the air is cleaner, I can see more.
PLUS ... google for pictures on how several large cities around the world have much cleaner air because fewer people can drive.

I have been skeptical about using market mechanisms for carbon emission reduction when the plans were based solely in VT, due to the added costs and competitive disadvantage with surrounding states. But a regional plan that reaches all the way to Virginia makes a lot of sense, and we would be foolish not to take advantage of the market power of such a large populous area to reduce emissions. The climate crisis is the number one threat to the future of all residents of Vermont and the planet. The near term costs of economic transition will be a good investment in the future of our energy infrastructure.

I am concerned about the cost of this initiative and would like to know the expected cost increase to a gallon of gasoline.

No!! Absolutely not! This is totally unconstitutional! ALL taxes must begin in the House of Representatives! I drive for a living in my real estate business. This will NEVER be supported by the public.

I very strongly approve this. Let’s do as much as we can to combat climate change, as soon as possible. I ‘m excited to see a high-impact, regional approach to tackling carbon emissions in lieu of any action by our federal government.

Please do not join this group of states. Living in Maine means that we have to travel long distances to get “anywhere”. I travel over 25 miles one way, just to get groceries once a week. An action made by you which will result in an added tax or price increase to me makes it harder for me to take care of just the basics in life. Please for the love of Pete, do not make life harder for Mainers. It’s just that simple, Janet. Really...

Having recently seen The Human Element, I am even more aware of the chemicals our atmosphere is infused with at our hands. Little kids are breathing through face masks made to look like elephant faces multiple times a day at home and in school to stay alive. They explain that it feels like drowning when their damaged lungs fail to deliver adequate oxygen due to the pollution from the convenience of using fossil fuels. Our definition of fossil fuel necessity has been smothered by the scientific data that shows how we are destroying our life support systems. Shame on us for complaining that we don't like an additional gas tax. Our first responsibility is to life. We have lost our way as we minimize its fragility and our necessary stewardship. All around us we see the consequences accrue and the death of species; plants, animals and loved ones. My concern is that this legislation is as vetted and as extreme in its effectiveness as is humanly possible. I believe the team assembled and the sponsors behind this initiative are taking their moral role as shapers of our children's futures seriously. I thank you. Sign. Enact. Better our futures.