TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

As far as I can tell, TCI is an interstate compact between states. This requires approval of Congress which does not appear to have been given. If this passes, a lawsuit will be brought.
I oppose the Massachusetts Legislature using a back door method to impose an increased gas tax.

I have recently learned about the Transportation and Climate Initiative and I am writing to express my support and urge decisions and actions as soon as possible.
I believe we need much more public transportation and affordable housing near transportation.
I am 69 years old and intend to give up my car within the next three years. I am doing this for two reasons: first, so that my daughters don't have the difficult task of taking it away at some point in the future, and secondly because I feel that it is the least I can do, as one person, to address our current climate crisis.
Because I am also a low-income senior, relying primarily on monthly Social Security income, it is proving to be difficult to find a place to live that is walkable and close to reliable public transportation and that I can afford.
It would be wonderful if the states in this coalition will address, and eventually solve, these problems. Thank you.

I am shamelessly copying this from Dan Whipple from Vermont. "Please substitute Maine for Vermont! I abhor this theft of my livelihood via taxation for the fool's pursuit of Carbon Reduction. First most, carbon dioxide is NOT a pollutant! Anthropogenic climate change is NOT a proven fact, it relies on pseudo science, mass hysteria, and most of all (TAX) MONEY. I live in rural Vermont, a state with the lowest carbon footprint of any in our nation. Our economy is precarious at best. We travel to work on rudimentary roads, for limited pay from businesses teetering on financial collapse. Our State government continues to overtax it's citizens to support those that can't or won't support themselves. This CARBON TAX is just more of the same. It will ruin our local economy, bankrupt businesses, and hasten the exodus of those who cannot afford to live here. Your blind ambitions will yield a poisoned fruit. "

Please DO NOT bring Maine into the TCI plan! As a rural state, dependent on trucks, automobiles, and farm equipment to accomplish our daily work, raising the price of gasoline and other fuels will have an extremely destructive effect on our economy. It will increase the cost of food, heating, fishing, farming, tourist travel, making ice cream, ski lift tickets, heating schools, snow plowing, etc. as such the people will be doubly taxed. The resulting costs will raise local property taxes and the costs of maintaining streets and roads.
Keep decisions on Maine taxes and benefits under Maine voters’ control! DO NOT bring Maine into the TCI plan!

This note is in strong opposition the the TCI (Transportation and Climate Initiative).

Let's start with the tax increase to fund Climate Change. The issue of climate change is up for serious debate with respect to that fact it is caused by humans, and (apparently cows now too). We know we used to be in an ice age. We know that volcanos are the largest contributors to CO2. We also know that it is not the USA alone that affects the atmosphere. We know that climate is changing. We recognize and know there is a difference between climate and atmosphere. What about the other countries. What about the other states. There is too much speculative information as well as too much misinformation to strap the states to this TCI, a localized version of Cap and Trade via the REGGI (Regional Green House Gas Initiative).
To those of us watching, and keeping an eye on the hot topics of government we see this as all small bites of the same apple. Government overreach and a way to shackle us in the chains of tax burdens in an attempt to limit and restrict our actions.

Let's look at the other states relative to this silly notion of implementing the TCI. So far, we have Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire governors pulling out of the TCI. They clearly understand for a variety of reasons, that the TCI is at best a regressive tax that will negatively affect the economy of their states. This will put a financial burden on the public, & the business community, the very essence of what keeps the states economies moving.

We live in the state of Maine, a pretty rural state with many roads and bridges. Currently our politicians-(ex:Bill Diamond state senator from Windham) are already considering a raise in the full tax, and possibly adding new tolls to our highway and road system, all in the name of bridge and road repair. I get we need the keep the infrastructure in good shape. This all should be done through our massive state budget. Things important items need to be prioritized & funded appropriately in the State budget.

Now imagine being hit by these two taxes on fuel at the same time. I say this will cripple the Maine economy in a way not seen in a very long time. This type of initiative while seemly well purposed by some-will harm our states economy to the point where it may be unrecognizable. This is a very dangerous proposal. You don't have to be rocket scientist to see the far reaching, long rage negative affects this will have if implemented.

For the love of the sate of Maine. I urge you to join with the governors of VT, CT, and NH and withdraw from the TCI.

Respectfully submitted
Ann-Marie & Randy Grenier
4 Juniper Dr
Windham, ME
04062

I feel that an extra tax on gas would cripple the state economy and do way more harm than good. We in Maine don’t have multiple mass transit options. Please do not place additional burdens on us. We have enough with grocery costs rising, oil and medical bills as well. We the people should have a voice.

Maine does not need the TCI. Please think of the destructive effects it would have on Maine’s already struggling economy. Do not sell us out to big money interests.

This initiative will devastate rural Mainers and the poor. It is not feasible for the State of Maine to drive electric cars - not affordable cars for the middle class and poor, slow and unreliable operation in the cold, let alone the snow. No chargers available. Governor Mills should know better being from Farmington. Raising the gas tax will just make it harder on the already tax burdened State of Maine.