TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

The attached comments are a re-submission of comments previously submitted on 10/30/2020, now on behalf of 200 organizations from across the 13 TCI jurisdictions, stating our support for an ambitious and equitable TCI program that includes strong safeguards and guarantees for overburdened and underserved communities.

TCI is important for several reasons. Firstly, it works to substantively mitigate CO2 output into our atmosphere, lowering MA's carbon footprint. Secondly, this initiative is shown to have positive effects on public health by limiting tailpipe emissions and boosting public transportation, in doing so we create a less congested and cleaner environment for all of us. Lastly, TCI stands not only to make tangible change but to make an important statement, one that is increasingly important. Someone needs to take strong measures to combat climate change and Massachusetts is poised to do so. This sends a message to other states as well as the federal government that we are willing and capable of taking the first step towards meaningful change.

Maine needs an ambitious plan to reduce climate-changing transportation pollution that is coordinated with neighboring states.

Public transportation is often prohibitively expensive (trains, for example, are never a cost effective option; buses are often not viable as well); an affordable choice would certainly help people public options over cars.

TCI is nothing but a money grab and a different name for a tax on motor fuel. In fact the cost would be added on at retail which will increase tax on gas under our current formula. Complicated and costly with general public paying to enrich electricity providers, Electric car manufactures and public transportation they can't use. Those that purchase electric cars and get rebates are in the upper percentile of wage earners and million are paid out for tax credits they should not be receiving. TCI would be a very regressive tax and disproportionately affect the lower income who can't wait for a rebate or tax credit. This is just a plain bad initiative.

I strongly support this initiative. Investments to make biking safer will save citizens money in the long run, as fewer people will drive, and health care burdens will be reduced.

Climate scientists tell us that we do not have much time to significantly impact the carbon pollution that is accelerating climate change on the planet. The technology exists and is proven for the adoption of electric buses. We need to do this now.

I am opposed to this initiative until the investment scheme is revealed in detail. It should be clear where the proceeds will be invested and how the success of the investments will be measured. The added financial burden will fall to the consumer and those most vulnerable will be adversely impacted. Therefore the pay back should be clearly measurable.