TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

We must decongest our streets and detoxify our air. Our cities need more public transportation options. Most people in cities shouldn't have to need a personal vehicle.

Since human-driven climate change is, scientifically acknowledged, the greatest danger to life on our tiny little rock in this enormous universe then it is imperative that intelligent decisions must be made in all areas. You have the chance and responsibility to design and enforce a drastic reduction of
the pollution emitted by the burgeoning number of combustion-powered vehicles on our already crowded roads.
A fifth major extinction on our planet may not be reversible but, for the sake of ALL of earth's lifeforms, please make every effort to reduce all forms of dangerous pollution. Amen.

Climate change is REAL and we must make changes to our transportation. Low emissions are a must - we won't have a second change to save our planet's coral reefs, seaside properties, animals and yes, humans.

I'm a CT resident deeply concerned about climate change caused by carbon emissions and the inaction of our current federal government. That's why I feel that strong leadership must be carried out at the state and local levels; in particular, by the governors of our region.

To reduce carbon emissions to the extent necessary to avoid climate disaster, market forces will need to be harnessed to effect rapid and far-reaching change. The astounding growth of renewable energy is one example of the power of market forces to drive rapid sustainable development. By putting a price on carbon via a 'cap-and-trade' or 'cap-and-invest' program throughout the Northeast the external costs of carbon can be 'internalized' and an imperative for economic actors to move quickly towards carbon neutrality.

By joining a regional New England/Mid-Atlantic compact, CT can harness this much larger economic area as a 'force-multiplier' to drive other regions in a similar direction - if they wish to compete in our region. Similar to the power of California's market in driving auto emission reduction measures.

So I urge you to join in this promising regional initiative. I view climate change now as an existential threat on a level with nuclear proliferation, and one that will have to be addressed by leadership at the state level. As such, this is my #1 political concern as a Connecticut voter.

Many thanks for your attention to this.

James H. Whitcomb, Jr.

It is the right thing to do for all future generations to end our dependence on dirty fuels and have great transportation.

Please find the attached comments from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents 99% of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S., tier-one original equipment suppliers, as well as technology and other automotive-related companies.

In summary, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation recommends that in order to accomplish the goals of the TCI, the program should:
• Establish consistent policies across regional and state lines
• Reduce the carbon intensity of liquid fuels
• Reduce the cost barrier with vehicle incentives for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
• Build out electric vehicle charging and hydrogen fueling infrastructure

Enough larceny. No more funds down the rat hole. A couple of volcanic eruptions later and then what? More punishment. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

I disapprove of any form of taxation, regardless of how deceitfully it is enacted. TCI is just that, a deceitful form of taxation.