2/26/2020 |
Judith |
Munger |
Citizen |
Norwich |
Vermont |
I support TCI. It will get us closer to where we need to be on ppm of CO2. I do wish it were more ambitious. I support TCI. It will get us closer to where we need to be on ppm of CO2. I do wish it were more ambitious. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Richard |
Richard |
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light, Bristol Energy Committee |
Bristol |
Vermont |
My name is Richard Butz, I’m a member of the Bristol, Vermont, Energy Committee, a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL), a Board member of Addison County River Watch... read more My name is Richard Butz, I’m a member of the Bristol, Vermont, Energy Committee, a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL), a Board member of Addison County River Watch Collaborative (ACRWC), a father and grandfather. I’m writing in strong support for Vermont’s participation in the Transportation Climate Initiative.
As a college professor (now retired as an assistant professor of engineering technology), I lectured on building and transportation systems and have been staying up on the environmental and technological aspects of those systems. To me the evidence is clear, while we’re in trouble regarding greenhouse gas emissions, the technology exists, right now, to address them. What’s missing are the will and financial resources. TCI will facilitate change in attitudes and provide funding to encourage sustainable practices while protecting low income vermonters through rebates and incentives. It will result in clean, good paying jobs as we make the necessary transitions.
As a member of the Bristol Energy Committee, I work to plan and implement ways our citizens can achieve the mobility they need, whether it involves frequent and convenient public transportation or finding ways to afford more efficient and affordable personal vehicles. We’ve already benefitted from weatherization programs that have been funded through monies received as a result of the two million dollars Vermont receives each year as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Our Button-up and Window Dressers initiatives are local examples. TCI will function in a similar way to RGGI.
As a person of faith, a progressive church member and a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light, I advocate for TCI because it is a significant step in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, critical to protecting Creation, something people of faith understand and are called to do. Last Thursday more than fifty members of VTIPL spent the day at the State House in Montpelier, meeting with our legislators to lobby for the first bill of the Global Climate Solutions Act. Imagine our joy when it passed the House with a large majority.
I know that transportation contributes 43% of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions, and if we are to make any progress in this regard we are going to have to invest in cleaner public transportation modes, particularly in rural locations where driving is a significant factor. As a long-term Prius owner I know how much less gasoline an efficient vehicle uses and its impact on my budget, something that needs to be made available to low income vermonters, and the funding from TCI would assist in that regard.
As a grandfather I fear for our kid’s future. The Fourth National Climate Assessment and the IPCC reports among countless others, make it clear that we have very little time to act. We know from our own experience that we are already experiencing erratic and destructive weather patterns, emergence of tick and mosquito born diseases that we never saw before, and we run the risk of losing our maple trees, having shorter ski seasons, degrading our beautiful streams, rivers and lakes, and the tourism that these resources support. In short, our way of life and the Vermont Brand may be lost. We can’t let that happen.
To be clear, I urge Vermont to join TCI! |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Nancy |
Gaudreau |
350 Rutland County |
Pittsford |
Vermont |
I applaud this effort. Would love more train & bus service throughout the region. I applaud this effort. Would love more train & bus service throughout the region. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Maureen |
Hurley |
Topsham |
Topsham |
Vermont |
I think it's vital that we do all we can to mitigate, and work toward stopping climate change by any means. Lives are being lost. Pollution is the cause, has been taking lives for a long time... read more I think it's vital that we do all we can to mitigate, and work toward stopping climate change by any means. Lives are being lost. Pollution is the cause, has been taking lives for a long time and the acceleration is ugly to see. Because it isn't yet so near to us doesn't mean we won't be feeling effects of all kinds as our fellow human beings, and living things in general are forced to flee pr perish.
I have a grown daughter in California who was extremely lucky to escape being burned to death/ It truly brings the situation home and into focus. The costs of paying a carbon tax could be budgeted for by giving up a bad habit or two, also helpful.
I'm wondering what % of VTs Carbon emissions come from that new Burlington airport and the military in general and if they can be made to pay for their emissions as well. I 'm hoping that New Hampshire will get a chance to reformulate their position on this. I think we should carry ahead no matter what.
Thanks for the opportunity to comment. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Susan |
Bonthron |
Grandmother, book binder, educator |
Guilford |
Vermont |
I am writing as a concerned citizen, mother and grandmother who believes we must do all we can to keep the planet safe for our families and future generations. Therefore we must concentrate on... read more I am writing as a concerned citizen, mother and grandmother who believes we must do all we can to keep the planet safe for our families and future generations. Therefore we must concentrate on reducing carbon emissions now. Transportation is Vermont’s weakest sector, which is why Vermont especially needs to join TCI and help lead the northeast to a cleaner energy future.
Cap and invest programs are not new to Vermont. Since Gov. Douglas signed Vermont on to RGGI in 2008, Vermont’s cap and invest program has successfully reduced consumer costs and carbon pollution from the power sector by 40%, and its revenues have raised $2 million annually for weatherization programs to help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. Given that we know this type of project works, adopting TCI makes perfect sense. As I grow older I want to be able to age in place, and having greener options for transportation is the only way I’ll be able to do it. I am urging you on behalf of Vermonters like me and my aging friends as well as generations of future Vermonters to make sure that Vermont formally joins TCI. We must use every opportunity to create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
christine |
barnes |
Northfield citizen |
Northfield |
Vermont |
TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed... read more TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed transportation infrastructure that will benefit all.
We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.
I urge Vermont to formally join TCI so we can create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region.
|
- |
2/26/2020 |
Phebe |
McCosker |
--None-- |
Thetford |
Vermont |
I was a member of the group in Thetford that drafted our town's Enhanced Energy Plan. I fully appreciate how hard it will be for small towns to meet the energy goal that Vermont has affirmed... read more I was a member of the group in Thetford that drafted our town's Enhanced Energy Plan. I fully appreciate how hard it will be for small towns to meet the energy goal that Vermont has affirmed: each town needs to be powered by 90% renewable energy from within its borders by 2050. The Transportation and Climate Initiative as one of the many actions needed to make that goal possible. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Ann and Dan |
Green |
Voter |
Stowe |
Vermont |
We can no longer kick the can down the road on this. Human health is not an externality. We can no longer kick the can down the road on this. Human health is not an externality. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Jean |
Cannon |
artist, alarmed citizen naturalist, member 350.org |
Bellows Falls |
Vermont |
I believe Vermont needs to coordinate with our neighboring states to get our emissions from transportation under control. I live on the Connecticut River. I own a car, but try to drive as little... read more I believe Vermont needs to coordinate with our neighboring states to get our emissions from transportation under control. I live on the Connecticut River. I own a car, but try to drive as little as possible. I take the Amtrak occasionally if I have business in Northern Vermont. I would take the train more often if it ran more frequently. We need more light rail in our state and in New Hampshire. Once upon a time, there were trolleys connecting small towns. Light rail could fill that same niche.
We need additional funding to provide creative non-polluting transportation initiatives tailored to the needs of small towns and rural lifestyles. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Karen |
Walter |
Self |
Bellows Falls |
Vermont |
There many seniors living in Bellows Falls, VT senior housing facilities. Many no longer drive and depend on calling for rides with local organizations. People living in close access to town... read more There many seniors living in Bellows Falls, VT senior housing facilities. Many no longer drive and depend on calling for rides with local organizations. People living in close access to town shops, library, post office, grocery stores can not walk very far so they take their cars. If we invested in small electric scooters with convienent baskets on them I think a town the size of Bellows Falls could cut down on our carbon footprint quite bit. Personally I would buy a scooter and use it in good weather rather than my car. I could charge my scooter at home however those living in housing would need charging stations and parking space. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Jacob |
Powsner |
None |
Chittenden |
Vermont |
I make ends meet making and selling maple in Rutland county. The future of maple industry needs action on climate now. No, TCI won’t save the world but the steps for regional action are... read more I make ends meet making and selling maple in Rutland county. The future of maple industry needs action on climate now. No, TCI won’t save the world but the steps for regional action are desperately needed to make a clean Vermont for the future. The younger generation of Vermonters will ultimately pay the price of fossil fuel consumption of older generations. If we don’t begin to act now, that debt will grow larger. Please push through TCI. Future generations will see today’s inaction as willful negligence. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Judith |
Pond |
Vermont citizen |
Norwich, VT |
Vermont |
PLEASE, Governor Scott, join the Transportation and climate initiative. First of all, it addresses the main problem our generation must solve for our descendants and the world. We should be... read more PLEASE, Governor Scott, join the Transportation and climate initiative. First of all, it addresses the main problem our generation must solve for our descendants and the world. We should be willing to spend big to solve it, but I believe that this particular initiative will actually pay for itself, that the structure of TCI will return any increase in fuel prices back to all of us ten-fold – through initiatives that promote low emitting transportation and by helping low income Vermonters – just as RGGI has done. So you need not fear it will damage Vermont's economy. In fact, NOT solving our climate crisis would eventually ruin it entirely. |
- |
2/26/2020 |
Anita |
Pomerance |
EarthMatters |
Pawlet |
Vermont |
I feel that dealing with climate change is an extremely urgent, as the extremes of weather demonstrate, and changing current trends takes much more change in or behavior than has been seen so fat... read more I feel that dealing with climate change is an extremely urgent, as the extremes of weather demonstrate, and changing current trends takes much more change in or behavior than has been seen so fat. I believe in the prediction of the scientific community, who predict that at our current dealing with current consumption our arriving at the sixth extinction of most life on this planet, Transportation is an important part of current habits that cause harm. It is one of many ways we can work to reduce the problem, but relatively easy to carry out, as it's in the public eye. At age 85, I'm deeply troubled not only for myself, but for my children, grandchildren, not to mention all humanity, and the animals, plants, and or entire beautiful planet.
I'm heartened to see that young people are becoming involved, as the are most in harm's way. At S |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Thomas |
Hughes |
Energy Independent Vermont |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Where TCI came from and where it can take us
This spring, Governor Phil Scott will have the opportunity to strengthen the economy, promote equity, and protect the environment by... read more Where TCI came from and where it can take us
This spring, Governor Phil Scott will have the opportunity to strengthen the economy, promote equity, and protect the environment by joining the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). If he refuses to join our neighbors in the fight against climate pollution, it is very likely that Vermonters will pay higher prices for fossil fuels without receiving any of TCI’s investment benefits.
HISTORY & CONTEXT
In 2008, then-Senator Scott voted to authorize Vermont’s governor to advocate for a regional carbon trading program for transportation fuels.
In the decade since, a bipartisan group of officials from Maine to Virginia have been designing a cap-and-invest program for transportation fuels modeled on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
RGGI was developed as a collaboration between states to reduce climate pollution from coal-fired electric plants. Gov. Jim Douglas led the RGGI negotiations and signed Vermont onto the initiative, and it’s working. In the decade since its launch, CO2 emissions from power plants in the RGGI states have fallen 90% faster than in the rest of country, while economic growth in the region has outpaced the rest of the country by 31%.
Since taking office, Gov. Scott has maintained Vermont’s seat at the TCI negotiating table. In fact, up to this point, the governor and his team have been the only Vermonters at the table. And Gov. Scott's political appointees from VTrans, the Agency of Natural Resources and the Public Service Department recently hosted public meetings on TCI in St. Johnsbury, Manchester Center, Springfield and Burlington.
The draft TCI proposal released by the region's governors late last year proposes a) limiting the flow of fossil fuels into the region, b) requiring fossil fuel companies to purchase allowances for the pollution they cause, and c) using the proceeds to modernize the region’s transportation systems. Their program outline makes clear that governors will establish the regulations for fossil fuel distributors, and then individual state legislatures will craft the investment benefits that best meet their state’s needs.
What are those benefits?
A STRONGER ECONOMY
Vermont will receive back more from TCI than Vermonters put in.
Much like hotel stays and restaurant meals, out-of-state travelers purchase a significant share of the transportation fuels sold in Vermont. The Agency of Commerce and Community Development estimates that 20-25% of transportation fuels are sold to out-of-staters.
If – as is currently contemplated – TCI funds are returned to the state in proportion to the gallons of fuel sold, for every dollar Vermonters pay in pollution allowances the state will receive as much as $1.33 for investments.
Even better, according to TCI researchers, the more aggressive the governors are at limiting fossil fuels, the more our economy will grow.
On the flip side, there is economic risk if Gov. Scott refuses to join TCI. Like RGGI, most of the facilities that will purchase allowances are located outside of Vermont and, according to Commissioner Peter Walke -- Vermont’s lead TCI negotiator, it is “possible and very likely” that these companies will pass on their compliance costs to Vermonters whether or not the state participates. So, to take advantage of TCI’s economic benefits and avoid a situation where Vermonters are paying for infrastructure improvements in other states but not here, Gov. Scott must join the program.
A CLEANER ENVIRONMENT
TCI will reduce pollution – and that will save lives and money.
The Vermont Department of Health recently analyzed what meeting the transportation goals of the Comprehensive Energy Plan would mean by 2050. The benefits include:
• 2,000 lives saved due to cleaner air and safer roads and other benefits; and
• $1.1 billion in costs avoided from reduced health care costs and increased productivity.
TCI puts us on a path to reap those benefits.
EQUITY
A critical component of TCI is that it provides resources to address inequities in Vermonters’ energy burdens.
Low-income and rural Vermonters pay a higher percentage of their incomes on transportation than their wealthier, more urban neighbors. The state can and should address some of this inequity by targeting TCI investments to benefit low-income and rural Vermonters.
Investments can take the form of infrastructure and public transit improvements: things like rural van lines that cover more territory and travel more frequently, expanded park & ride lots, EV charging, bike lanes, sidewalks, and commuter rail.
Other options are incentives, rebates, and targeted tax credits. Think free bus passes, expanding the Energy Assistance Program, tiered incentives for electric vehicles so that those with the least get the most help, or an increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit. In British Columbia, a Canadian province that has been pricing carbon pollution for more than a decade, rural citizens qualify for additional tax breaks.
TCI revenues could also be used for cash-back payments that go directly to households based on need.
Of course, policymakers could mix and match proceeds. Some could be used for infrastructure, some for incentives, and some for direct payments to low-income households.
CONCLUSION
The economic, equity, and environmental benefits of TCI far outweigh its costs. In fact, refusing to join TCI means Vermonters will likely pay its costs without receiving any of its benefits.
Gov. Scott should honor his commitments to reduce climate pollution, join TCI, and help modernize Vermont’s transportation systems. |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Russ |
Layne |
Mr. |
Pawlet |
Vermont |
This is such an important initiate! For the sake of our future generations, the condition of the air we breathe; the water we drink; and the earth in which we raise our crops policies such as TCI... read more This is such an important initiate! For the sake of our future generations, the condition of the air we breathe; the water we drink; and the earth in which we raise our crops policies such as TCI are imperative. |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Mike |
Winslow |
Addison County Regional Planning Commission |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
The following comments are on behalf of the Addison County Vermont Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation Advisory Committee to offer public input on the draft Transportation Climate... read more The following comments are on behalf of the Addison County Vermont Regional Planning Commission’s Transportation Advisory Committee to offer public input on the draft Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a regional program to establish a cap on global warming pollution from transportation fuels. We support the goal of limiting greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, and offer the following comments to improve the draft MOU.
In apportioning the regional cap to TCI jurisdictions, the final MOU must take into account existing efforts to curb transportation related greenhouse gas emissions. For example, jurisdictions that already invest heavily in mass transit should not be penalized for prior investments that have reduced emissions.
Section 3 of the MOU discussing Investments and Equity lacks detail. The costs of the program are fairly clear, but the benefits, which should be spelled out in this section, are still vague. It will be extremely important in building political support for the MOU that constituents have a better idea of how the revenue raised will make an impact in their lives.
To that point, it is very important to our constituents that efforts be made to mitigate the impacts of the TCI on low-income populations in rural areas. In rural areas like Addison County, our poorest community members often live far from populations centers. In purchasing vehicles, they rely upon second-hand cars and trucks, and the availability of fuel-efficient vehicles at a low price point in that market is constrained. Some of the revenue raised by the TCI should go to assist this population in transitioning to low emission vehicles and to offset the economic hardship they will face when the cost of fuel increases.
The draft MOU lacks detail on how a Participating Jurisdiction would leave the TCI (Section 5B) and what would happen to allowances auctioned on their behalf. Would those allowances still be honored as in Section 2J – “Participating Jurisdictions shall accept allowances sold or originated in other Participating Jurisdictions”?
We thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft MOU.
|
- |
2/27/2020 |
Liz |
Edsell |
Vermont Resident |
WINOOSKI |
Vermont |
I strongly support Vermont joining the Transportation Climate Initiative.
First, I'm grateful for what the state's done so far. I recently was able to lease a 2020 Nissan... read more I strongly support Vermont joining the Transportation Climate Initiative.
First, I'm grateful for what the state's done so far. I recently was able to lease a 2020 Nissan Leaf at an affordable price thanks to the state's EV incentive program and love it. However, as I'm beginning to get the hang of using an EV for my main transportation, it's clear that the state's EV charging infrastructure needs to be significantly improved. I don't know what that looks like specifically, but I hope the TCI incentives could be used to make it as easy to charge as it is to visit a gas station. Also, the pool of funding for EV incentives needs to be dramatically expanded so that thousands (not hundreds) of Vermonters are making the switch.
Thank you! |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Emma |
Hanson |
Concerned Resident |
Fayston |
Vermont |
My work is in advocating for wood heat as an alternative to fossil fuels. It's a great solution for Vermont that helps to keep forests as forests and displace fossil fuel usage. While my work... read more My work is in advocating for wood heat as an alternative to fossil fuels. It's a great solution for Vermont that helps to keep forests as forests and displace fossil fuel usage. While my work is helping us to meet our thermal energy goals, we need TCI to help us meet our transportation energy goals, where in Vermont we are woefully behind.
Imagine a world where taking public transit wasn't a compromise reserved for environmentalist martyrs. Where it was clean, convenient, cheap, fast, and pleasant. It's possible, even in a rural place like Vermont, but we need the funds.
We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.
I urge Vermont to formally join TCI so we can create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region. |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Shelby |
Grantham |
Concerned Citizen |
Norwich |
Vermont |
My name is Shelby Grantham. I’d like to reduce my personal carbon footprint and help reduce climate change. But I am a senior resident of Norwich, VT, living alone seven miles outside the... read more My name is Shelby Grantham. I’d like to reduce my personal carbon footprint and help reduce climate change. But I am a senior resident of Norwich, VT, living alone seven miles outside the business center of Norwich. There is no public transportation out here except the school buses, which I am not allowed to ride. I wish I didn’t have to take my car into town to get groceries and do errands.
Transportation is Vermont’s highest source of carbon emissions. As an otherwise proud citizen of Vermont, I hope the state government sees fit to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) that aims to develop within one year a regional policy to cap and reduce carbon emissions from transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program that would also earn funds to help us tackle our high emissions and implement transportation solutions statewide.
Cap-and-invest programs are not new. Our Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) instituted in 2008 has reduced carbon pollution and raised funds to invest in improved weatherization that makes Vermont homes warmer and more energy efficient. With TCI, we can do the same in the transportation sector.
Across the country, cap reduction scenarios have led to environmental, health, and economic benefits. Some Vermonters may see TCI as merely a gas tax, but frankly I’m willing to pay a little more at the pumps when the outcomes are so critical and the long-term benefits so far-reaching.
Being at the table with the other TCI states will allow us to craft a VT policy that is equitable and could help us create a climate in which we can all thrive.
|
- |
2/27/2020 |
Liam |
O'Sullivan |
Vermont Resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
I am excited to see Vermont join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Given that our emissions are still 13% above 1990 levels, with transportation acting as the biggest culprit, Vermont... read more I am excited to see Vermont join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Given that our emissions are still 13% above 1990 levels, with transportation acting as the biggest culprit, Vermont must be looking at innovative ways to substantially decrease our emissions through 2030. Our efficiency utilities, low-income weatherization program and EV incentive program have done great things to get the ball rolling on climate action, but I fear they are not doing nearly enough to make Vermont a leader on this issue. The emission reduction goals spelled out in TCI are by no means bold, but if TCI could bring in $18-$60 million in just the first year of its implementation for substantial investments in EV incentives, EV charging infrastructure, public transportation, and returns for low-income Vermonters - while making out of state travelers pay their fair share - I'm all in. |
- |