2/28/2020 |
Amelia |
Jones |
Middlebury College |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
As a senior Conservation Biology major at Middlebury College, this semester I am taking a class that focuses on transportation in Vermont. Over my time in college, I have learned from an array of... read more As a senior Conservation Biology major at Middlebury College, this semester I am taking a class that focuses on transportation in Vermont. Over my time in college, I have learned from an array of courses the dangers that vehicle pollution poses on human and non-human ecosystems. Fortunately for Vermonters, we have some of the best air quality in the country, with the American Lung Association ranking Burlington as one of the cleanest cities for year-round particle pollution.
Yet, we’ve all had a moment rolling down the window of a car, walking down the street in town, or just sitting peacefully outside, when we get a big mouthful of vehicle exhaust and think to ourselves, Ooh, that might not have been great for my lungs. And although we don’t always have these upsetting realizations each time a car goes by, every day we are exposed to some level of unavoidable air pollution. Tailpipe emissions, from passenger cars to 18-wheelers, send a variety of pollutants into the air that we all breath - nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, to name a few.
Study after study shows that air pollution caused by motor vehicle exhaust has been directly linked to a variety of human health issues, including asthma, bronchitis, stunted lung development, and in more serious cases, premature death. Furthermore, this increased risk of health issues drags with it an increased medical bill for millions of Americans. With transportation responsible for emitting about 40% of Vermont’s GHGs and, as a result, impacting human health, it’s about time that the industry takes a look at what it is costing all of us, and takes action to change that for everyone.
In short, the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) seems to be proposing two things, both of which could improve our air quality, and thus our health. The first is to decrease motor vehicle emissions, and the second is to change behavior and incentivizing a move toward low-carbon / electric vehicles. In the Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the TCI recognizes that “accelerating the transition to cleaner, more efficient transportation sector will improve public health… for all communities.” (p.3). This last piece is a necessary component of the TCI - that the “public” whose health will be improved is not solely the young, healthy, middle and upper class, but it is the low-income, disadvantaged, and disproportionately afflicted citizens as well.
Therefore, it is important to address where the TCI has room to improve. The Draft MOU resolves that Signatory Jurisdictions will be enabled to, “strategically invest in programs to help their residents transition to affordable, low-carbon transportation options that provide substantial public health benefits, reduce congestion, and increase economic and job opportunities.” The pursuit of a cap-and-invest program, rather than a cap-and-trade program, is promising (despite the quite blurry lines on buying offsets). However, the section that speaks to these investments, Appendix 3A, is upsettingly unclear. Wording such as, “invest the proceeds from the auction of allowances as determined appropriate by each Participating Jurisdiction to achieve TCI Program goals” and “to achieve CO2 emission reductions and other related TCI Program goals” (Appendix 3A), does not provide citizens much insight into what these investments might be. Citizens should be able to understand the investment process, as we are the ones electing the legislature that will then decide how the revenue from allowances will be invested.
In order to have a more robust TCI, it is necessary for the document to outline what investment options look like. As the TCI is pushing a movement towards electric vehicles, it must be responsible for supporting this movement. Therefore, investments should be made in infrastructure that provides charging stations to make the use of EVs feasible for Vermonters. Another solution is for the TCI jurisdiction to provide subsidies on electric vehicles in order to help and incentivize all citizens, particularly lower-income and disadvantaged community members, to transition to cleaner transportation alternatives.
The current TCI, however vague, does recognize the impact that it could have on improving public health of all Vermonters, yet it has much room to grow in defining a solution to get to that endpoint. What is important is that the TCI has the potential to be a step in the right direction towards stronger human and environmental health, as a future electric transportation sector would eliminate the tailpipe and GHG emissions that negatively impact our communities and the non-human entities that inhabit our ecosystems.
Sources:
Draft Memorandum of Understanding of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. (2019).
Brugge D, Durant JL, Rioux C. Near-highway pollutants in motor vehicle exhaust: a review of epidemiologic evidence of cardiac and pulmonary health risks. Environ Health 2007; 6: 23.
Gauderman WJ, Vora H, McConnell R, Berhane K, Gilliland F, Thomas D, Lurmann F, Avol E, Kunzli N, Jerrett M, Peters J. Effect of exposure to traffic on lung development from 10 to 18 years of age: a cohort study. Lancet 2007; 369: 571-577.
Meo, S. A., et al. Effect of motor vehicle pollution on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide and cognitive function among school adolescents. European review for medical and pharmacological sciences 2019; 23: 8678-8686.
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/vehicles-air-pollution-human-health
|
TCI Public Comment.pdf |
2/28/2020 |
Gwendolyn |
Marsha |
Delegate for NEKO, Danville, 2/29 |
Marshfield |
Vermont |
I'd like to see an initiative built into the taxation that will be needed for this initiative to accommodate those in rural communities who would like to run a non-efficient vehicle for... read more I'd like to see an initiative built into the taxation that will be needed for this initiative to accommodate those in rural communities who would like to run a non-efficient vehicle for hauling necessities, but are rewarded for using it as minimally as possible, in comparison to their mass transit use. Community necessity, or personal/mileage? What are your plans? |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Matthew |
Burke |
Charlotte Energy Committee |
Charlotte |
Vermont |
The TCI should direct revenue toward the goal of providing free public transportation throughout the region. At minimum, this would involve fare-free bus service and commuter train service across... read more The TCI should direct revenue toward the goal of providing free public transportation throughout the region. At minimum, this would involve fare-free bus service and commuter train service across the region. An initial study should be performed to determine the revenue required to meet this goal, and the overall cost savings in terms of a comprehensive assessment that includes reduction in fossil fuel use, accidents and deaths, and other undesirable effects of the existing transportation system. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Hope |
Richardson |
Earth Matters member |
Peru |
Vermont |
Vermont needs to play its part in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. We are past the deadline to lower carbon release and pollution standards. We need to act now to reduce pollution on... read more Vermont needs to play its part in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. We are past the deadline to lower carbon release and pollution standards. We need to act now to reduce pollution on every level possible. It can be done with enough support and initiative from all of us. So many individuals are attempting and we need our representatives to back us up. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Joel |
Trupin |
none |
Marshfield |
Vermont |
Climate change is upon us and rapidly worsening. It must be stopped without delay. Climate change is upon us and rapidly worsening. It must be stopped without delay. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Sarah |
Kotin |
Middlebury College |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
The TCI Would be Beneficial for Vermonters With a Grain of Salt
As an environmental studies student in Vermont, I have learned extensively about the climate crisis happening today while... read more The TCI Would be Beneficial for Vermonters With a Grain of Salt
As an environmental studies student in Vermont, I have learned extensively about the climate crisis happening today while experiencing what transportation is like in a rural state. I believe that this transportation initiative, while not a final or extensive enough solution for all of the issues regarding climate change, would begin to make a difference so long as marginalized communities are taken into account properly. According to the U.S. Energy Information Center data collected in 2017, transportation is the leading emitter of CO2 from the area encompassed by the TCI proposal, making this an important sector to target as they have bee left out of past initiatives, such as RGGI. Simply by taking a step to reduce these emissions, these areas can demonstrate a clear commitment to the mitigation of climate change and make a significant difference. This plan may be extremely helpful in actively participating in the climate change movement, but it needs to keep in mind the idea of environmental justice while doing so in order to be an effective and beneficial program.
The section in the TCI Memorandum of Understanding regarding “equity” and the language around disadvantaged communities are minimal, leading to reasonable concern that the vagueness of this initiative will lead to further marginalization of low-income or underprivileged communities. While this plan of “cap and invest” could be extremely helpful in discouraging the emission of CO2 and collecting money to use for other climate change mitigation tactics and improvements to infrastructure, there can be concern that those who are the least able to pay would be bearing the brunt of this fee. However, because of the invest concept, these groups of Vermonters could experience great rewards in addition to climate change mitigation if the investments are used for things such as increased public transport or other programs that improve life quality.
The California Climate Investments project, which enacted a similar cap and investment policy in 2015, was able to invest $690 million dollars in priority populations in 2019 alone. These investments went into projects including affordable housing, zero-emission vehicles, and “improved mobility options;” all of these concepts could be extremely helpful to people who would be subject to higher prices for gas due to the cap portion of this plan. The affordable housing options could help create more urbanized centers that would allow for easier mobility, which is a goal emphasized in Vermont’s plans for transportation improvement. Increased access to zero-emission vehicles and improved transit systems would directly assist people who may already be suffering from lack of transportation access.
Because Vermont is such a rural state, many individuals rely on private transportation methods to go to work or school. A report in 2015, however, by the Vermont Transportation Board, reported that driving habits in Vermont decreased by 8.4% from 2007 to 2015, showing that the number of people driving single occupancy vehicles has been decreasing. While there may be varying reasons for this decline, it indicates that there may be a need for an increase in public transportation infrastructure, including extended bus routes. The investment aspect of the TCI plan could be extremely beneficial in providing this needed increase in public transportation. Therefore, a key aspect of making this initiative successful and equitable would be requiring these beneficial investments to be made within a reasonable time from when people begin to be impacted by the increasing prices.
Because transportation is a huge emitter of CO2 in the proposed TCI region, targeting this aspect of infrastructure is key to both making a difference and demonstrating commitment to climate change mitigation. However, this is where the grain of salt comes in as I believe that this proposal would benefit from a more specific policy regarding the use of funds raised by the cap and investment proposal. If the TCI or the states involved in the agreement were to specify options for where the funds would be used and determine how to best mitigate the time-lag that could occur between increased prices and providing funding for beneficial programs, then the TCI would be a much stronger proposal that could help people in more ways than one. Overall, this program should be supported with the understanding that the vague language leaves room for and also a need for an environmental justice aspect.
|
- |
2/29/2020 |
Carol |
Talley |
UVM MC and UVM |
Charlotte |
Vermont |
I am firmly in favor of the TCI and Vermont's participation. There is no question in my mind this is in our better interests.
Do the right thing for our climate future and join this... read more I am firmly in favor of the TCI and Vermont's participation. There is no question in my mind this is in our better interests.
Do the right thing for our climate future and join this initiative. |
- |
2/29/2020 |
Susan |
Schulman |
Hinesburg, VT citizen |
Hinesburg |
Vermont |
I believe that there is a climate emergency and that it would be irresponsible not to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I believe that there is a climate emergency and that it would be irresponsible not to join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. |
- |
2/29/2020 |
W Pádraic |
Smith |
Private Citizen |
Graniteville |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott, I strongly support Vermont's joining the TCI. Like you, I am no fan of additional taxes, however; this is a tax we will not have an option to add or not add and is a two... read more Dear Governor Scott, I strongly support Vermont's joining the TCI. Like you, I am no fan of additional taxes, however; this is a tax we will not have an option to add or not add and is a two pronged benefit to our State. We will benefit in revenue beyond our contribution and we will benefit the state, regional and national climate. As other commentators have noted, the fastest way to get people's attention and participation in reducing our use of fossil fuels is in the proverbial pocketbook. Already we have a high number of hybrid vehicles (myself included since 2005) and fully electric vehicles (my daughter with a shorter commute) additional gas cost will influence our citizens to seek alternatives that will benefit us all. The additional revenue to the State can be directed to efforts to further reduce carbon pollution or redistributed to offset the costs of converting to alternative fuels, home heating, etc. This looks like a real "win/win" for Vermont, I urge you to take advantage of it! |
- |
3/1/2020 |
Lonny |
Edwards |
Proper T Home Inspection Servi |
Lincoln |
Vermont |
Vermont should join TCI. It is the right thing to do. Vermont should join TCI. It is the right thing to do. |
- |
3/2/2020 |
Kristine |
Lott |
City of Winooski, VT |
Winooski |
Vermont |
Please see the attached resolution signed by the Winooski City Council. Please see the attached resolution signed by the Winooski City Council. |
TCI Resolution.pdf |
3/2/2020 |
Lisa |
Meyer |
Vermont resident |
Waterbury Center |
Vermont |
I am in support of this program. I urge you to join the initial group of states. Thank you. I am in support of this program. I urge you to join the initial group of states. Thank you. |
- |
3/5/2020 |
Harley |
Wooster |
Taxpayer |
EAST BURKE |
Vermont |
Transportation sector hydrocarbon reduction to date has been based on a lack of a mass-produced electric vehicles of the types people need. The lack of vehicles is not because no one wants the... read more Transportation sector hydrocarbon reduction to date has been based on a lack of a mass-produced electric vehicles of the types people need. The lack of vehicles is not because no one wants the vehicles or because the manufacturers do not want to produce them, but because the battery technology is still immature and the supply chains for mass-produced batteries and rare earth permanent magnets is early stage development. The cost-benefit for consumers even with tax incentives is not there because the vehicles are more expensive for less capability. All major manufacturers have announced $300 billion in electric vehicle manufacturing investments over the next few years with large scale production starting in 2021. That said it will take until 2030 for mass production to be fully realized. Consumers and businesses with a new ICE technology vehicle are not going to run out and buy a new electric car until their current ICE vehicle reaches its end of useful service (8-10 years). At that point consumers will have a choice and will make the choice based on the advantages of the future EV's, not because of TCI. TCI does not help us move forward only adds consumer costs. TCI does nothing to solve that and all rigorous studies show that it does not reduce hydrocarbon consumption, does nothing to enhance transportation sector electrification and adds no funding for desperately needed highway repairs.
https://ljfo.vermont.gov/assets/Uploads/a5e545b014/rap-carbon-management-VT-JFO-february-2019-updated.pdf
https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/71500.pdf
https://graphics.reuters.com/AUTOS-INVESTMENT-ELECTRIC/010081ZB3HD/index.html
https://www.iea.org/reports/global-ev-outlook-2019
https://www.jpmorgan.com/global/research/electric-vehicles
https://www.eei.org/resourcesandmedia/newsroom/Pages/Press%20Releaseshttps://www.eei.org/resourcesandmedia/newsroom/Pages/Press%20Releases/EEI%20Celebrates%201%20Million%20Electric%20Vehicles%20on%20U-S-%20Roads.aspx
https://www.iso-ne.com/static-assets/documents/2019/12/draft_2020_transpElectr_fx.pdf |
Vehicle Electrification.pptx |
7/1/2020 |
Bradley |
Kennedy |
University of Copenhagen |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
I recently returned to the US after nearly three years living in Copenhagen. European cities have already solved the problem of bicycling, so let's not try to reinvent the wheel. How do you... read more I recently returned to the US after nearly three years living in Copenhagen. European cities have already solved the problem of bicycling, so let's not try to reinvent the wheel. How do you build a bicycle-based city? You make bicycles the easiest, fastest, and cheapest way to get around. How do you do that? Put a *separated* bicycle lane on the side of every road. It is simple, safe, and everyone gets it. Grandmas, kids, foreigners, everyone. That's it! Let's do it. |
- |
9/30/2020 |
Cheryl |
Hogan |
Vermont resident |
Irasburg |
Vermont |
1) As an affected rural Vermont resident, I am interested in monitoring emissions reduction progress. For example, where could I find cubic models including baseline and changing air quality... read more 1) As an affected rural Vermont resident, I am interested in monitoring emissions reduction progress. For example, where could I find cubic models including baseline and changing air quality statistics that can be viewed by zip code or other measures?
2) I joined yesterday's webinar but found the scope and focus to be about social injustices. Is there a local organization that can address less complex but effective complimentary initiatives for emissions reduction at a local level? |
- |
10/14/2020 |
Lance |
Polya |
Elders for Climate Justice |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I strongly support the TCI I strongly support the TCI |
- |
10/16/2020 |
Theresa |
Epp |
DHMC |
Thetford |
Vermont |
We need to stop hesitating to take control of our future. We need to stop hesitating to take control of our future. |
- |
10/22/2020 |
Matthew |
LeFluer |
Person With Learning/Developmental Disability |
Alburgh |
Vermont |
Myself. A. Support Advocate. Wants. My State. To. Move. Forward. Towards The. Future. For. The. Family's. And. Children. That. Live Within. Our. Green Mountain State. We. Know. That. Doing... read more Myself. A. Support Advocate. Wants. My State. To. Move. Forward. Towards The. Future. For. The. Family's. And. Children. That. Live Within. Our. Green Mountain State. We. Know. That. Doing. Nothing. Will. Hurt. Our Beloved. Green Mountain. State. We. All. Should. Be. Thinking. On. Keeping. Our. States. Green,Clean, And. Strong. For. Generation's to come. To our families and children's. Let's. Make. A. Clean Energy. And Environmental standards Together with California. State Clean Energy Requirement Standards |
- |
10/28/2020 |
Peggy |
O'Neill-Vivanco |
UVM/Transportation Research Center/VT Clean Cities |
Burlington |
Vermont |
How does TCI plan on addressing transit agencies and diesel fuel usage? Would they be exempt from the diesel fuel surcharge? They move a lot of people around and are necessary (in some cases, the... read more How does TCI plan on addressing transit agencies and diesel fuel usage? Would they be exempt from the diesel fuel surcharge? They move a lot of people around and are necessary (in some cases, the only transportation options) for many low- and moderate-income and minority residents. How will TCI balance emissions and health needs with keeping public transit affordable for all users?
Thanks. |
- |
2/27/2020 |
Tika |
Bordelon |
Dr. and Mr. |
Seattle |
Washington |
Affiliation can be concerned resident/parent/voter/etc.
Request your state join the plan to reduce transportation emissions.
Explain why it is important to you that the states take... read more Affiliation can be concerned resident/parent/voter/etc.
Request your state join the plan to reduce transportation emissions.
Explain why it is important to you that the states take action on the climate crisis now.
Demand a strong program that invests in public transportation, biking, walking, and prioritizes equity. |
- |