TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

We urgently need to address the climate crisis and provide cleaner and more efficient modes of transportation that would include:

More public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
Expansion of commuter rail, electric vehicles, and streets in the suburbs that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
Sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities

On behalf of the Jonah Center for Earth and Art in Middletown and Portland, Connecticut, I am writing in support of the Transportation & Climate Initiative since a significant percentage of greenhouse gas emissions stem from the transportation sector. Furthermore, because our highways are congested by our society’s heavy reliance on single passenger vehicles, we need to help our transportation system evolve to rely more on public transit, active transportation such a bicycles, and reduce the carbon footprint of those vehicles that will be on the roads. Climate change remains a severe threat to human society, but it is no longer just a threat. It is a looming reality. Technical solutions will not save us. Rather, technology and informed public policy and regulations are urgently needed to help us avoid the most severe and sudden effects of climate change.

It is a great first step in cooperation and recognizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

Connecticut's winter this year wasn't really winter was it? In fact yesterday in February it hit 64 degrees, this is alarming and is testament to the fact that we need to address Climate Change immediately.

Own an electric vehicle and would enjoy seeing charging station expansion, perhaps out in the 2 quiet corner areas. Perhaps add a few
plugs in to all the stations that seem to be undergoing massive renovations anyway.

Right now it's very important we focus on reducing transportation sector emssions in order to not contribute to the ongoing climate crisis we have already fueled. I want to thank Gov. Lamont for being involved in the regional design process and request that CT formally sign on to the initiative. I urge TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions cap but request that a TCI policy has equity and investment in overburdened and under-served communities as a first and foremost priority.

Cleaning up our transportation is critical to slowing down and eventually reversing climate change. It is also essential for creating a sustainable environment in which we have clean air to breath. Connecticut has one of the highest rates of asthma in this country. I know what it is like to stay awake nights trying to deal with my son's asthma attacks. I have also seen the growing smog and dirty air that is created by our fossil fuel burning vehicles in the mountains of Vermont. We need good, reliable and abundant public transportation that will reduce our need for individual cars, support people in every economic class, and improve the quality of life in all of our communities including urban, suburban and rural. For instance, my son has benefitted greatly from the bus system between rural Stores and Hartford. Good public transportation is an economic engine and provides access to economic opportunities for all people. Making a transition to electric energy to power that transportation is also essential to reduce carbon emissions and to create a truly green economy. It will help to reduce health care costs as well and improve the quality of life wherever that transportation is found. Owning an electric vehicle I know how much more efficient and safer these vehicles are. We need our government to lead on these issues and to take the steps necessary to combat the climate crisis.

I would like to thank Gov. Lamont for requesting that CT formally sign on to TCI.
Reducing transportation sector emissions is important to me because of the dire climate situation which is largely driven by transportation C02. The climate crisis is UPON us, here and now, and we are losing time to do everything we can to mitigate the losses to come. It is also important to address social justice, since poor communities bear the brunt of climate problems. We have already lost decades in making the broad and unprecedented changes that are needed. Please do everything you can.
Please choose ***the most aggressive**** greenhouse gas emissions cap.
Any TCI policy should address equity and investment in overburdened and under-served communities as a first and foremost priority.

The Transportation Climate Initiative has proposed using a cap-and-invest approach to reduce pollution from the transportation sector.This is a carbon pricing approach. While theoretically attractive, there are a number of practical reasons that carbon pricing will not work as theorized: In addition, The Regulatory Analysis Project (RAP) recently completed a relevant study: "Economic Benefits and Energy Savings through Low-Cost Carbon Management for Vermont" that raises additional relevant concerns. Other relevant concerns are discussed in the well-written attachment provided. I implore you to read it thoroughly, incorporating the points raised in your planning process.