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2/26/2020 |
Nancy |
Crider |
consumer |
Woodbury |
Connecticut |
Thank you Gov. Lamont for participating in the TCI. I urge that our state formally sign the initiative. We must control greenhouse gases
before our planet is placed in further peril.... read more Thank you Gov. Lamont for participating in the TCI. I urge that our state formally sign the initiative. We must control greenhouse gases
before our planet is placed in further peril.
I further urge the TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions cap.
Thank you for your consideration.
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2/26/2020 |
Melinda |
Fields |
Turtle Ledge Farm |
Hampton |
Connecticut |
Time is running out - climate change is upon us. To lessen the extreme effects we need to do all we can at the state and regional levels to change the business as usual mindset and lower... read more Time is running out - climate change is upon us. To lessen the extreme effects we need to do all we can at the state and regional levels to change the business as usual mindset and lower emissions. High speed rail and commuter lots, charging stations, tax credits for EV's and electric buses all would help with the transition. |
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2/26/2020 |
Carole |
Osborn |
None |
Winsted |
Connecticut |
The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a most important regional collaboration that would cap transportation emissions and place a fee on fossil fuel imports in the transportation... read more The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is a most important regional collaboration that would cap transportation emissions and place a fee on fossil fuel imports in the transportation sector. TCI is a once in a generation opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and re-invest funds to much needed transit improvements, including safe and reliable public transportation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and "Complete Streets" for bikers and pedestrians. With the climate crisis well in hand as the most threatening and pressing issue facing all of us, I wish to urge the TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions cap. I also ask that a TCI policy has equity and investment in overburdened and under-served communities as a first and foremost priority.Unreliable transit is taking time residents should be spending at work or with their families. Those without choices have to drive and the resulting traffic congestion is further damaging our environment, public health, and quality of life.
In closing, I would also like to thank Gov. Lamont for being involved in the regional design process and request that Connecticut formally sign on to the initiative.
Thank you,
Carole Osborn
11 Brook Street
Winsted, CT 06098 |
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2/26/2020 |
Elizabeth |
Kiernan |
ct resident and Mother |
Ridgefield |
Connecticut |
We must take aggressive climate actions now. Transportation improvements are a huge step in the right direction! We must take aggressive climate actions now. Transportation improvements are a huge step in the right direction! |
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2/26/2020 |
Jennifer |
Dayton |
Individual |
Greenwich |
Connecticut |
We cannot rely on federal solutions to reduce transportation emissions, given the rollback of emissions standards. We have an urgent need for climate change problem-solving at a regional level. We... read more We cannot rely on federal solutions to reduce transportation emissions, given the rollback of emissions standards. We have an urgent need for climate change problem-solving at a regional level. We can cut poverty and pollution at the same time. We urge you to design a regional program that prioritizes the needs of ALL communities underserved in mobility options. |
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2/26/2020 |
Sara |
Holmes |
none |
Chester |
Connecticut |
TCI is a once in a generation opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and re-invest funds to much needed transit improvements, including safe and reliable public transportation, electric... read more TCI is a once in a generation opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and re-invest funds to much needed transit improvements, including safe and reliable public transportation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and "Complete Streets" for bikers and pedestrians. Unreliable transit is taking time residents should be spending at work or with their families. Those without choices have to drive and the resulting traffic congestion is further damaging our environment, public health, and quality of life.
Please choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emissions cap.
Please make sure the a TCI policy has equity and investment in overburdened and under-served communities as a first and foremost priority.
Thank you. |
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2/26/2020 |
Ann |
Beaudin |
Board of environment organizations |
Windsor |
Connecticut |
Reducing transportation sector emissions and modernizing our transportation sector is something that cannot wait. It can and must be dealt with now! Sufficient data shows that emissions contribute... read more Reducing transportation sector emissions and modernizing our transportation sector is something that cannot wait. It can and must be dealt with now! Sufficient data shows that emissions contribute 38% of green house gases and have long been known to impact people of all ages, most notably the young and those with compromised health issues. Epidemiological models reveal associated health problems from vehicles.
On many fronts, the fallout from Climate Change is being recognized as an existential threat to humans. Transportation pollution is an added factor to the Climate Change equation. Rising sea levels, warmer temperatures, loss of wildlife habitats, devastating earthquakes and tornadoes, increased forest fires, land erosion, and polluted air are a mega threat to all of us.
We are beyond the need for more studies and reasons to procrastinate. Leaders must show they are on top of meeting the exigencies affecting our health and that they care. Can we justify why we are polluting their air of our children and diminishing their future?
I entreat you to take action. My appreciation to Governor Lamont for taking the initiative.
With all due respect and regard
Cordially,
Ann Beaudin
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2/26/2020 |
E.D. |
Crum |
Private citizen |
Stamford |
Connecticut |
We can cut poverty and pollution at the same time. We urge you to move forward with a regional program that prioritizes the needs of communities overburdened with pollution and underserved in... read more We can cut poverty and pollution at the same time. We urge you to move forward with a regional program that prioritizes the needs of communities overburdened with pollution and underserved in mobility options. |
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2/26/2020 |
Marie |
Santiago |
Ms. |
New Haven |
Connecticut |
Reducing emissions will do a lot to help with Climate Change. Scientists are warning us that we don't have a lot of time to turn things around. So we need to get serious and do everything we... read more Reducing emissions will do a lot to help with Climate Change. Scientists are warning us that we don't have a lot of time to turn things around. So we need to get serious and do everything we can.Please consider your children, grandchildren and future great grandchildren when making your vote. They are counting on us to do everything we can so that they will have a future. Thank you.
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2/26/2020 |
Michael |
Rosa |
None |
Windsor |
Connecticut |
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, transportation emissions in the Northeast States have increased in the past decade and,
with it, increases in particulate matter pollution... read more According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, transportation emissions in the Northeast States have increased in the past decade and,
with it, increases in particulate matter pollution which is responsible for thousands of asthma attacks and preventable deaths annually.
Moreover, transportation emissions comprise nearly half of global warming emission in the Northeast. The TCI proposes to concentrate on promoting the transition to electric vehicles as a means to limiting the effects of fossil fuels on our air quality. Furthermore, it is imperative that we focus our attention cumulatively on the benefits of investing on fossil fuel-free forms of public transportation in order to limit the increased traffic congestion documented in many of our urban centers. Even in states such as CT in which population and commerce are said to be on the wane, increases in congestion have increasingly plagued motorists over the course of the past decade. I an support of the goal
of decreasing our reliance on fossil fueled vehicles (approximately 52B across the NE corridor) through such mechanisms as cap and invest and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative which is being phased in across the mid-Atlantic and NE regions with promising early returns in terms of reducing carbon emissions.
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2/27/2020 |
Philip |
Dooley |
Dynage |
TOLLAND |
Connecticut |
Stop Global Warming NOW, or nothing else we do will matter.
Stop Global Warming NOW, or nothing else we do will matter.
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2/27/2020 |
Pippa Bell |
Ader |
Sustainable Westport |
westport |
Connecticut |
Connecticut’s largest GHG emitter is the transportation sector. And the state has a goal to reduce GHG by 45% by 2030. Thank you for that. But we can’t do this alone.
Please... read more Connecticut’s largest GHG emitter is the transportation sector. And the state has a goal to reduce GHG by 45% by 2030. Thank you for that. But we can’t do this alone.
Please formally join the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), which will cap GHG emissions and place a fee on fossil fuel imports in the transportation sector (cap and trade). Fairfield County (in which I live) is in the lowest 5% of counties in the US for air quality. These GHG aren'’t all from Fairfield County emissions…air blows from other states.
Thank you for what you have done thus far, with regards climate change action and the regional design process. Now you must take action to set aggressive GHG emissions caps. I know you will get push-back, but don’t give in. The children of CT are relying on you. In fact, we all are. This is no longer a future problem. The problem is NOW. And I know you realize this.
And please keep equity at the forefront of your mind when you set into action these goals. Too often the less affluent communities are not considered. After all, Bridgeport, the largest and poorest city in CT is also in Fairfield County.
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2/27/2020 |
Linda |
Pagani |
concerned citizen |
Bloomfield |
Connecticut |
I strongly urge TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emission cap; and I strongly urge the state of Connecticut to formally sign on to this initiative.
Most... read more I strongly urge TCI leadership to choose the most aggressive greenhouse gas emission cap; and I strongly urge the state of Connecticut to formally sign on to this initiative.
Most of our transportation infrastructure is optimized for motor vehicles: trucks, buses, and cars. CT and many of its towns have turned a blind eye toward the needs of people who can’t, or don’t want to, use those means of transportation and rely instead on using wheelchairs, walking (with or without the help of walking aids), or biking. One component of the initiative, Complete Streets, would equalize transportation choices among all stakeholders regardless of age, income, neighborhood, and physical ability.
The time to politely tiptoe around transportation sector emissions and inequality is over.
I demand the modern, forward-looking changes inherent in the initiative, and say that they must begin now.
The environmental present and future of our state, our region, and our world depend on it.
Thank you.
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2/27/2020 |
Samantha |
Dynowski |
Sierra Club Connecticut |
Hartford |
Connecticut |
On behalf of Connecticut stakeholders, please find attached letter in strong support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as a regional approach to reducing pollution from the... read more On behalf of Connecticut stakeholders, please find attached letter in strong support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as a regional approach to reducing pollution from the transportation sector.
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TCI Draft MOU CT Stakeholder Response 2.27.20.pdf |
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2/27/2020 |
Susan |
Olson |
Citizen's Climate Lobby |
Weatogue |
Connecticut |
My husband walks a mile rain or shine to ride the bus to work in Hartford. The public transportation system is critical to him. However, since moving to CT, he has a cough which he attributes to... read more My husband walks a mile rain or shine to ride the bus to work in Hartford. The public transportation system is critical to him. However, since moving to CT, he has a cough which he attributes to low air quality. When I travel to Washington DC I use bus transportation. It is efficient and cost effective. We do have a hybrid gas/electric vehicle which we charge at the charging station in front of our
town hall. My family requests Gov Lamont formally join the TCI Initiative and pursue aggressive greenhouse gas emissions reductions so
air quality in our cities (for our school children and others like my husband) will improve and the transportation sector will support
individuals like us seeking to transition to electric vehicles and public transport. We appreciate Gov Lamont's leadership.
Sincerely,
Jon and Susan Olson, 109 Hopmeadow St, Weatogue, CT |
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2/27/2020 |
Matt |
Macunas |
CT Green Bank |
Rocky Hill |
Connecticut |
Please see attached from CT Green Bank, Climate Neutral Business Network, and U-GO Stations, Inc. Please see attached from CT Green Bank, Climate Neutral Business Network, and U-GO Stations, Inc. |
TCI Comment - CT Green Bank_CNBN_UGO_2.27.20.pdf |
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2/27/2020 |
Mark |
Kresowik |
Sierra Club |
Hartford |
Connecticut |
The Sierra Club is sharing the attached 320 comments from our members and supporters in Connecticut supporting finalizing the Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the Transportation and... read more The Sierra Club is sharing the attached 320 comments from our members and supporters in Connecticut supporting finalizing the Draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). Thank you for helping to design a regional policy to limit climate pollution from motor fuels and invest in a modern, clean, transportation future. The evidence is clear: the more we limit pollution from motor fuels, the more jobs are created, the more the economy grows, and the more lives we save. Please sign on to the agreement to implement a strong, equitable regional climate protection policy through TCI. Invest in the communities that have suffered the most from burning gasoline and have the least access to clean transportation options. Stop sending our hard-earned dollars out of the state to oil companies, and choose to create jobs, grow the economy, and save lives for families and businesses. Thank you. |
CT TCI 320 signers 27 Feb 2020.pdf |
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2/28/2020 |
Alan |
Blasenstein |
Transport Hartford Academy |
W. Hartford |
Connecticut |
We know that in order to make our contribution to mitigating climate change, we need to start reducing our dependence on gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. This is not something that can occur... read more We know that in order to make our contribution to mitigating climate change, we need to start reducing our dependence on gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. This is not something that can occur overnight. TCI will allow participating states to take a tax from sales of fossil fuels and use that to invest in alternatives that are greener - rail, buses, and bike/pedestrian infrastructure. These investments will benefit us in other ways as well - improving bus transit, especially around our cities, will provide more options for working class people without cars, as well as for middle class people who might choose to leave their car home, but currently lack viable options. A shift away from private cars will relieve congestion in our towns. Building bike/ped infrastructure will make our streets safer for all. |
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2/28/2020 |
Michael |
Jay |
TECHsperienced LLC |
Kent |
Connecticut |
Below is a link to a useful article, on the 13 countries and about 20 cities around the world that have proposed banning the sale of passenger vehicles powered by fossil fuels.
Here... read more Below is a link to a useful article, on the 13 countries and about 20 cities around the world that have proposed banning the sale of passenger vehicles powered by fossil fuels.
Here in the U.S., where many politicians and "conservative" news outlets make it seem that climate change is a myth, and electric vehicles are science fiction, you may assume there is no need to do anything, and that there are no solutions. So perhaps you shoudl wonder why the European Union, China, India, and much of the world are charging ahead, not only making policy, but eating our lunch in the business of clean vehicles.
You know who won't buy the lies from the oil industry? YOUR CHILDREN, AND YOUR GRAND-CHILDREN.
Please act. Transportation is the U.S.' largest source of greenhouse gases, and hugely-polluting buses and trucks - especially diesel ones - are some of the largest source of those transportation emissions. Worse, many of them operate (and idle) close to schools). Help us go electric (and help CT source that electricity from CLEAN, renewable supplies).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase-out_of_fossil_fuel_vehicles
Thank you. |
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2/28/2020 |
Rachel |
Scott |
Collaborative Center for Justice |
Hartford |
Connecticut |
We write from the Collaborative Center for Justice, which is a faith-based advocacy organization based in Hartford, CT. We are sponsored by six congregations of Women Religious around the state... read more We write from the Collaborative Center for Justice, which is a faith-based advocacy organization based in Hartford, CT. We are sponsored by six congregations of Women Religious around the state. Environmental justice has been one of our priority areas for our education and advocacy work over the years.
We support the development of a strong multi-state Transportation and Climate Initiative and we urge Governor Lamont to fully support participating in this critical initiative. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions will continue to grow if timely action is not taken to transform our transportation system. This initiative is a critically important opportunity to make changes that will lead to an increase in clean transportation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
We urge leaders to include provisions to prioritize investments in frontline communities that have already disproportionately borne the burdens of environmental injustices. Low-income communities and communities of color already face greater exposure to pollution from vehicle emissions, fossil fuel plants and incinerators in and near their communities. These communities need to be prioritized in the transition to clean energy. We also call upon the leaders of this initiative to meaningfully include voices from directly impacted communities in each step of the development and implementation processes.
We urge you to ensure the inclusion of the following components when developing the final program: commitment to utilizing investments to improve and expand public transportation in the state; increasing and improving bike lanes and sidewalks; and investing in expanded rail service across the state and region. This is an opportunity to make it safer, more affordable, and more possible for people to take public transportation to school and work from where they live. Increasing the frequency of buses and trains and expanding their routes are two important components to make these changes possible. It is also important to increase the availability of bike lanes so that people can safely commute from a public transit stop to another location by bike. Investment in fixing potholes, particularly on busy city streets, is also an important component of improving biker safety.
Residents who already commute to school and work by public transportation face challenges with our current system too. Many bus routes do not have frequent enough schedules to meet the needs of the residents who depend on them. In many cases, taking a bus to school or work is very time consuming because routes and connection points are limited. Bus routes need to be expanded in cities and to neighboring suburbs in order to better address this problem.
We also recommend that investments be used to transition school and public buses to electric buses. Increasing the number and expanding the locations of charging stations around the state would support the transition to electric buses and cars. Transitioning to electric buses will have important public health benefits for the children and adults who ride the buses, as well as for the wider community.
As people of faith, we concerned about the health and wellbeing of all people and our planet. We are particularly concerned about the impacts of environmental injustices on low-income communities and communities of color. We believe that there is an urgency to our actions to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. As a state and region, we have a collective responsibility to make changes to our transportation sector that will address and end these injustices, and move our society toward cleaner and more equitable transportation options in the most immediate way possible. We look forward to Governor Lamont’s leadership and commitment to this critically important initiative.
Respectfully submitted,
Dwayne David Paul – Director
Rachel Lea Scott, MSW – Associate Director
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