12/19/2019 |
Andre |
Konstant |
taxpayer |
Addison County |
Vermont |
Here we go again. A "TAX" on the "rich" that will end up being passed down to the poor via higher costs of everything that requires transportation to get it to your home: not... read more Here we go again. A "TAX" on the "rich" that will end up being passed down to the poor via higher costs of everything that requires transportation to get it to your home: not just gas, but food, too! How are renters who cannot use wood fuel, by eqregious insurance regulation, going to pay for heat? How about rising costs of food. Who benefits? Only the metro areas where mass transportation and natural gas pipelines are practical will benefit (well, at least it won't hurt their pockets as much). Now that New Hampshire has said, "NO" to this, good luck to all businesses in other states near the NH border. PLEASE, GOVERNOR SCOTT, TELL THE LEGISLATURE YOU WILL VETO ANY NEW TAX SCHEME! |
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12/20/2019 |
David |
Boedy |
Vermont citizen |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
Please forward this to Governor Scott
Dear Governor,
I ask that you bring Vermont into the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI).
My household of 3... read more Please forward this to Governor Scott
Dear Governor,
I ask that you bring Vermont into the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI).
My household of 3 voters believes TCI provides a bold path forward for reducing climate pollution in the transportation sector and spurring investment in public transportation and other much-needed transportation infrastructure.
Climate change has become our most important political/social/spiritual action and should be bipartisan. |
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12/20/2019 |
gus |
speth |
Vermont Law School |
strafford |
Vermont |
Governor Scott, please ignore what those folks across the CT river might do and get Vt solidly behind the REGGI transportation initiative. We need you to get us there! Thank you, Gus Speth Governor Scott, please ignore what those folks across the CT river might do and get Vt solidly behind the REGGI transportation initiative. We need you to get us there! Thank you, Gus Speth |
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12/20/2019 |
Arthur |
Hynes |
350 Vermont |
Hardwick |
Vermont |
Despite broad support for Vermont's stated climate goals, emissions in the state are rising, with almost 50% coming from transportation. The TCI Regional Policy Design is a significant step... read more Despite broad support for Vermont's stated climate goals, emissions in the state are rising, with almost 50% coming from transportation. The TCI Regional Policy Design is a significant step forward. We all need to support it. |
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12/21/2019 |
DAVID |
DEEN |
TU, LCV, NWF, VNRC, CLF, |
PUTNEY |
Vermont |
Transportation is the big unaddressed source of carbon. let's go get it! read more Transportation is the big unaddressed source of carbon. let's go get it! |
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12/21/2019 |
Michael |
Bosworth |
citizen |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott -
I was pleased to see that many northeastern U.S. states including Vermont have signed a memorandum of understanding in regards to setting up a Transportation... read more Dear Governor Scott -
I was pleased to see that many northeastern U.S. states including Vermont have signed a memorandum of understanding in regards to setting up a Transportation Climate Initiative marketplace.
As the world heats up, we have been falling further and further behind in reducing our carbon emissions. This, as you know, is definitely true of Vermont.
The new TCI can set a really solid structure to begin addressing carbon pollution in the transportation sector more aggressively, by raising new moneys through the cap and trade approach. This approach has worked well in other energy sectors with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, so there's good reason to think it will work just as well in the transportation sector.
In this era when Vermont has limited ability to raise revenues, collaborating with so many other northeastern states in this approach makes eminent sense. I would like the parameters of the program to be as aggressive as possible so that we can begin making substantive progress reducing carbon in the transportation sector. Whether it be more fully funding electric school buses, or finding money for more electric vehicle charging stations, or incentivizing a hefty increase in purchase of electric vehicles, or other creative and innovative approaches, it's well past the time to really ramp up this type of work.
Thanks so much for your time.
Michael Bosworth
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12/21/2019 |
Steven |
Wisbaum |
Eco-Equipment Supply |
Charlotte |
Vermont |
A well designed cap and invest program, like a strong TCI, is needed to ensure emissions reductions in the transportation system and will ensure cooperation between all the states in this region... read more A well designed cap and invest program, like a strong TCI, is needed to ensure emissions reductions in the transportation system and will ensure cooperation between all the states in this region to achieve neccessary emissions reductions, and enable these states to direct revenues raised from the program to serve the unique transportation needs of their residents. For example, by designing programs and solutions that serve both rural, urban, and sub-urban regions, which is both possible and essential. The impacts of climate change represent an urgent threat to communities, our economy, public health and people’s quality of life. To stop and reverse these trends, we must reduce emissions in the Transportation sector which generates most of the GHG emissions. TCI offers the best opportunity at this important moment for the Northeast to act collectively to improve mobility and make meaningful reductions in carbon pollution at a regional scale. A comprehensive approach like cap and invest can improve equity by helping to make clean, efficient, cost effective transportation available to everyone. |
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12/29/2019 |
Amanda |
Carlson |
Citizen |
Marshfield |
Vermont |
I am writing as a concerned Vermonter, an avid skier that worries I wont share this love of mine with my grandchildren, and a hobby that is inherent with the ethos of Vermont; but above all I... read more I am writing as a concerned Vermonter, an avid skier that worries I wont share this love of mine with my grandchildren, and a hobby that is inherent with the ethos of Vermont; but above all I write as a person that cares about the welfare of my fellow global citizens. How many scientific reports, grim news articles and shocking images will it take to jar people to change their daily habits and consumption patterns. I feel optimistic that people are becoming acutely aware of how dire the situation is, but feel that we need policy to drive change at the highest level.
I call on the Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont to agree to all terms of the TCI. |
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12/29/2019 |
Erin |
Moriarty |
Efficiency Vermont |
Winooski |
Vermont |
Hello,
I am writing to urge you and your colleagues to support the Transportation Climate Initiative. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits and the drawbacks of the plan,... read more Hello,
I am writing to urge you and your colleagues to support the Transportation Climate Initiative. I'm sure you're aware of the benefits and the drawbacks of the plan, and I want to encourage you to think of the drawbacks as opportunities that, once overcome, will be a boon for all Vermonters and the planet as a whole.
I understand that the TCI could increase the cost of using fossil fuels for citizens. We should think of a way to keep that from hitting low income Vermonters as hard as it would wealthy Vermonters. I know Gov Scott is very considerate of allowing folks to save and keep their hard earned cash. But would it not be possible to work out a system where, IF Vermonter residents were to pay a bit more, that is was proportionate to ones income level? We shouldn't get hung up on "don't make people pay more" right now. That's a small problem compared to what we face with the climate crisis.
Vermont is already participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This cap and invest program covers the electric sector in the Northeast, and it has proven very successful, reducing consumer costs and carbon pollution from the power sector by 40 percent. Then, Vermont has strategically invested the revenues raised from RGGI, directing the $2 million annually into weatherization programs that help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. We could use returns from the TCI to improve energy efficiency, weatherize more homes, improve our public/alternative transportation, etc. These aren't pie in the sky hypothetical outcomes - we can make truly positive change by simply pariticipating in this new initiative.
The price we pay up front to try and keep the world hospitable would most certainly yield a return - in terms of actual cash in our pockets and the assurance that our future generations have a safe place to live. When considering, please remember that there are also many supporters of investing in a greener present and future, and we will work with everyone to make it equitable for all. I happen to work for an organization that serves to reduce energy use for Vermonters, and we specifically work on solutions for low and moderate income folks. This is to say, even if we don't have a set idea how to keep prices as low as possible for Vermonters, we will think of a way. Any minor discomfort around money needs to be met with the acceptance that we MUST clean up our fossil fuel mess, even if there is no easy or cheap way of doing it effectively. But, reducing our consumption WILL save money over time, and is the undisputably right thing for us to do for ourselves and all of earth's inhabitants. Humans are responsible for climate change, and Vermont needs to try harder to change our course.
Thanks for your time. Best wishes for 2020.
Best,
Erin Moriarty
Winooski, VT
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1/2/2020 |
Ron |
Lawrence |
none |
Jericho |
Vermont |
If you really want to stick it to the poor and particularly to people who work for a living, raise the price of gas.
There are already significant taxes on gasoline; but the... read more If you really want to stick it to the poor and particularly to people who work for a living, raise the price of gas.
There are already significant taxes on gasoline; but the transportation funds are siphoned off for other things. What makes us think this will be any different? |
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1/2/2020 |
Paul |
Kenyon |
Cumulus Engineering, LLC. |
Bridport |
Vermont |
the TCI should be engaged provided 1.) the tax isn't regressive, that is that those most able to pay carry the burden, 2.) provided the most basic due diligence is done, that is, that the... read more the TCI should be engaged provided 1.) the tax isn't regressive, that is that those most able to pay carry the burden, 2.) provided the most basic due diligence is done, that is, that the data that overwhelmingly supports the thesis that it is CO2, one of the fossil fuels combustion products, that is the primary driver of climate, and that this is ascertained and made clear and public 3.) that the CO2 increase constitutes a "climate crisis" demonstrated by data, not just "studies," or hearsay from other sources, that is made public, 4.) that the CO2 increase benefits--greater harvests of all agricultural sorts and others--are out weighed by the damages it causes, 5.) that it's shown that the reduction in CO2 will have a measurable benefit to life and out weigh the benefits that the use of fossil fuels have brought the world and remain to come to those peoples who have lacked these developmental benefits thus far. This is a list of minimum requirements. Others will appear and must also be considered.
And, just to check, please answer this question: "In 1950 there were about 5000 of the climate-crisis pin-up icon, endangered polar bears in the Arctic. Mankind having done nothing to address "Climate Change," the polar bear population has been reduced to...how many polar bears? How many of these threatened, iconic bears are there now in the Arctic/" |
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1/2/2020 |
Dwight |
Day |
Conservative |
Duxbury |
Vermont |
TCI is a horrible plan for Vermont. The New Hampshire governor has already opted out of it. Vermont needs to opt out also. TCI will make life for low income rural Vermonters much harder than it... read more TCI is a horrible plan for Vermont. The New Hampshire governor has already opted out of it. Vermont needs to opt out also. TCI will make life for low income rural Vermonters much harder than it already is. TCI will cause many Vermonters to buy more fuel in New Hampshire and less in Vermont. This will reduce road repair revenue for Vermont. Vermont's roads will get worse than they already are. |
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1/3/2020 |
Andrew |
Chalnick |
South Burlington Resident |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
Scientists are screaming at the top of their lungs that we are in a crisis.
A sample of recent headlines:
“Climate change: Oceans running out of oxygen as temperatures... read more Scientists are screaming at the top of their lungs that we are in a crisis.
A sample of recent headlines:
“Climate change: Oceans running out of oxygen as temperatures rise”
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50690995?fbclid=IwAR2Fl4Xz8w3zJXs_lN9Pk5RYzwRHZLAy6_s_E7Aqx6xjPIvrOEdkoaNTF70)
“U.N. chief warns of ‘point of no return’ on climate change”
https://www.politico.com/news/2019/12/01/climate-change-point-no-return-074610)
“In bleak report, U.N. says drastic action is only way to avoid worst effects of climate change”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/11/26/bleak-report-un-says-drastic-action-is-only-way-avoid-worst-impacts-climate-change/?fbclid=IwAR3uSyLx-bPcrIrc7CXYsJIiNkOATN6WV0LbqHhiegq0Z1Cjgzcg92B7waY)
“World Scientists’ Warning of a Climate Emergency”
https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biz088/5610806?fbclid=IwAR0VYvHA8g8GeRbrtbwsc7iqLIIeZAJxOO7Xrc8Gqe1Ahp-A7NveFHrT6Gg)
In the face of this, we must do everything possible to reduce fossil fuel use to avoid handing our children a dystopian future. Why must Vermont act when we are such a small state? Because climate change is a collective problem and collective problems can only be solved through collective action - if each small actor decides their contribution is not meaningful, no one will act.
Critical to the TCI is that it raises the price of fossil fuels for transportation - when things are more expensive people use less. There is no more efficient way to get people to use less fossil fuel and no more efficient way to transition the economy way from fossil fuels. This is the uniform conclusion of virtually every economist and every economic group, including the World Bank and the IMF. As the World Bank’s president said ”to our economists, who have been studying this for quite some time, there is an obvious consensus that putting a price on carbon pollution is by far the most powerful and efficient way to reduce emissions.”
However, key to an equitable and durable policy is to use at least some of the revenue to help the working people and the poor, especially in Vermont’s rural areas. This can be done through a targeted carbon dividend to those least able to afford increased fuel prices.
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1/3/2020 |
Carole |
O'Connell |
Retired |
Newport |
Vermont |
As a senior, I am concerned that my ability to travel to other towns is limited by a lack of public transportation. Since I do not own a vehicle, I am dependent on others to drive me to other... read more As a senior, I am concerned that my ability to travel to other towns is limited by a lack of public transportation. Since I do not own a vehicle, I am dependent on others to drive me to other towns to shop, attend events, and visit friends and relatives. Because I now live on a fixed income, purchasing and maintaining a vehicle would be prohibitively expensive for me. I lived for years in Chicago, and am used to taking easily accessible and inexpensive public transit. Because I was able to use public transit, I did not add to air pollution by driving myself everywhere, and it bothers me that I am contributing to it here in my home state. |
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1/7/2020 |
Robert |
Pupi |
Republican |
Bakersfield |
Vermont |
Another tax to keep Vermont subservient to the state and their officials. Anyone who works in this State have to travel, that means using a motor vehicle. There is not enough public... read more Another tax to keep Vermont subservient to the state and their officials. Anyone who works in this State have to travel, that means using a motor vehicle. There is not enough public transportation especially in rural areas, and someone who travels likes me for my job and am on the road all day traveling from place to place , because I am in the service business. This will increase the cost of my service, thus it will be passed onto my customers. Not all of us can afford to buy very expensive electric vehicles and it is not fair that only a few who already can afford it get benefits of rebates at the expense of the little hard working people. |
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1/9/2020 |
phillip |
mulligan |
chelsea energy committee |
cheslea |
Vermont |
I support the enactment of the TCI and ask Governor Scott to do the same. Our transportation sector is and energy hog and working w/ neighboring states towards a solution is timely and important... read more I support the enactment of the TCI and ask Governor Scott to do the same. Our transportation sector is and energy hog and working w/ neighboring states towards a solution is timely and important.
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1/11/2020 |
ANDREW |
LAROCQUE |
citizen |
Swanton |
Vermont |
Please understand; I understand what the TCI wants to do and why. What I don't understand is why it has to be on the backs of rural people, like here in Vermont. We need our cars and pickup... read more Please understand; I understand what the TCI wants to do and why. What I don't understand is why it has to be on the backs of rural people, like here in Vermont. We need our cars and pickup trucks to grocery shop, go to work, do charitable work, basically live. We didn't ask for this to be this way, it was ordained for us by the greed of the automotive industry and the gasoline/fuel oil industry and now we are stuck with it. Granted there are more vehicles going "green" but we are not there yet. To just start with a carbon tax will not only hurt the peoples pocket book, but will eventually hurt the Vt economy too and will not help the environment one bit. NO CARBON TAX. |
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1/12/2020 |
Robert B |
Devost |
Mr. |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I oppose the TCI as a regional tax (yes, it is a tax) for several reasons.
The main reason I oppose this tax is because there can not be a fair way to distribute the collected... read more I oppose the TCI as a regional tax (yes, it is a tax) for several reasons.
The main reason I oppose this tax is because there can not be a fair way to distribute the collected revenue in relation to distributing the money back to the States that may participate.
The TCI puts an unfair tax burden especially on Vermont, perhaps the poorest state in this proposed TCI group of states, a rural state where private vehicle transportation is highly if not solely dependent upon all needed purposes for it's transportation needs.
Vermont, one could argue, also has the least "climate" impact of all the other states as well which would make the TCI ratio a much higher tax to bear and less a fair return in any proposed "investments" this tax is proposed to create.
There is also the near certainty that this TCI tax would only keep increasing to an even wider gap between personal and family income and the ability to absorb increasing this tax level proposed or any future TCI tax increases.
This TCI tax would then limit tourism in Vermont and restrict Vermonters the ability to plan for themselves when and how they wish to travel for business and work and for leisure.
The TCI would likely not allow and fair representation to a smaller TCI contributor such as Vermont.
Any overhead or newly formed bureaucratic oversight of the TCI would likely not be cost effective and a large percentage of TCI revenue would have bloated top heavy administrative costs to set up such a regional program.
These are just a few reasons I oppose this TCI tax. |
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1/14/2020 |
Don |
Dixon |
Citizen...Senior Citizen |
Saint Albans |
Vermont |
"If it walks like a duck...". I thought the majority of Vermonters had made their feelings known on a Carbon Tax. This is an end-around run designed to bypass the legislative process... read more "If it walks like a duck...". I thought the majority of Vermonters had made their feelings known on a Carbon Tax. This is an end-around run designed to bypass the legislative process. I see no benefit to me other than the warm feeling of helping fund New Jersey's public transit. No...just no. |
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1/14/2020 |
Brent |
Abare |
Vermont |
Groton |
Vermont |
What is the cost to Vermont to participate? How will the State generate the revenue to pay for it? vr Brent Abare What is the cost to Vermont to participate? How will the State generate the revenue to pay for it? vr Brent Abare |
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