|
4/29/2019 |
Ezra |
Finkin |
Diesel Technology Forum |
Frederick |
Maryland |
We encourage the Transportation and Climate Initiative to consider advanced diesel technologies and biofuels as a partner to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions throughout the region.... read more We encourage the Transportation and Climate Initiative to consider advanced diesel technologies and biofuels as a partner to achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions throughout the region. While transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, commercial vehicles account for 23 percent of all transportation related emissions. Advanced diesel technology available today is already achieving emission reductions and further refinements in diesel powered medium and heavy duty trucks and biofuels will continue to drive down emissions in the short term. These benefits are achieved at minimum cost.
Today, 98% of large commercial trucks are powered by diesel technology. We are already one year past the final phase in year for the first ever greenhouse gas reduction regulation for commercial vehicles. Between 2014 and 2017, U.S. EPA estimates that technologies designed to make fuel sipping diesel trucks sip even less fuel will reduce GHG emissions by 270 million tons. These are benefits derived from diesel technology readily available today. The second phase of these greenhouse gas reduction regulations for commercial vehicles will kick-in in 2021. U.S. EPA estimates that technology to meet these rules will save 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions. A variety of analyses indicate that, while a variety of emerging technologies will be available, diesel technology will still dominate the commercial truck fleet during this time.
Even greater advances are being made in biofuels. Both biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel are considered advanced biofuels by the U.S. EPA that are capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50%. Renewable diesel fuel may be used as a replacement to petroleum diesel fuel and reduces the carbon intensity by 86%. In California, the largest source of greenhouse gas emission reductions from the transportation sector has been attributable to the use of biofuels. Since 2011, the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel has eliminated 14 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions while the use of battery-electric vehicles has only reduced emission by 3 million tons.
Relative to zero emission vehicles, the use of advanced biofuels are very cost effective solutions to achieve significant immediate term benefits. The use of these fuels does not require the purchase of a new fleet of expensive vehicles or even the buildout of new fueling infrastructure. Large fleets in the region plan to incorporate more of these carbon cutting fuels into the their fleet soon.
We encourage the Transportation and Climate Initiative to consider the benefit to the region from a higher adoption of advanced diesel technologies including biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel.
Thank you for your consideration of this comment.
|
- |
|
4/30/2019 |
Travis |
Wojcik |
citizen |
Peabody |
Massachusetts |
MA should invest revenue towards electrifying the commuter rail. Diesel locomotives are loud, polluting, slow, and a relic of the past. Obviously, not all lines could be electrified at once.... read more MA should invest revenue towards electrifying the commuter rail. Diesel locomotives are loud, polluting, slow, and a relic of the past. Obviously, not all lines could be electrified at once. Please electrify the Fairmount, Worcester, and Newburyport/Rockport to at least Beverly. Electric multiple units could be used on these high ridership lines while locomotives and coaches are shifted to others. Electrifying the CR provides tens of thousands of riders with an all electric alternative to driving. Service will be faster and more reliable than that which we have today. More of the CR should be electrified with more revenue coming in each year, working until it's completely electrified. |
- |
|
4/30/2019 |
Stacey |
Beuttell |
WalkBoston |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
This comment is in response to the second panel discussion at today's Technical Workshop in Boston that discussed investments that could be made to the transportation system with revenue... read more This comment is in response to the second panel discussion at today's Technical Workshop in Boston that discussed investments that could be made to the transportation system with revenue generated from a TCI program. There were several examples of electrifying the transportation sector as one type of investment that other regions (Quebec, California?) have made with funds from cap and trade programs. While electrifying the transportation sector decreases carbon emissions, so too does a reduction in VMT. Investments in active transportation infrastructure (walking, biking and transit) would not only reduce emissions, but would also make our roads safer for the most vulnerable users. Redesigning our road network to increase options for people to choose safe walking and biking opportunities would complement electrification and provide needed capital funding to make roads safer for all. It will be important to ensure that TCI revenue reinforces related, complementary policies and systems, as well as working to transition our fossil fuel-based transportation system to a more carbon neutral one. |
- |
|
5/3/2019 |
Sunyoung |
Yang |
Trenton resident |
Trenton |
New Jersey |
The cap and investment and other carbon market trading and offset measures are extremely concerning in these proposals. Net zero emissions framework is also problematic. Low income communities... read more The cap and investment and other carbon market trading and offset measures are extremely concerning in these proposals. Net zero emissions framework is also problematic. Low income communities and people of color are living in some of the highly trafficked routes where freight and manufacturing storage processing industries have been emitting high levels of toxins for years in the region. Any offset scheme would further concentrate the actual amount of air pollution for environmental justice communities and be detrimental to our lives. Environmental justice groups in CA have attested to this reality after going through their own climate initiatives--the offset market abroad has led to devastating consequences for Indigenous folks in the Amazon getting kicked out of their land for carbon forestry REDD+ credit market while EJ communities in CA living next to major freight corridors, Chevron/Texaco oil refineries, and other polluting industries have seen co-pollutants concentrated while also carbon emissions have gone up. No community benefit from any EJ or equity funds generated through market trading of carbon credits will alleviate the increased health risks from further pollution by these trading schemes. Please take this provisions out and concentrate on real policy strategies that will reduce in every part of this region carbon and other toxic co-pollutants. The emissions cuts have to be absolute and not a switch and bait tactic. Offsets and trading are false solutions with tremendous consequences for human rights violations and endangering our community health while giving us a false sense that we are actually reducing emissions when we're not. Electrifying freight and transport has been done in other regions and along with other initiatives in RGGI to convert our grid into real renewables (not nuclear or clean coal) we can make the emissions targets. Carbon trading will never get us to the emissions reductions while creating more disaster in the process. |
- |
|
5/6/2019 |
Staci |
Rubin |
Conservation Law Foundation |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
I plan to attend the upcoming stakeholder event on May 15 in Newark, New Jersey. I recommend that the states and Georgetown Climate Center invite Ironbound Community Corporation and the New... read more I plan to attend the upcoming stakeholder event on May 15 in Newark, New Jersey. I recommend that the states and Georgetown Climate Center invite Ironbound Community Corporation and the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance to present. At the April 30, 2019 event in Boston and preceding events, we heard comments about the need for environmental justice leaders to be at the table and leading the TCI discussions. To facilitate that vision, I hope that the stakeholder event organizers compensate speakers from environmental justice communities for their time, not just their travel, to participate on May 15.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Staci Rubin
Senior Attorney
Conservation Law Foundation |
- |
|
5/23/2019 |
Chandra |
Parasa |
LVPC (Lehigh Valley Planning Commission) |
Allentown |
Pennsylvania |
This is a great policy development initiative by TCI (Transportation & Climate Initiative). This policy development initiative for the northeastern states helps in spreading awareness among... read more This is a great policy development initiative by TCI (Transportation & Climate Initiative). This policy development initiative for the northeastern states helps in spreading awareness among sub regions. The goals of this initiative in reducing carbon foot print, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, would need support of local and regional entities. Having local regions adopt this policy (once it is developed) would help in multi-state regional goals. Measuring existing conditions is the key to this initiative. Your approach is commendable on to how to measure CO2 emissions. This measurement may also be accomplished perhaps by placing measuring instruments in various locations in region. These measuring instruments will help monitor over a period of time. Data on health is also a key to support monitoring the emissions. Validating existing data with measurements would help forecasts. Traffic counts, GPS data are also helpful in measuring VMT. Implementation strategies can be many: ranging from fuel technologies, to multi modal transportation system, land use density, preservation of farm land. VMT data combined with fuel technologies is a key variable in emissions reduction strategy. Complete streets policy implementation also helps in emissions reductions. Increased density of land use, with mixed land use development result in shorter daily commuting trip lengths, this in turn would help reduce emissions. Some of the MPO’s in the region already has VMT computed, as well as Ozone and PM 2.5 pollutants emissions are documented. Good to use these resources, that way consistency in the data is accomplished. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Valerie |
Blais |
Citizen |
Portland |
Maine |
As a citizen of coastal Maine, one the ocean's fastest warming seas,
(already affecting our lobstering industry), and at the "tailpipe" of the nation's carbon emitters... read more As a citizen of coastal Maine, one the ocean's fastest warming seas,
(already affecting our lobstering industry), and at the "tailpipe" of the nation's carbon emitters, polluting our air, affecting our elder's and children's health, I strongly support a carbon fee and dividend plan like the Citizens Climate Lobby's proposal. It should start at a level to reduce in green-house gas within a relatively short period, 5-10 years, minimize the impact on lower income and rural households, and be based on actual facts.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the discussion on what I consider the most important issue if my lifetime. I so appreciate that this sounds like an honestly bipartisan effort. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Jennifer |
Kleindienst |
Citizens' Climate Lobby |
Middletown |
Connecticut |
My name is Jennifer Kleindienst, a resident of Middletown, CT, a community activist, and volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I believe that climate change is the most important issue of... read more My name is Jennifer Kleindienst, a resident of Middletown, CT, a community activist, and volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I believe that climate change is the most important issue of our planet, country, and region, and that we must do all we can to reduce its effects and mitigate its impacts. As transportation accounts for the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions nationally and locally, developing a strong transportation and climate initiative is essential.
When developing this policy, I make two strong requests to improve effectiveness and equity:
1. The price on carbon must be high enough to effectively reduce emissions according to the latest available scientific projections.
2. The policy must include a strong component of social equity so that it does not disproportionately negatively impact rural residents or low/moderate income people.
I am grateful that this process is bipartisan - this is essential to making the initiative have lasting effectiveness.
Thank you for welcoming public comment and I look forward to seeing the finalized strong policy. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Hillary |
Twining |
private citizen |
Wilmington |
Vermont |
My name is Hillary Twining and I live in southern Vermont. I work at a local college and have a 12-year-old daughter. I am very worried about climate change. I see the effects all around me, and... read more My name is Hillary Twining and I live in southern Vermont. I work at a local college and have a 12-year-old daughter. I am very worried about climate change. I see the effects all around me, and it has been so discouraging how little is being done at the national level to address this growing crisis.
That said, I am very encouraged by the development of the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Please make sure carbon is priced high enough to effectively reduce emissions. It's also important that this policy doesn't disproportionately hurt rural and low or moderate income people.
Thank you for taking my comment, and big props to the bipartisan nature of this project!
Sincerely,
Hillary Twining |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
William |
Woodward |
University of New Hampshire |
Durham |
New Hampshire |
I am Professor of Psychology and I teach Psychology for Sustainability. I have been a member of Citizens Climate Lobby in Durham, NH. Last night I attended a 5-person panel on The Green New Deal.... read more I am Professor of Psychology and I teach Psychology for Sustainability. I have been a member of Citizens Climate Lobby in Durham, NH. Last night I attended a 5-person panel on The Green New Deal. Hosts were 350NH.org and The Sunrise Movement. I was struck by the consensus with CCL in promoting social equity as well as carbon fee and dividend. Whatever plan you propose, it must be fair to the public. As such, I would hope for bipartisan appeal. The goal of reducing carbon in the atmosphere is an imperative. We have only a decade left to turn around the accelerating costs of doing nothing: loss of biodiversity, extreme weather events, sea level rise, etc. We are in a dangerous climate crisis produced by humans. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Sarah |
Weck |
Citizens' Climate Lobby |
West Chesterfield |
New Hampshire |
My name is Sarah and I am a volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I live in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire and support a price on carbon. Climate change is the biggest threat humankind... read more My name is Sarah and I am a volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I live in West Chesterfield, New Hampshire and support a price on carbon. Climate change is the biggest threat humankind has ever faced and it requires us to take swift action. As stated in the 2018 I.P.C.C. report, the world has fewer than twelve years in which to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at least 45% below 2017 levels.
According to over three thousand five hundred of the world's leading economists, putting a price on carbon is the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The price should be high enough to, at a minimum, reach the goals outlined in the I.P.C.C. report. The implementation should not harm those in lower income brackets.
I support TCI and am appreciative that it is bipartisan in nature. The changing climate does not discriminate. It affects all of us regardless of political affiliation, race, gender, age, income, ethnicity, nationality or species. We all benefit from a stable climate and we will all suffer as our climate becomes less stable.
|
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
James |
Whalen |
Citizens Climate Lobby |
Hudson |
Massachusetts |
My name is Jim Whalen and I live in Hudson, MA. I am an avid cross country skier so I KNOW that climate change is real. I also see violent weather all over the place and I read the science. We... read more My name is Jim Whalen and I live in Hudson, MA. I am an avid cross country skier so I KNOW that climate change is real. I also see violent weather all over the place and I read the science. We must do something and soon. So thank you for this initiative. Market or economic based solutions are needed. A tax on carbon simply makes sense. When gas was over $4 a gallon we all drove less and we looked for fuel efficient vehicles. No more. Gas is cheap and we drive more and huge pickups are popular once again. But let’s avoid the problems we saw in France and be cognizant of people who would suffer under a carbon tax. We should return some of the tax revenue to those who would need it. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Richard |
Payne |
Woods Hole Oceanographic Omstitution |
Falmouth |
Massachusetts |
I am aretired physical oceanographer who has been following the science of climate change for nearly 40 years. I live on Cape cod and, in addition to concern about what sea level rise will do to... read more I am aretired physical oceanographer who has been following the science of climate change for nearly 40 years. I live on Cape cod and, in addition to concern about what sea level rise will do to the Cape I have an 18 year old grandson who will see the worst of climate change effects. I request that the TCI policy call for putting a high enough price on carbon to effectively reduce emission according to the latest science. I also request that the policy have a strong component of social equity and does not harm rural or low to moderate people. I very much appreciate the bipartisan nature of this project. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Blake |
Cady |
Climate Action Brookline (CAB) |
Brookline |
Massachusetts |
Eventually, all transportation must be electrified. A carbon fee and dividend is the most useful method, at
present, to drive this process. Electric cars and busses can be subsidized in by... read more Eventually, all transportation must be electrified. A carbon fee and dividend is the most useful method, at
present, to drive this process. Electric cars and busses can be subsidized in by increased additional
gasoline tax with revenue used to reduce fare prices on trollies and busses to support public transportation
and decrease auto use, and assigning part of the carbon fee to reduce fares. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Lawrence |
Hott |
Citizens Climate Lobby |
Florence |
Massachusetts |
We need to find solutions to climate change fast. The best way to build bipartisan support for limiting the use of fossil fuels is carbon pricing and dividends legislation at the state and... read more We need to find solutions to climate change fast. The best way to build bipartisan support for limiting the use of fossil fuels is carbon pricing and dividends legislation at the state and federal level. I urge the governors to adopt this type of legislation as soon as possible. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Jane |
Braaten |
Citizens Climate Lobby |
Hadley |
Massachusetts |
Please support transportation policy that 1) imposes a carbon price high enough to be effective at reducing carbon emissions and 2) is crafted to avoid imposing a burden on low and moderate income... read more Please support transportation policy that 1) imposes a carbon price high enough to be effective at reducing carbon emissions and 2) is crafted to avoid imposing a burden on low and moderate income people. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Barrett |
Rock |
University of New Hampshire |
Durham |
New Hampshire |
My name is Barrett Rock, and I live in Durham, NH 03824. I am a retired college professor of forestry, and I am interested in the TCI Regional Policy Design effort because I have been conducting... read more My name is Barrett Rock, and I live in Durham, NH 03824. I am a retired college professor of forestry, and I am interested in the TCI Regional Policy Design effort because I have been conducting research on the impacts of climate change on New England forest tree species (primarily red spruce, white pine and sugar maple since the early 1980s, research which began as an assessment of acid rain damage, and then morphed into climate change issues.
My suggestion on transportation policy design is based on the result of my research, which has clearly documented the effects of automobile and truck emissions on sensitive forest species (red spruce, white pine and sugar maple), in the form of both acidic precipitation and ground-level ozone. Of very critical importance are the emission levels of heavy truck transport systems, especially diesel. Combined with heavy automobile travel, often with one occupant per vehicle, these emissions of CO2, NOx, O3, and SOx are responsible for significant damage to foliar tissues and the photosynthetic apparatus.
My suggestion for the TCI regional policy consideration is the dramatic expansion of a high-speed rail system, preferably across the entire US. CO2 emissions from rail transport are significantly lower than truck transport (to move 1 ton of goods 1 km, a locomotive emits only 18 grams of CO2, compared wth 47 grams by truck. The rail system is essential 3 times more efficient than a truck. Similar comparisons are seen with the other pollutants. An efficient and effective high-speed rail system would compete very effectively with air transportation, which emits a startling 560 grams of CO2 moving the same 1 ton go goods 1 km! Add to that the social equity and availability of passenger high-speed transportation offered by such a transportation policy, and I think the idea has much merit.
Finally, let me say that engaging the stakeholders in the TCI regional policy process is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate democracy in action! Thank you for giving me this chance. |
- |
|
5/24/2019 |
Suzanne |
Butcher |
self |
Keene |
New Hampshire |
Thank you for your practical, bipartisan work. I hope you will quickly develop and states will implement an ambitious plan to:
-- set a price high enough to drastically reduce emissions,... read more Thank you for your practical, bipartisan work. I hope you will quickly develop and states will implement an ambitious plan to:
-- set a price high enough to drastically reduce emissions, relying on the latest science.
-- roll out the plan in a way that will build public (bipartisan, business, broad) support, with gradual implementation but an ambitious target (businesses and other people can adapt, but they need predictability).
-- build in a strong component of social equity so it doesn't hurt rural or low/moderate income people (e.g., rebating to all citizens equally, not just rebating in a way that those who use more fuel get more rebate - see citizensclimatelobby.org) |
- |
|
5/25/2019 |
Sam |
Saltonstall |
Citizens’ Climate Lobby |
Brunswick |
Maine |
I appreciate this effort and it’s bipartisan nature. I am concerned about climate change, but also concerned that any new policy to drive down emissions be carefully crafted. In Maine, emissions... read more I appreciate this effort and it’s bipartisan nature. I am concerned about climate change, but also concerned that any new policy to drive down emissions be carefully crafted. In Maine, emissions from transportation constitute our largest source of climate change causing pollution. We are largely a rural state, and many of our citizens are not well off. Yet a culture here has evolved where driving large heavy vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs is common practice. I believe one measure with potential is to incentivize the purchase of smaller and lighter vehicles without penalizing those who drive larger and heavier ones. If a carbon fee on fuels used for transportation is instituted, it will be important to avoid the kind of backlash we have seen in France. The fee must be large enough to cause a change in consumer habits, but should not be punitive to those who feel they must have a big vehicle. Consumer freedom of choice should prevail, but with attractive savings accruing to those who downsize. Some sort of break for low income people might be one way of achieving emissions reductions without causing a major backlash. |
- |
|
5/25/2019 |
Dawn |
Henry |
Electric Vehicle Club of Connecticut |
Westport |
Connecticut |
I'd like to see policies that encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles over internal combustion engines. This could be done through carbon pricing, tax incentives, or perks given to... read more I'd like to see policies that encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles over internal combustion engines. This could be done through carbon pricing, tax incentives, or perks given to drivers of EVs (preferred parking, discounted tolls, HOV lanes, etc.) |
- |
