11/7/2019 |
Gretchen |
Elias |
community member and parent |
MONTPELIER |
Vermont |
I strongly support this initiative. I would like to see TCI revenues invested in an equitable way, so that low and middle income households do not bear the brunt of this necessary transition.... read more I strongly support this initiative. I would like to see TCI revenues invested in an equitable way, so that low and middle income households do not bear the brunt of this necessary transition. Investments should target policies and initiatives that help transform our region from a car-dependent one to one in which gas-powered single occupancy vehicles are no longer the norm. That means significant investment in public transit as well as in alternative transportation options, EV infrastructure and subsidies/incentives for lower income households to purchase EVs, as well as smart growth land use policies, transit-oriented development, and affordable housing that is transit-accessible. |
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11/7/2019 |
Wolfger |
Schneider |
Retired engineer |
Charlotte |
Vermont |
I'm told that: TCI is a multi-state plan to cap emissions from the transportation sector, auction off permits to distribute fossil fuels in the participating states and use the auction... read more I'm told that: TCI is a multi-state plan to cap emissions from the transportation sector, auction off permits to distribute fossil fuels in the participating states and use the auction revenues to invest in low-carbon transportation solutions.
This approach, if understood by me, seems to lead to scarcity followed by higher prices (an indirect fuel tax/fee). Where's the equity in this?
I'm also told that: Despite RGGI’s success regionally, carbon pollution is rising in Vermont (as I suspect is so in other states). The increase is driven primarily by an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector, our cars and trucks.
As I look around the parking lots, I see larger and larger automobiles and pickup trucks every year with the concomitant worse mileage in most cases. Manufacturers' pursuit of greater profits push for larger vehicles for safety and indirectly for status. Since we wouldn't want to/can't limit vehicle choice, maybe we should have a CO2 mileage levy on each vehicle that is dependent on annual mileage driven, and EPA mileage rating. This levy could be established at the annual inspection from odometer readings and be progressive with the EPA mileage rating, so that unnecessarily large vehicles in effect pay more for the mostly unnecessarily greater CO2 emission. Mileages could be reported to the DMV and car registration renewal would be dependent on the payment of the levy. |
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11/7/2019 |
Steve |
Pileski |
Maine tax payer |
Franklin |
Maine |
This policy goes against the law of phisics, Maine economy cannot support this initiative. Please reconsider This policy goes against the law of phisics, Maine economy cannot support this initiative. Please reconsider |
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11/7/2019 |
steve |
gagliardone |
Vermont Resident |
Sharon |
Vermont |
To TCI Planners- Thank you for taking the time to listen to my input.
Vermont is bound by law to significantly reduce carbon and increase renewable energy sources. Many critics... read more To TCI Planners- Thank you for taking the time to listen to my input.
Vermont is bound by law to significantly reduce carbon and increase renewable energy sources. Many critics of carbon reduction proposals have argued that the small state of Vermont cannot do it alone. TCI provides a prime opportunity to take a regional approach to carbon pollution reduction. And it has the data of a similar and very successful RGGI program to back it up. Of course, Vermont needs to do this and much more. We need a suite of complementary policies to help us meet our legal obligation, but TCI is an opportunity that we cannot pass up. In planning the TCI program I hope that you consider these 3 priorities in your design:
1. Prioritize equity so that low income Vermonters without access to public transportation are the primary beneficiaries of low carbon transportation options.
2.Polluters, including fossil fuel companies should pay the real costs for the environmental and health consequences of their product.
3. Start the cap low and drop it rapidly. Vermont is way behind in our obligation to meet the reduced carbon goals, and we need an aggressive approach to get back on track.
Thanks for listening!
Steve Gagliardone
Sharon, VT |
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11/7/2019 |
Karim |
Beers |
Cce Tompkins program coordinator |
Ithaca |
New York |
The framework looks good. The cap and invest program won't be enough to meet climate targets. Starting in early 2022 is not soon enough. Can you pilot this next year on a smaller level to... read more The framework looks good. The cap and invest program won't be enough to meet climate targets. Starting in early 2022 is not soon enough. Can you pilot this next year on a smaller level to work out kinks and answer questions? Thank you |
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11/7/2019 |
Zachary |
Bell |
Central Maine Community College |
Norway |
Maine |
Thank you for doing this work!
As someone who is deeply worried about the environmental costs of fossil fuel based transportation, I was excited to hear about this initiative. I... read more Thank you for doing this work!
As someone who is deeply worried about the environmental costs of fossil fuel based transportation, I was excited to hear about this initiative. I hope TCI will pursue ambitious solutions that both reduce the impacts of human transportation, and make wise long-term investments in local economies.
Good luck with the project. |
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11/7/2019 |
Jennifer |
Holan |
concerned citizen and VPIRG supporter |
Westminster |
Vermont |
It is vital that we take steps to curb emissions from all sectors, but regulation will be needed to control wasteful transportation consumption. The most effective action would be to develop an... read more It is vital that we take steps to curb emissions from all sectors, but regulation will be needed to control wasteful transportation consumption. The most effective action would be to develop an extensive and reliable system of affordable public transport; but until that's done every emitter must pay for the damage. As things are now, people idle their engines with impunity, and it drives me crazy! |
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11/8/2019 |
Phyllis |
Capanna |
Citizen of Maine |
Oakland |
Maine |
Yes, please do develop low carbon emission transportation systems for the state of Maine. Not only does our transportation system contribute to climate degradation in our state, but it is also set... read more Yes, please do develop low carbon emission transportation systems for the state of Maine. Not only does our transportation system contribute to climate degradation in our state, but it is also set up to exclude the most vulnerable citizens: the poor, the elderly, the disabled and the sick. Elders are isolated and access to healthcare is limited for anyone without a car or truck. Depending on outside contractors, such as Uber and Lyft, will exacerbate the carbon emissions problem and do little to address the needs of more remote citizens. Even in a little city like Waterville, where I live, the population is hardly big enough to make cabbing a viable occupation. Everybody loses in the current system. I wholeheartedly endorse accessible, low carbon, affordable transportation systems in Maine. It will serve businesses and individuals alike, and it's the right thing to do. The future is moving away from fossil fuels. Let's not get any more behind the curve than we already are. |
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11/8/2019 |
Eric |
Hauser |
IBEW Local 2154 |
West Seneca |
New York |
I am concerned about the cost of this initiative and would like to know the expected cost increase to a gallon of gasoline. I am concerned about the cost of this initiative and would like to know the expected cost increase to a gallon of gasoline. |
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11/8/2019 |
Joseph |
Huerta |
Voter |
Chicopee |
Massachusetts |
This is nothing but a tax on the poorest amongst us. This is not the way to fix climate change. Free market solutions are a day better long term solution that will not harm the population. This is nothing but a tax on the poorest amongst us. This is not the way to fix climate change. Free market solutions are a day better long term solution that will not harm the population. |
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11/8/2019 |
KATHLEEN |
BRUSSEAU |
CPA |
WOBURN |
Massachusetts |
This is without a doubt a regressive tax. Not only will poorer taxpayers bear the pain in the gas purchase, but every item purchased will also increase because of the added cost of transporting... read more This is without a doubt a regressive tax. Not only will poorer taxpayers bear the pain in the gas purchase, but every item purchased will also increase because of the added cost of transporting the item. The best way to fight environmental issues is to allow the free innovation of a free market. As long as there is a desire for change, there will be brilliant people finding the answers. The government should not be hurting the poorest taxpayers. Please don't do this! |
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11/8/2019 |
Eleanor |
Greene |
Mrs. |
JAMAICA PLAIN |
Massachusetts |
I am against this gas tax I am against this gas tax |
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11/8/2019 |
Mike |
Croteau |
Voter |
Chicopee |
Massachusetts |
This is a terrible idea and do not support it in anyway whatsoever This is a terrible idea and do not support it in anyway whatsoever |
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11/8/2019 |
Lisa |
Will |
Citizen |
Lawrence |
Massachusetts |
No taxation without representation. You do not decide for everyone. This is not a dictatorship. No taxation without representation. You do not decide for everyone. This is not a dictatorship. |
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11/8/2019 |
Michael |
McQuade |
Republican |
West Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
stop the TCI stop the TCI |
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11/8/2019 |
Anne |
Starzyk |
independent |
West Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
TCI is a revenue scam--try cutting spending instead TCI is a revenue scam--try cutting spending instead |
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11/8/2019 |
Thomas |
Goggia |
none |
Pittsfield |
Massachusetts |
If you raise the gas tax and start a carbon tax, I am moving to Florida. If you raise the gas tax and start a carbon tax, I am moving to Florida. |
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11/8/2019 |
James |
McNeill |
local business man |
Middlefield |
Massachusetts |
I oppose this initiative. More pencil pushers will need to be hired to manage this program. The plans on how to spend this tax is vague. There are many programs in this state to reduce energy... read more I oppose this initiative. More pencil pushers will need to be hired to manage this program. The plans on how to spend this tax is vague. There are many programs in this state to reduce energy consumption. Taxing without representation is un-American. |
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11/8/2019 |
andre |
thebeau |
concerned citizen |
fitchburg |
Massachusetts |
TCI is unwanted, un-needed and if it is to be considered must go thru proper legislative channels. These commie back door no vote tactics are an attempt to kill the economic and political fabric... read more TCI is unwanted, un-needed and if it is to be considered must go thru proper legislative channels. These commie back door no vote tactics are an attempt to kill the economic and political fabric of Massachusetts. More open honest debate is what is needed not less.
CO2 is required for life and taxing fuel for the benefit of the elite is an immoral act akin to genocide.
https://www.zerohedge.com/article/cap-and-trade-gigantic-scam
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11/8/2019 |
EDNA |
ENGLISH |
Sturtevant, Inc |
Hingham |
Massachusetts |
I am strongly opposed to the TCI because of its cost and because it bypasses the proper legislative process. It is anti-democratic. I am strongly opposed to the TCI because of its cost and because it bypasses the proper legislative process. It is anti-democratic. |
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