|
11/5/2019 |
Anne |
Reynolds |
Alliance for Clean Energy New York |
Albany |
New York |
On behalf of the Advanced Energy Economy Institute and its affiliate in New York State, the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, we are writing to express our general support for the Framework for... read more On behalf of the Advanced Energy Economy Institute and its affiliate in New York State, the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, we are writing to express our general support for the Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal that was released on October 1.
Before commenting on individual components of the framework, we would like to underscore the importance, timeliness, and wisdom of a multi-state initiative to tackle greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. In New York, the recent passage of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Action demonstrates that New Yorkers are ready for action on climate change, including measures addressing transportation. In contrast to the electricity sector, emissions from transportation are on the rise and are making up a larger and larger percentage of state and regional greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it is imperative that states take quick action to cap and gradually reduce these emissions.
Further, just like our states are connected by numerous roads and railways, our policies should be coordinated among states whenever possible, to maximize the beneficial impact and minimize unintended consequences. For this reason, we fully support the initiative for multiple states to work together to align policies.
Some further points:
-- We agree that equity is an important consideration of the Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal. Including this perspective from the outset will lead to a stronger and more sustainable program.
-- At the present time, we believe it is correct to have the program apply to wholesale motor vehicle fuels that are delivered for use into a TCI jurisdiction or removed from storage in a TCI jurisdiction. This scope tackles an important emissions sector in a way that is efficient, targeted, and defined. It is appropriate to tackle the transportation sector independently. The electricity sector is already covered by RGGI and a suite of complementary policies, and the building heating sector, which does need to be addressed more affirmatively, will need a different set of complementary policies than the transportation sector. Further, the alternatives for the transportation sector are commercially available and ready to be phased in over time.
-- The emissions reporting, monitoring, and verification components of the framework also make sense; it is important to include these design elements early in the process.
-- Inclusion of a gradually declining cap is critical to the success of the program. It sends a clear market signal that can stimulate private investment in research, development, and deployment, which will lead to lower costs.
-- Finally, the reinvestment of proceeds is an absolutely critical component of this framework. Proceeds should be reinvested by states into transit and vehicle electrification. The importance of a long-term and enduring dedicated funding source for these initiatives cannot be overstated. It has been crucial to the success and progress on the electricity side in New York and elsewhere, and it needs to be created and maintained for the transportation sector as well.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments in support of the Transportation Climate Initiative Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal. We look forward to TCI continuing to request and reflect public comments as this regional policy evolves.
Respectfully submitted,
Anne Reynolds, Alliance for Clean Energy New York
Matt Stanberry, Advanced Energy Economy Institute
|
- |
|
11/6/2019 |
Anne |
Reynolds |
Alliance for Clean Energy New York |
Albany |
New York |
I am re-sending the comments we submitted on November 5th as an attached file. I am re-sending the comments we submitted on November 5th as an attached file. |
TransportationClimateInitative 11 06 19.docx |
|
11/6/2019 |
Anne |
Damrosch |
Independant |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Please support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. It is crucial now, more than ever, for states to lead in climate action. We can't afford to wait for a new administration. We must... read more Please support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. It is crucial now, more than ever, for states to lead in climate action. We can't afford to wait for a new administration. We must join other states in solutions that work. |
- |
|
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 |
- |
|
11/12/2019 |
Anne |
Cormier |
democrat |
leominster |
Massachusetts |
We feel it is horrible that you try to scam the citizens of Massachusetts by pushing a tax through without voter input. Massachusetts voted this tax down five years ago. The state does not need... read more We feel it is horrible that you try to scam the citizens of Massachusetts by pushing a tax through without voter input. Massachusetts voted this tax down five years ago. The state does not need more taxes. We already pay high taxes in this state. This will hurt poor people. You people should be ashamed of yourselves. I hope everyone who is promoting this gets voted out of office. |
- |
|
12/1/2019 |
Anne |
Abbott |
None |
Wilbraham |
Massachusetts |
This bill is another example of “the elite” robbing more hard earned money from the working public, for a supposed good cause. Stop overspending on all infrastructure projects and “pretend” that... read more This bill is another example of “the elite” robbing more hard earned money from the working public, for a supposed good cause. Stop overspending on all infrastructure projects and “pretend” that you are a private run business. |
- |
|
12/16/2019 |
Anne |
Watson |
City of Montpelier |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
I am strongly in favor this initiative. Most of Vermont's carbon emissions are from the transportation sector and there needs to be an investment to help us make the transition. This type of... read more I am strongly in favor this initiative. Most of Vermont's carbon emissions are from the transportation sector and there needs to be an investment to help us make the transition. This type of cap-and-invest program has been hugely successful elsewhere in North America, and I hope we can take this step in the Northeast. The data shows that places with a cap-and-invest program can have their economies grow while their carbon emissions decline. I'm grateful for the work of all those involved. |
- |
|
1/16/2020 |
Anne |
Little |
Ms. |
Fredericksburg |
Virginia |
|
- |
|
1/16/2020 |
Anne |
Sturm |
member of multiple organizations working to combat climate change |
Barnesville |
Maryland |
We are in a Climate Change Crisis so all our transportation and climate initiatives should reduce the factors contributing to Climate Change. Rather than building more roads, we need to... read more We are in a Climate Change Crisis so all our transportation and climate initiatives should reduce the factors contributing to Climate Change. Rather than building more roads, we need to concentrate on having greener public transportation that offers services to everyone- everywhere. This includes monorail expansions, electric cars and busses, recharging stations ( possibly electric rent a cars available that could be traded in and out at refueling stations ( akin to getting rested horses for the pony express and horse drawn carriages) Train services needs to increase in the DC, VA, MD area including more railcars and expanded hours in and out of major hubs. |
- |
|
2/7/2020 |
Anne |
Bordonaro |
Concerned citizen |
Moretown |
Vermont |
I strongly support Vermont joining the TCI because I support any mechanism that imposes an additional cost on transportation fuels (a "stick"). As we have seen in the past, only... read more I strongly support Vermont joining the TCI because I support any mechanism that imposes an additional cost on transportation fuels (a "stick"). As we have seen in the past, only increased costs will lead people to drive less and car manufacturers to produce more fuel efficient vehicles. I think a regional effort like this is essential because basic economics teaches that few businesses or states will do something (even something they know they should do) if it will put them at a competitive disadvantage. I believe the carbon emissions targets are too small and the time frame is actually too long in the TCI. I think more rapid progress toward reducing our greenhouse gas emissions is absolutely essential. Obviously, this effort is better than none, but I believe it should be more ambitious. Finally, I do worry about the impact on working class people including myself who must drive for work because there currently are no viable alternatives. VT's adoption of the TCI must be accompanied by 1) significant incentives (the "carrot") for people to purchase or lease electric or more fuel efficient vehicles and 2) legislation that mandates that the funds garnered from the program are put into public transportation infrastructure development, electric charging station infrastructure, and vehicle purchase/lease incentives to individuals. Such incentives must be high enough for lower income people to make a real difference in their purchasing options (which they currently are not) and should phase out as income rises. Having said all this, nothing in the initiative addresses the fundamental problem that we simply drive private vehicles too much, electric or otherwise. Public transportation must increase and is possible, even in rural areas like where I live. My final comment is that public information regarding the TCI has been inadequate. Even after reading all of the above and other literature, the actual mechanisms for how it will work are not clear to me. I believe this is a PR failing that must be addressed. Opponents will be successful if they can label it a "carbon tax" or unfair to the poor or whatever and proponents cannot respond effectively to these arguments if how it works isn't actually clear to the ordinary citizen. I was convinced by a conversation I had with my state senator that Vermonters will probably end up paying the additional costs regardless of whether we sign or not, without reaping any of the financial benefit. This is a huge argument for joining, especially for small markets like VT. Yet no where is this spelled out in the literature describing the program. |
- |
|
2/14/2020 |
Anne |
Dean |
Vermont resident |
Woodstock |
Vermont |
In Vermont, the transportation sector has the largest contribution to statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Many Vermonters must also drive long distances between their homes and their jobs, making... read more In Vermont, the transportation sector has the largest contribution to statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Many Vermonters must also drive long distances between their homes and their jobs, making affordable transportation a critical economic equity and social welfare issue. I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as a tool that can quickly reduce regional transportation GHG emissions. However, we must be careful to design TCI so as to make affordable, low-carbon transportation options available to rural citizens in the region. |
- |
|
2/16/2020 |
Anne |
Damrosch |
Retired |
Burlington |
Vermont |
I strongly support TCI. Climate Change is the number one challenge for our times. if we don't address it, all other measures we take to improve the lives of the people of New England will be... read more I strongly support TCI. Climate Change is the number one challenge for our times. if we don't address it, all other measures we take to improve the lives of the people of New England will be for nothing. Future generations depend on us to take this action as one step forward.
Thank you,
Anne Damrosch |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Anne |
Wright |
none |
Arlington |
Massachusetts |
Transportation is the largest source of air pollution in the region, and we need to build a modern, clean, safe, and accessible transportation system for the 21st century. The more we limit... read more Transportation is the largest source of air pollution in the region, and we need to build a modern, clean, safe, and accessible transportation system for the 21st century. The more we limit pollution from motor fuels, the more jobs we create, the more the economy grows, the healthier our air becomes, and the more lives we save. MA should join TCI to fund better transportation infrastructure, reduce traffic, and make my community a cleaner, safer place to live. |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Anne |
Bartoc |
member |
Brooklyn |
New York |
New York City is able to function as a viable metropolis only with its expansive public transit system. I have lived here my entire life. It is especially concerning to see climate crisis events... read more New York City is able to function as a viable metropolis only with its expansive public transit system. I have lived here my entire life. It is especially concerning to see climate crisis events including tornadoes, earthquakes, and super storms all occurring in our area in the last 10 years. Believe me these events are new and must be addressed as warnings. We need viable energy sources to run New York City public transportation that will not add to our climate crisis. Replacing gas fueled buses with electric ones would be the first step. |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Anne |
Fairbanks |
Concerned human being |
Roanoke |
Virginia |
The eastern states who have jointly committed to reducing greenhouse gases should be lauded for the work and planning they have already done. They also need as much technical, financial, and... read more The eastern states who have jointly committed to reducing greenhouse gases should be lauded for the work and planning they have already done. They also need as much technical, financial, and educational assistance as possible to undertake the next bold steps in reducing greenhouse gases. I urge anyone involved to carry on with my support. Anyone who has not yet commited to changing their own transportation habits, join the team! And to those not yet on board, shame on you! Take your heads out of the sand and look at the hard facts. Then join forces with all who are working hard to reduce the worst effects of climate change. You'll be glad you did! |
- |
|
2/21/2020 |
Anne |
Cheng |
Private citizen |
Stamford |
Connecticut |
We need to increase investment and ridership on public transportation which would reduce wear on highway infrastructure, decrease emissions, and save citizens money needed for car-care expenses... We need to increase investment and ridership on public transportation which would reduce wear on highway infrastructure, decrease emissions, and save citizens money needed for car-care expenses. |
- |
|
2/24/2020 |
Anne |
Geisler |
Citizen |
Naples |
Maine |
Since transportation is the number one contributor to greenhouse emissions in the US, it behooves all of us to find lower carbon ways to meet our transportation needs. We need more public... read more Since transportation is the number one contributor to greenhouse emissions in the US, it behooves all of us to find lower carbon ways to meet our transportation needs. We need more public transport, including in rural areas, and more electric vehicle options. I support the TCI 100%. |
- |
|
2/25/2020 |
Anne |
Sturm |
The Barnesville Green Team |
Barnesville |
Maryland |
I live in a rural area with limited pubic transportation therefore I think that TCI is extremely important. I would like to drive less and take public transportation more. When states join TCI,... read more I live in a rural area with limited pubic transportation therefore I think that TCI is extremely important. I would like to drive less and take public transportation more. When states join TCI, they have the opportunity to invest in rural communities where transportation options are limited. Joining TCI would allow Maryland to ensure that rural communities aren’t left behind in the green transition and stuck behind the wheel of costly, inefficient vehicle that are the main source of pollution and green house gasses.. Governor Hogan should push for an ambitious TCI program so that rural communities like mine get the solutions they need. Specifically, we need more Marc train service not just the limited offering of 2020. We need more busses run by clean energy to offer connections to public transportation. We need something like a Monorail service from Shady Grove Metro to Frederick. This is just the area I know about. I know there are lots more.
Since transportation is the largest source of air pollution in our metropolitan regions, we need to build a modern, clean, safe, and accessible and affordable transportation system for the 21st century. Fighting climate change and air pollution requires that we limit pollution from motor fuels. This "fight" will create more jobs , stimulate the economy, and by providing cleaner air save lives. Maryland should join TCI to fund better transportation infrastructure, reduce traffic, and make our state a cleaner, safer place to live.
|
- |
|
2/25/2020 |
Anne |
Damrosch |
retired |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Governor Scott:
Please support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. There is no other issue which is more important. If we don't address the climate crisis all the other efforts... read more Governor Scott:
Please support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. There is no other issue which is more important. If we don't address the climate crisis all the other efforts we make for the well being of Vermonters will be for nought. Vermont should be leading in the effort to solve climate related problems. We do not have time to be lukewarm and measured in our steps. We need to act boldly and with courage. It is time for the brave little state of Vermont to set an example for the nation! Phil Scott, man up, and be the committed leader we need you to be!
Anne Damrosch |
- |
|
2/25/2020 |
Anne |
Reed |
Marshfield Conservation Commission |
Marshfield |
Vermont |
We have to get off fossil fuels and in this initiative we are doing it in affiliation with surrounding states.it is a win/win for us and the climate. We have to get off fossil fuels and in this initiative we are doing it in affiliation with surrounding states.it is a win/win for us and the climate. |
- |
