TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

- More tax on large SUVs and trucks.
- We never should have gotten rid of rails. Trains could cut the number of automobiles by a large percentage.

It is a great first step in cooperation and recognizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions.

The TCI makes a lot of sense for Vermont and we need to get this through the state house as soon as possible in order to meet the 2020 deadline and put it into effect in 2022. Time is of the essence. The TCI is equitable and will take into consideration the frontlines communities in Vermont. It is fair to the fossil fuel companies who will transition to a Cap and Invest program gradually. It allows Vermont to be part of a regional initiative with other NE states and by doing so, will receive monies to help those who most need it. I say "yes" to the TCI.

It is hard for a state like to us pay more for gas. Our rent is easily at least 900 a month one bedroom and most of the time thats not including any utilities. Unlike a good amount of states we HAVE to have heat in the winter which we HAVE to pay for. We HAVE to have inspection stickers unlike a good amount of states, we need to take care of insurances, groceries, etc. And now you want us to pay more for gas too? We already have to pay so much just to lay our heads on a pillow at night, most of us over here have way overdue bills or no food but let's just raise the gas prices right???? We are already financially struggling enough over here. I am totally on board with changing stuff and helping our planet it is our only one, but dont punish people who already can barely get by.

I wholeheartedly support the T&C Initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as it is efficient, cost effective and can provide new sources of income to Mainers who work in renewable energy, construction, public policy and transportion fields.
The TCI can play a critical role in combating global warming caused by excess carbon emissions. According to the EPA, Transportation as a whole contributes 29% of the planet's Greenhouse gas emissions. Mainers would happily use cleaner public transportation (hybrid electric or electric, or even trains which take cars off the road) if there were more routes available and high quality service (ie. schedule punctuality and ride frequency). The new vehicles are expensive compared to diesel buses for example, but that's only because diesel bus prices are offset by the FTA's paying 80% of a bus's purchase price! If the TCI offered comparable incentivizing subsidies, polluting vehicles would be soon replaced. Further savings would come from not having to purchase as much fuel.
Solar, hydropower and wind energy would produce the electricity to charge the buses.Maine has much to offer from these particular forms of energy. "Bloom energy boxes" (methane/electrolyte hybrids) could be used as batteries to store what is typically considered "unstorable" energy from these sources. New England would see the rise in employment for engineers, energy specialists and installers, and electricians- Vocational tech schools should get funding for new classes to raise a new generations of such skilled laborers. Which advertising, technical college classes would grow and produce a highly productive work force. All this from a Transportation and Climate Initiative!
In sum, I highly encourage anyone reading this note to support the TCI - it's good for the economy, it's good for the planet and it's good for all of us.

I strongly oppose this Transportation & Climate Initiative, raising taxes on gas, or oil. Three states have backed out of this agreement and we need to follow in their footsteps.

We need to act now to create an environmentally safe plan for transportation in the Northeast Corridor. Thankfully there are model cities and regions around the world that can provide our region ideas. Because these model city ideas also provide a measurable track record to learn from. No need to start from scratch. The clock has been ticking for decades. We have already waited too long because of our national addiction to fossil fuels. It is in the best interest of all of us to adopt fossil-free plans NOW.

It's encouraging to know that organizations like yours are beginning to take active steps to contain the pollutants in our environment. We cannot afford to delay in this critical matter--not if we want to continue to live on this planet.