TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Last week I attended an informative “public hearing” in Manchester on the proposed Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI). Thinking about what I heard and learned at the Manchester meeting, I was left with 4 basic takeaways:

1. Vermont has fallen woefully behind in meeting its (our) climate change-related goals, and embarrassingly, is being outpaced on this front by other northeastern states;

2. In the global, big picture context, we are simply not doing our fair share to turn things around to reduce our carbon footprint; and

3. The economic and environmental cost-benefit calculations of the proposal are clearly positive; and

4. If not TCI, then what? Are we going to continue to sit on our hands and hope that this nasty little problem (resulting in a blighted, barren, broken planet) will magically go away.

TCI represents an opportunity to work collaboratively with other states in the region to make a real difference in meeting the existential threat we are facing. It’s hardly perfect, but it is a far better model than having each state go it alone. That approach has been a dismal failure, especially in Vermont. (Ideally, the Feds should take the lead on this issue - but alas, that’s a pipe dream that probably won’t come true anytime soon.)

Real change will require courage, leadership, and yes, maybe even some sacrifice. Thankfully, our legislative leaders in Vermont have recognized that now is the time for action, not just more hollow promises. Governor Scott, unfortunately, has displayed precious little vision, leadership and initiative thus far in the battle against climate change. Governor it’s time; it’s time to step to the plate.

Indiciduals need to do all that is possible to amiliorate climate change, However much we do will not be enough to avoid catastrophe, Action from local to state to national governments NOW is needed to avoid the worst effects of our misuse of earthly resources, Start with the buses and go from there.

Taxes are regressive in nature, and only hurt the lowest earners. No Carbon Trading, ever for any reason.

No to the gas tax!! Anyone north of Portland cant afford this!!! This will hurt everyone!!

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.

Please reduce emissions, and invest in a cleaner transportation system. Thank you.

Time to resurrect Barbara Andersen and the great organization known as Citizens for Limited Taxation - this is a giant hidden tax for a problem that doesn't exist except in the minds of liberals. Keep us out of this. And they wonder why people are fleeing Massachusetts. Can't wait to leave this place.

TCI = TAX = $5.00 Per Gallon Gas Prices = HIGHWAY ROBBERY.

It is a guarantee that this will happen if Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and his Left Wing Democrat fellow travelers are permitted to enact this monstrosity. This has already happened in California.

This TCI Carbon Tax nonsense is a solution to a problem that does not exist. There is no man-made climate problem.

Alleged mankind caused Global Warming, Climate Change, Extreme Weather, or whatever the Moonbat Liberal Left is calling it these days is the biggest hoax being perpetrated since the first Ponzi Scheme. This is all just a great big excuse to ruin the economy of the United States by destroying just about every one of our industries (energy, automobile, steel, agriculture etc . . .), and to redistribute income from those who have earned it to those who have not.

There is no proof, fake computer modeling aside, that we as a nation have done anything to impact global temperature, or that we could do anything in the future that could significantly change global climate.

We have had hurricanes, tornadoes, worldwide cooling and worldwide warming since the beginning of time, and we will continue to have them until the end of time. Nothing that we as a people can cumulatively do, or refrain from doing, will change this reality even a little bit.

The sole result of the TCI Carbon Tax will be to impoverish the working people of Massachusetts. Enactment of the TCI Carbon Tax will have no environmental impact whatsoever. The money collected from Massachusetts taxpayers from the TCI Carbon Tax may as well be flushed down the toilet.

Our Transportation Future (OTF) is a coalition of local, state, regional, and national environmental, health, scientific, transportation, and business organizations committed to modernizing transportation across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. We are sending the attached letters to the Governors of the TCI states and Mayor Bowser in support of the important work that you are your colleagues are doing at the intersection of transportation and the environment. This letter is signed by 59 organizations from across the TCI states. We ask that you please share this letter electronically with your colleagues who are part of the TCI process, as well as any others who may be interested in reading it.