TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

We fully support this policy. We can no longer wait on addressing climate change.

We must take action to combat the climate crisis. Our children’s future depends on it.

“…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.”

Carbon reduction is a must. If you believe the science and the environmental impacts then it's a win. If you believe in the bottom line approach then it's a win. Either way. Having clean, safe and smart transportation alternatives to fossil fuel-driven transport is a great first step in enabling human powered transport or the obvious need for cleaner, more efficient alternatives for current modes.

As a believer that all must be done to curtail human activity induced global warming and climate change it only stands to reason to eliminate or reduce the contributing factors. While many of us did not realize the consequences to the comforts, pleasures and conveniences afforded us through the fossil fuel industries, we now must own up to the harm by reducing and or eliminating greenhouse gases that we added to the atmosphere putting natural forces in chaos. Corporate priorities that have put profit over people has to be embraced along with any scientific approach for decreasing carbon emissions through cap and trade. Transitioning fossil fuel related jobs to sustainable jobs whatever they be has to be part of the plan. People's identity is largely in their jobs and that has to be respected. Steve Hvozdovich Pennsylvania campaign director for Clean Water Action was recognized addressing that component of transition in a recent newspaper article and I commend him for it. Dave Spiglemyer, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition should be identified as a key player in the effort to address global warming and climate change with the understanding that failure in the industry to do its part results in responsibility for future damages. It is time for governing officials to plan using the best available science and tools to address the need to reduce the carbon emissions and come to communities directly involved to let the people know what the expectations are, who is to do what and how. This act could provide an opportunity for educating the public about the physics involved and how human activity exacerbated global warming and climate change. Along with this is the definite need for substituting gainful employment and or retraining options.

Many decades ago in the Lancaster, PA area, electric trucks were used to deliver milk. What happened? We understand the fossil fuel industry sabotaged efforts in electric vehicle production. Let's revisit that era. While I could go on and on about the need for sustainability, the best input I can offer is this: Before anything recommended is done does it match up to sustainability through stewardship? Given the belief that we are of Christian and God loving communities then it is without disagreement that we are mandated to be stewards of Creation. In the February edition of Rolling Stone magazine, Justin Nobel wrote an in depth article, titled America's Radioactive Secret. It reveals how the Marcelllus Shale Industrial Complex continues to destroy peoples lives due to their "catch me if you can" mentality regarding human and environmental health concerns. A war should be declared on climate change and global warming. Declaring war would awaken citizens to the seriousness of the situation and explain the need to consider rationing of energy until balance is restored by controlling human activity production of greenhouse gases. That you for the oportunity to support efforts toward cleaner healthier air.

Pennsylvania needs the most comprehensive TCI program possible; one that invests in public transportation, biking, walking, and prioritizes equity. It is eminently important that this plan seriously reduces transportation emissions to prevent further climate change and clean up our air. As a household which includes persons who suffer from asthma, the amount of emissions from transportation, especially the trucking industry, directly effects our health and our environment. Polluters need to pay their fair share for the damage they are causing, and we need to act now.

Thank you,
Donna L. Gayer

Please take steps to encourage rail line development to ease traffic congestion.
Electric cars, buses, trucks are great for reducing emission and leakage of fluids into water supplies.
Mass transit is better than ride services like taxis and other small vehicles to reduce traffic jams.

As a Montgomery Country resident and one who until my recent retirement worked in the Tysons Corner, Virginia area, I think that there are several significant measures to improve not only our air quality, but our quality of life.

First, instead of talking about adding lanes to existing and already over crowded roads and bridges, why not build light rail lines that run parallel to these roads and bridges? Why not a circular light rail line that parallels the Beltway and intersects with the existing Metro lines and the soon to be opened Purple Line? Yes, the initial expenditure would be costly, but the improvements in our air quality and the reduction in commuting time and stress would be well worth the expenditure.

Also, if we are going to create livable, safe, clean communities - we need to improve safety for pedestrians. Instead of roads without sidewalks or with intersections that are downright deadly, we need to create roads and intersections where pedestrians (including children and seniors) can cross safely. There are a number of ways to do this - expanding the use of the Barnes Dance (a type of traffic signal movement that temporarily stops all vehicular traffic, thereby allowing pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction, including diagonally, at the same time), building either pedestrian over or underpasses across major roads, or do what Barcelona does in the area around the Placa Catalunya (putting the traffic lights midblock, so pedestrians are not competing with cars that are turning.)

Improving our environment and quality of life and alleviating our transportation problems does require investment, but more importantly it requires imagination and a willingness to get rid of the not invented here mindset.