12/4/2019 |
Marc |
Breslow |
Climate XChange |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Attached are the principles for carbon pricing from the Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future; in conjunction with our comments on the TCI Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal... Attached are the principles for carbon pricing from the Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future; in conjunction with our comments on the TCI Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal. |
MCCEF Carbon pricing principles 9.12.19.pdf |
2/26/2020 |
Debbie |
Brent |
Ms. |
Columbia |
Maryland |
Climate change is real and people need to organize and enact measures to reduce carbon and other pollutants to slow and hopefully reverse global warming and climate change before it is too late.... Climate change is real and people need to organize and enact measures to reduce carbon and other pollutants to slow and hopefully reverse global warming and climate change before it is too late. |
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12/23/2019 |
Fran |
Brelsford |
None |
East Providence |
Rhode Island |
Extorting MORE money from WE THE PEOPLE under the guise of cap & trade is another folly disguised as contributing to "fixing" climate! Climate cannot be fixed, it CHANGES. The US... read more Extorting MORE money from WE THE PEOPLE under the guise of cap & trade is another folly disguised as contributing to "fixing" climate! Climate cannot be fixed, it CHANGES. The US is THE cleanest country. You tell me what benefit this stupid tax will have to carbon emissions. Probably .00001% in the scheme of things, so rather punish people who need to work just so Gina's PR team can say she did something? Don't forget, RI average income...WE ARE NOT A RICH STATE. Rhode Islanders are already punished enough. |
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2/4/2020 |
Erik |
Breiland |
Concerned Vermonter |
Milton |
Vermont |
What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when setting the starting level and the
trajectory for a regional cap on carbon dioxide emissions from transportation fuels? Answer: The... read more What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when setting the starting level and the
trajectory for a regional cap on carbon dioxide emissions from transportation fuels? Answer: The program should be a net savings to the average family to keep it popular. A trajectory such that you get to $50/metric ton by 2030.
How should the compliance period be structured to provide needed flexibility, while
ensuring environmental integrity? If a person or business buys new infrastructure/equipment that is zero emissions or reducing their emissions (different criteria for different industries), some of the carbon tax they paid in the previous or two could be used to help pay for that new equipment.
What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when designing stability mechanisms for
managing uncertainties regarding future emissions and allowance prices? It should be clear how the proceeds are distributed and the 10 year carbon tax plan should be stated up front and not changed for 10 years. The market should take care of everything else. |
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1/20/2020 |
Bill |
Bredderman |
citizen |
Sloansville |
New York |
I wish to give my strong support to your effort to limit carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gas) producing forms of transportation. This must be done as quickly as possible as we are now facing... read more I wish to give my strong support to your effort to limit carbon dioxide (and other greenhouse gas) producing forms of transportation. This must be done as quickly as possible as we are now facing our final chance to put any kind of brake on a complete climate failure. I strongly support both intracity and intercity forms of public transportation that would accomodate this. This means public subsidy for these types of transit and a long overdue decrease in the subsidies provided for highway and bridge construction and maintenance. Certainly electric light rail and intercity rail would qualify for this subsidy but also the replacement of fossil fuel powered buses with electric buses should also qualify. Perhaps even more stimulating to this transition would be the replacement of rider fares with free ridership funded by all levels of government through the same mechanisms that have funded the highway industry for decades. Free ridership not only would stimulate increased use of public forms of transport but would also produce an economic equality benefit.
We know this would come at a considerable cost but if the cost of a complete breakdown in the climate as we know it is factored, these subsidies will save far more than just dollars. |
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1/17/2020 |
Aviva |
Brecher |
retired research scientist and policy planner |
Belmont |
Massachusetts |
This is an excellent and comprehensive bottom-up regional initiative, but it cannot supplant the necessary comprehensive and overarching national clean transportation policy and regulations.... read more This is an excellent and comprehensive bottom-up regional initiative, but it cannot supplant the necessary comprehensive and overarching national clean transportation policy and regulations. States must continue to press Congress and the Administration to recognize and address the acute and interlinked climate change, energy and transportation crisis. More emphasis is needed on a smooth transition to clean energy sources for transportation vehicles and to rebuilding decayed infrastructure, or developing and deploying new infrastructure, such as chargers for electric buses and cars. |
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1/17/2020 |
Patricia |
Brech |
Mother and Grandmother |
Elkton |
Maryland |
As a parent and grandparent, I am very concerned about the world we are leaving our children. We have to do everything possible to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. Anything... read more As a parent and grandparent, I am very concerned about the world we are leaving our children. We have to do everything possible to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. Anything that will cut back on the millions of vehicles on our roads will also reduce carbon pollution. This is something positive that we can do -- and we MUST do it. |
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2/22/2020 |
Patricia |
Brech |
Mrs. |
Elkton |
Maryland |
I am retired now, but even though I do not need daily transportation to work, I still need to get around. But there are few, if any, alternatives to a car where I live, in Cecil County, MD. And... read more I am retired now, but even though I do not need daily transportation to work, I still need to get around. But there are few, if any, alternatives to a car where I live, in Cecil County, MD. And when I was working (living in southern Baltimore County and working in central Howard County) there was no rapid transit available. The only way to get to work was to travel I-95, along with thousands of other vehicles. For the sake of our children and grandchildren, we can no longer afford to have massive amounts of cars on the road, many or most with one occupant. Our lungs cannot afford it, and our planet cannot afford it. We know how to do better, so there is no excuse to not do better. |
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12/1/2019 |
Steven |
Braverman |
Unenrolled |
medfield |
Massachusetts |
I am appalled at the extremely regressive taxation bill being considered to replenish state coffers-- known as a carbon tax initiative. An across the board, regressive tax on such an essential and... read more I am appalled at the extremely regressive taxation bill being considered to replenish state coffers-- known as a carbon tax initiative. An across the board, regressive tax on such an essential and democratized commodity such as gasoline is a cruel punishment to inflict on Massachusetts motorists. Utilizing the climate change debate to pad patronage hiring and close budget gaps is truly an outrage. The fact that all of the states in the northeast are considering this as a monopolistic venture to prevent border competition is even more horrific. Thank you for the consideration. |
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2/16/2020 |
Greg |
Braun |
resident, voter |
Holliston |
Massachusetts |
We need to transition away from our petroleum-based economy as soon as possible. The TCI is a step in the right direction. I encourage Governor Baker and the legislature to formally join the TCI... read more We need to transition away from our petroleum-based economy as soon as possible. The TCI is a step in the right direction. I encourage Governor Baker and the legislature to formally join the TCI program as soon as possible. Revenue from the TCI should target clean investments into communities with the greatest environmental burden and public transit. |
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2/25/2020 |
Natalee |
Braun |
350VT, Labor Climate Committee, Peace and Justice Center |
Essex |
Vermont |
As a psychologist working primarily with the next generation, I know firsthand young people's significant concerns about the health of our planet. For that reason and in view of my... read more As a psychologist working primarily with the next generation, I know firsthand young people's significant concerns about the health of our planet. For that reason and in view of my longstanding climate justice activism, I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I shudder to think what accrual of environmental degradation is required for us to face the reality that this is a pivotal moment in our history - we need to act decisively now. Volunteers with 350VT and other climate justice organizatons are working steadily to address the challenge of transportation, our most carbon intensive sector, and TCI provides an excellent structure for reducing emissions while providing funding for a transportation infrastructure that reflects the need for a radical reduction in greenhouse gasses. Let's do it in a big way!
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1/16/2020 |
Barbara |
Brasel |
Ms. |
New York |
New York |
If we do not deal with this now, we shall surely choke ourselves to death in the future. If we do not deal with this now, we shall surely choke ourselves to death in the future. |
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2/24/2020 |
Margaret |
Brannan |
citizen |
PHILADELPHIA |
Pennsylvania |
We need regional transportation systems that are cleaner, more reliable, more accessible, and more affordable. I ask that leaders choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the... read more We need regional transportation systems that are cleaner, more reliable, more accessible, and more affordable. I ask that leaders choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science indicates that is needed. Reducing pollution from transportation is a very important component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions. The policy should prioritize clean investments in areas that are overburdened by pollution and in areas that don’t have access to transportation choices. Reducing carbon emissions can improve the health of our citizens and the environment. |
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10/14/2020 |
V.L. |
Brandt |
n/a |
Durham |
North Carolina |
We need dramatic action on climate, and transportation is one area where change can help. Unfortunately, carbon caps are not nearly enough, in part because they are not (or have not been)... read more We need dramatic action on climate, and transportation is one area where change can help. Unfortunately, carbon caps are not nearly enough, in part because they are not (or have not been) enforceable. Overburdened and underserved communities need more investment; much more effort should be put into supporting better health _and_ transportation by installing good sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and better landscape design (to encourage and reward people on foot or other self-powered means of transportation, such as wheelchairs, bicycles).
Durham can become a beautiful city as it becomes more green (in both senses of the word). Landscape architects and urban designers with a strong record of accommodating ecosystems and improving habitats for both humans and wildlife should be brought on board. In most neighborhoods it's not possible to walk on sidewalks, because there aren't any; even when there are, there's little to enjoy the experience of being on foot; there are few bicycle lanes. Instead of endlessly expanding roads for more lanes of traffic, we need to think holistically about making communities more self-sufficient, with less need to travel by car or bus for necessities. |
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11/1/2019 |
Guy |
Brandenstein |
Citizen/Taxpayer/Voter |
Buxton |
Maine |
This plan is bad for Maine and does not, in any way, take into account the needs of the People of Maine.
1) Maine is a Rural State with limited Public transportation. This Plan... read more This plan is bad for Maine and does not, in any way, take into account the needs of the People of Maine.
1) Maine is a Rural State with limited Public transportation. This Plan would needlessly punish people for simply going grocery shopping or going to the doctor due to high fuel costs.
2) Maine has a depressed economy. Wages in the State are consistently lower than the other States in this group. This plan would force people to have to spend more of what they make on fuel costs.
3) Most people in Maine cannot the afford Electric Vehicles that this Plan appears to want to force them to purchase.
4) This Plan does not, in any way, take into account that, even if people wanted to purchase an Electric Vehicle, a vehicle that performs the task currently being done by a Petroleum Fueled vehicle does not exist (Tractor, Combine, Dump Truck, etc). Those that need to use these vehicles will be needlessly burdened by artificially inflated fuel costs.
5) The Elderly and Disabled on fixed incomes will be needlessly burdened by artificially inflated fuel costs. Many are currently finding it difficult to pay for needed medication as is. This will only make it even more difficult for them.
In short, The TCI should be opposed as a Bad Idea.
Thank you,
Guy Brandenstein
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2/22/2020 |
Susan |
Bramley |
Private citizen |
Hood |
Virginia |
TheTransportation and Climate Initiative is exactly what we need NOW! Our very future is hanging in the balance with transportation being the largest contributor to global climate change. We... read more TheTransportation and Climate Initiative is exactly what we need NOW! Our very future is hanging in the balance with transportation being the largest contributor to global climate change. We need immediate actions to save our planet and I am excited to see this initiative. PLEASE move forward with this. |
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2/28/2020 |
Ryan |
Braley |
Resident |
Dixmont |
Maine |
This needs to stop dead in it's tracks, tax hikes are only going to cripple the working class, and ultimately destroy the economy. read more This needs to stop dead in it's tracks, tax hikes are only going to cripple the working class, and ultimately destroy the economy. |
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5/26/2019 |
Tim |
Brainerd |
350massachusetts and sustainable framingham |
Framingham |
Massachusetts |
Mass Transit.
Mass Transit in many more locations.
Mass Transit with vastly more runs. Mass Transit powered by electricity....renewable sources, available battery infrastructure... read more Mass Transit.
Mass Transit in many more locations.
Mass Transit with vastly more runs. Mass Transit powered by electricity....renewable sources, available battery infrastructure.
The cost would seem daunting, but so are the costs of ignoring the carbon contributions to worsening conditions even in Massachusetts. Again the costs would seem daunting, but so are the costs of keeping roads and bridges functioning....in the landscape of no political will to increase gasoline taxes.
Some day really soon, I hope the big thinkers take a serious look at the monorail concepts (Transit-x, JPod, maybe others) which are comparatively inexpensive to build, privately funded, dependent on municipalities granting less intrusive rights-of-way, modest fares, frequent pods, convenient locations, good for radial lines from local transit hubs, good for main lines from major cities/towns to boston, good along the entire mass pike (thank you to the late chris walsh, state representative from framingham), also good for some freight. (Check the analogous build out of the regional trolley car systems throughout the northeast before and after 1900!) |
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2/21/2020 |
Nasser |
Brahim |
N/A |
Quincy |
Massachusetts |
I urge Governor Baker of Massachusetts to join TCI and push it to be as ambitious as possible, for the sake of my children, neighborhood and workplace (vulnerable to sea level rise), and the... read more I urge Governor Baker of Massachusetts to join TCI and push it to be as ambitious as possible, for the sake of my children, neighborhood and workplace (vulnerable to sea level rise), and the people and ecosystems that are more vulnerable than me to the impacts of climate change. TCI can help move us beyond fossil fuel for transportation, which will have positive economic impacts. |
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12/1/2019 |
Robert |
Brady |
Mr. |
Woburn |
Massachusetts |
TRANSPORTATION CLIMATE INITIATIVE, a very fancy name that allows MA. politicians to substantially raise our taxes on gasoline. Mass citizens already voted that down, and using climate change as an... read more TRANSPORTATION CLIMATE INITIATIVE, a very fancy name that allows MA. politicians to substantially raise our taxes on gasoline. Mass citizens already voted that down, and using climate change as an excuse is deplorable. Technology and common sense will solve the climate change problem, NOT RAISING GAS TAXES! People will still drive and it will damage our economy. |
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