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2/28/2020 |
Swechya |
Banskota |
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University Environmental Coalition (AMS ECo) |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
I support TCI because lesser fossil fuels coming into Rhode Island will mean cleaner air and better land use around the Port of Providence; tailpipe pollution is adding to asthma and heart disease... read more I support TCI because lesser fossil fuels coming into Rhode Island will mean cleaner air and better land use around the Port of Providence; tailpipe pollution is adding to asthma and heart disease and costing millions of dollars in extra healthcare costs; traffic congestion around downtown Providence is spewing pollution into the neighborhoods; cleaning up port operations will help clean up the air in Providence communities; public transportation will help reduce our traffic congestion and give me more time to other things, like study and be a better medical student and future doctor; cleaner vehicles will benefit us all; electric vehicles are better for the climate, our local environment, and our economy; better public transportation will help more people access more jobs and basic services; we all need more mobility options, and we should be able to get around our communities without needing to own a car. |
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1/22/2020 |
Sylvie |
Desautels |
Randolph Area Climate Action Group |
Tunbridge |
Vermont |
Why oh why does central Vermont get left out of the hearings again. A hearing could very easily be held at VTC in Randolph or any number of places in Montpelier. All of the locations are an hour... read more Why oh why does central Vermont get left out of the hearings again. A hearing could very easily be held at VTC in Randolph or any number of places in Montpelier. All of the locations are an hour or more from where I live in Tunbridge. On school nights this makes it nigh on to impossible to attend. I would be happy to help you find a location. |
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11/13/2019 |
T |
Ryan |
US citizen and Ma resident |
south shore |
Massachusetts |
This is a tax given a name that tries to hide this tax attempt. A governor only approval is not right, this should be voted on by all ma citizens. Rational citizens would not approve of a income... read more This is a tax given a name that tries to hide this tax attempt. A governor only approval is not right, this should be voted on by all ma citizens. Rational citizens would not approve of a income deduction. This tax is just wrong no matter of its made up issue. |
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1/20/2020 |
T |
Mitchell |
Public transportation user |
New York |
New York |
I am a disabled rider who cares about reducing pollution for the present and future generations who will become or have become disabled from environmental pollution and degradation. Pollution... read more I am a disabled rider who cares about reducing pollution for the present and future generations who will become or have become disabled from environmental pollution and degradation. Pollution from transportation is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally).
I ask that New York formally join the plan to reduce emissions. The policy must have a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access. |
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2/25/2020 |
Tad |
Montgomery |
Town of Hartland |
Hartland |
Vermont |
The Vermont government has been woefully inadequate in its actions to address climate change. We pride ourselves on being progressive and forward-thinking, but in truth we have made almost no... read more The Vermont government has been woefully inadequate in its actions to address climate change. We pride ourselves on being progressive and forward-thinking, but in truth we have made almost no progress whatsoever in addressing global warming over the last 20 years. This is shameful.
I am the Energy and Facilities Manager for Lebanon, NH. I live in and serve the Hartland, VT Energy Committee, and for 14 years served on the Brattleboro Energy Committee. I have been an active member of the VT Energy and Climate Action Network for 15 years, and have been working on energy and climate issues since undergraduate and graduate engineering school. The opportunities that we have lost through inaction are astounding, and future generations will damn us for it.
Vermont is a rural state, with many poor, working people. Reducing our transportation emissions is a huge challenge. Tremendous innovation and creativity will be needed, as well as lifestyle changes. Why is it that when America goes to war people are asked to make sacrifices, but never in the name of saving the planet? We might be a rural state, but that is no excuse for expecting people to rely solely on personal vehicles, which are costly to operate and have limitations for many, in addition to being high polluters. I have lived in Mexico, and done it without a car. Why is 3rd world Mexico so much more advanced than America in its public transportation? It is because they dedicate the resources to provide good public transportation. TCI has the potential to direct resources to alternative transportation systems and infrastructure, which would lower people's living expenses and reduce our greenhouse gasses.
TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed transportation infrastructure that will benefit all.
We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.
I urge Vermont to formally join TCI in order to do our part to save our habitable planet for future generations.
Thank you for the work you have done to advance the TCI. |
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1/16/2020 |
Taina |
Litwak |
USDA |
Darnestown |
Maryland |
I am writing because I am an involved citizen and I and really concerned about the steamrolling effects of climate change we are seeing. Climate change is the looming threat to the security and... read more I am writing because I am an involved citizen and I and really concerned about the steamrolling effects of climate change we are seeing. Climate change is the looming threat to the security and livability of our country and our planet. We cannot stop it at this point, but the more we continue with business as usual, the worse life will be for all of humanity over the next 100 years. Pollution from transportation is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally). Maryland needs to formally join the plan to reduce emissions.
The new policy has a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access. This is so important. I want to also thank you for the bipartisan nature of this current project, moving us forward while the federal government under President Trump takes us backward. I hope you take this very seriously and institute a strong emissions reduction program.
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2/12/2020 |
Taliesin |
Beriau |
None |
Broad brook |
Connecticut |
Increase subsidies for clean energy through taxes targeting industries and behaviors contributing to climate change (higher gas tax, coal, etc). Increase subsidies for clean energy through taxes targeting industries and behaviors contributing to climate change (higher gas tax, coal, etc). |
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10/9/2019 |
Tammy |
Genest |
No one |
Lincoln |
Maine |
Maine residents already pay higher heating costs . We are a poor rural state and can't afford another pay hike. Governors Mills is wrong on this. NO NEW TAXES read more Maine residents already pay higher heating costs . We are a poor rural state and can't afford another pay hike. Governors Mills is wrong on this. NO NEW TAXES |
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1/13/2020 |
Tammy |
Dow |
citizen |
CALAIS |
Maine |
I oppose any increase in fuel tax. I oppose any increase in fuel tax. |
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2/26/2020 |
Tammy |
Fisher |
Tax payer |
Northfield |
Massachusetts |
So sick and tired jf getting taxed all the time less in pay now less uncome tax return higher health care grocery cost and on and on enough is too much So sick and tired jf getting taxed all the time less in pay now less uncome tax return higher health care grocery cost and on and on enough is too much |
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2/27/2020 |
Tammy |
Reed |
New York State |
Fairport |
New York |
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs to be built out and reliable. Our nation's automotive manufacturer's have staked their future on electric vehicles so that they can... read more Electric vehicle charging infrastructure needs to be built out and reliable. Our nation's automotive manufacturer's have staked their future on electric vehicles so that they can compete globally. For us as a country to not support this initiative is disheartening. Electric vehicle technology is clean and reliable. We need to be at the forefront of electrification. |
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2/27/2020 |
Tammy |
Holman |
Tax payer |
Hallowell |
Maine |
The proposal to increase gas tax is going to cripple the poor who already struggle with transportation. They will be even less likely to have their own vehicles and the costs of public... read more The proposal to increase gas tax is going to cripple the poor who already struggle with transportation. They will be even less likely to have their own vehicles and the costs of public transportation will increase. This will impact their ability to work, get an education and get themselves and children to medical care. It will impact single parents and impose a great burden on the elderly. STOP THE TAXES!!!! |
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2/28/2020 |
Tamre |
Steinhauer |
Maine resident |
South Berwick |
Maine |
No. I do not support this. No. I do not support this. |
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10/11/2019 |
Tania |
Hassard |
Taxpaying citizen |
Pittsfield |
Maine |
Help create affordable cars that the poor can afford to own in order to get to work that aren't gas powered or stop trying to tax them with gas pricing schemes that will cause them to be... read more Help create affordable cars that the poor can afford to own in order to get to work that aren't gas powered or stop trying to tax them with gas pricing schemes that will cause them to be further into poverty so you can all feel good that you feel you've done something for the climate. You need to have people in poverty on your panels so they can give you a working person's perspective. You may understand how the poor really live then and stop imposing more expenses for them to get to work or heat their homes! |
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1/16/2020 |
Tanya |
Dwyer |
Parish House, Inc. |
Dover |
Delaware |
A zero emission mass public transportation system will be more cost effective for business in the long run. low income residents will be able to get to work more efficiently and predictably.... read more A zero emission mass public transportation system will be more cost effective for business in the long run. low income residents will be able to get to work more efficiently and predictably. Health care savings and environmental resources are two more considerations for me. |
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1/16/2020 |
Tara |
Kerr |
Ms |
South Boston |
Virginia |
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1/16/2020 |
Tara |
Chambers |
Concerned resident of Planet Earth |
Concord |
Massachusetts |
Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! |
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2/26/2020 |
Tara |
Strand |
Concerned resident |
North Hollywood |
California |
As someone who feels burdened every day by the ecological crisis we've brought upon ourselves and all living things, I am so grateful to hear about this initiative. My biggest dream is that... read more As someone who feels burdened every day by the ecological crisis we've brought upon ourselves and all living things, I am so grateful to hear about this initiative. My biggest dream is that we might turn what could be our greatest doom into our greatest opportunity, and it's all about steps like this done the right way. Still, there have a been a lot of half (and less than half) measures taken towards addressing this emergency, so I urge you to take big, bold, science-guided, community-guided steps that meet the level that this emergency demands. Also, as justly and equitably as possible, and covering as many facets as possible.
And as a Californian who is frustrated at those half-measures taken by our Governor, I urge our state to implement programs like this as well. And immediately! We've already lost too much time to make this steady and easy, and inaction will make things even harder than that very soon.
Thank you for your efforts and your consideration,
Tara Strand |
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2/28/2020 |
Tara |
Santi |
Middlebury College |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
As a student currently working on transportation concerns in Middlebury, I was very curious to read the Memorandum of Understanding put forward by the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI... read more As a student currently working on transportation concerns in Middlebury, I was very curious to read the Memorandum of Understanding put forward by the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). The TCI proposes the establishment of a regional program composed of 12 states and Washington, D.C., all committing to transition to a low-carbon, sustainable transportation sector through the implementation of a regional cap-and-invest program.
I agree with the TCI’s emphasis on cleaning up the transportation sector. If we’re going to act on climate change, we need to act fast. The 2018 IPCC report gave us twelve years (now ten) to cut global greenhouse gas emissions 45% below 2010 levels to have any hope of limiting warming beyond 1.5C. The recent ratification of the Global Warming Solutions Act (H.688) by the Vermont House is a promising start to what will hopefully be decisive, thoughtful, and socially-just continued action by the Vermont government to curb emissions.
The TCI is another step forward for Vermont, one unique in that it specifically tackles transportation, which makes up nearly half of the state’s current climate pollution. Curbing transportation emissions is a must if Vermont seeks to meet our commitment to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord by 2025. So yes, let’s join the TCI…BUT…
It MUST fully center the needs and rights of low income and working-class Vermonters in a just transition to a renewable energy-powered transportation future.
This is the question I always want to ask when considering climate legislation: who is going to be squeezed? Implementing a cap-and-invest system with a declining cap certainly puts the pressure on fuel suppliers, but that pressure is in part passed off to Vermonters filling up their tanks at the gas station. For some, the TCI will help lower the cost of transitioning to an electric vehicle (EV) and make it more feasible with rural electrification. But what about those Vermonters who simply do not have the budget for a new vehicle, whether or not it’s electric and whether or not the cost is lowered?
More accessible to some does not mean accessible to all.
This is the very issue the Vermont legislature hesitated on last session with a carbon tax proposal. House Speaker Mitzi Johnson said she can’t see a “straight-up carbon tax” being viable without already having a better public transportation system in rural areas. Isn’t that the same problem we see in the TCI, that putting a cap on carbon allowances might ultimately hurt rural and working-class Vermonters the most? The difference being that the TCI hides behind hopes of EV incentives and electric charging stations that simply do not make sense for many Vermonters.
To its credit, the TCI does include a clause on equity:
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Signatory Jurisdictions will work with communities to ensure that the benefits of a cap-and-invest program flow equitably to communities that are underserved by clean transportation alternatives, disproportionately bear the costs of the current transportation system, or suffer disproportionate impacts of vehicular pollution and climate change”
I’m glad that there is recognition of the disproportionate costs of transportation to vulnerable groups, but I would hope to see social and community justice front and center of Vermont’s implementation of the TCI, rather than relegated to a side note.
I’ve experienced firsthand the frustrations of working-class people facing rising fuel prices when I lived in Bordeaux, France during the beginning of the yellow vest protest movement in November 2018. The high price of gas and a high of living in general hit the French middle and working-classes the hardest, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. People across the country demonstrated for weeks calling for lower fuel taxes, a solidarity tax on wealth, and a minimum wage increase, among other demands. I can’t help but draw some, albeit limited, parallels to Vermont. The unrest in France is a stark example of what happens when governments enact climate legislation without fully considering and addressing the needs of those who are currently the most dependent on the system the way it is now. Vermonters are perhaps not numerous enough to pressure their government the way that French protesters did, which gives legislators here all the more responsibility to be proactive about the way they implement any new transportation legislation.
Vermont could benefit greatly from increased electrification, expanded and improved public transportation, and smart development. That’s why I’m saying yes to Vermont participating in the TCI…BUT doing so by centering the needs of low income and working-class Vermonters. I don’t pretend to know the perfect solution, but I do encourage those making the decisions to find ways to minimize the burdens placed on individuals and households and maximize their ability to lead a dignified life. |
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3/6/2020 |
Tarik |
Shahzad |
Middlebury College |
Chicago |
Illinois |
The time for action on climate change was yesterday. Despite the scientists sounding the alarms on rising temperatures, elected officials have routinely failed to act. Greenhouse gas emissions... read more The time for action on climate change was yesterday. Despite the scientists sounding the alarms on rising temperatures, elected officials have routinely failed to act. Greenhouse gas emissions must be tackled systemically for substantial reductions in output to occur. With consistent climate denialism emanating from the Trump administration, the onus is on state elected officials to enact bold prescriptions to this growing crisis. The onus is also on fellow citizens to pressure our representatives to make the correct decisions for us. I chose to attend Middlebury College because I believed Vermont is a national leader As an environmental policy major at Middlebury College, I have learned a great deal about the unprecedented attention this crisis requires; the Transportation Climate Initiative fits the mold for bold and sweeping action that the world desperately needs. The Global Warmings Solutions Act’s passing demonstrates the ability for this state to lead in the fight against climate change. Now, it is up to us on whether we continue moving forward on this issue.
The Transportation Climate Initiative’s declining emissions cap is a key step in reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the region, but the opponents of the bill routinely focus on the economic hindrances of the bill on low income Vermonters. In specific, they argue that increasing fuel prices would disproportionately impact their constituents. It appears the two sides are speaking past each other at times. On the third page of the Draft Memorandum of Understanding of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (MOU), the bill states that the benefits of a “cap-and-invest program flow equitably to communities that are undeserved by clean transportation alternatives… .” The bill sets the record straight; the goals outlined by the Transportation Climate Initiative ensures that lower income Vermonters will receive economic benefits through investments funded by the rise in fuel prices. It is designed to protect the most vulnerable citizens in the state. Moreover, if we fail to act with the looming threat of climate change, these same people will experience economic and environmental hardships. More extreme weather events, increased costs of food prices, and the degradation of the environment will impact underprivileged communities the hardest. Through a cap and invest system, revenue garnered from the program will supply the necessary mitigation reforms and economic subsidies for these vulnerable populations.
Opponents of the Transportation Climate Initiative must come to terms with the looming truth; if we don’t act now to protect poor and working-class Vermonters from the climate crisis, they will suffer in the long term. During this legislative cycle, elected officials will be choosing between two radical futures. In the radical future with the passage of the Transportation Climate Initiative, more Vermonters will economically benefit through subsidies, improved transportation services, and home weatherization. In the other radical future, in which the Transportation Climate Initiative is struck down by Phil Scott and the “economic pragmatists,” the most vulnerable in this state will have fewer amenities and tools to effectively combat the climate crisis. We are at a juncture in Vermont legislative history. The Global Warmings Solutions Act was a necessary step, and the Transportation Climate Initiative will build on the climate legislation that has preceded it. The passage of this bill balances on the eventual answer to these two questions: Will those who haven’t taken a side on this issue choose to fight the climate crisis with earnest? Will Governor Phil Scott side with the fossil fuel lobbyists or the most climate-vulnerable citizens of Vermont?
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