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1/16/2020 |
Jonathan |
Draudt |
Self Employed |
Warren |
Vermont |
We must do something about our emissions of CO2. We must do something about our emissions of CO2. |
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1/16/2020 |
Richard |
Lagro |
vt citizen & tax payer |
Milton |
Vermont |
I am very opposed to Vermont's participation in the proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative. As much as I have heard from Vermont officials, both legislators and office holders... read more I am very opposed to Vermont's participation in the proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative. As much as I have heard from Vermont officials, both legislators and office holders, that it is not a carbon tax, it is obviously a carbon tax by what ever name they want to label it. Since Vermont is all ready one of the highest tax paying states in the union, with one of the lowest carbon foot prints all ready there is no need to further increase the tax burden on Vermonter's. Especially for an expensive program that will have no significant impact on the climate. T.C.I. will only serve to increase government cost and bureaucracy, at a time when we should be reducing both to make Vermont affordable again. The scale of the program will lead to further government waste and abuse of resources. As one Vermont Senator, a leading proponent stated the "money will be off the books"! Can such a statement of a government official not scare anyone!
As with any government program T.C.I. will only be distributing a fraction of the funds collected back to the states. After paying exorbitant salaries and administrative fees, what percentage of the revenues collected will actually be returned to the claimed reinvest?
On top of T.C.I.'s cost and impact to Vermonter's directly, the secondary cost of increases for every goods and services required by Vermonter's will see increases!
Concluding, T.C.I. is a terrible idea. |
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1/16/2020 |
Timothy |
Swartz |
Concerned citizen, father of 3 |
Northfield |
Vermont |
I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative's plans to limit pollution (including carbon emissions) of the transportation segment of our economy. I am a Vermont... read more I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative's plans to limit pollution (including carbon emissions) of the transportation segment of our economy. I am a Vermont resident, and am keenly aware of the need to use public resources to improve non-fossil-fuel transportation alternatives in our rural state. I am aware that the transportation sector is the largest source of global warming emissions, in the state, regionally and nationally. I am glad that Vermont is already part of the TCI, and urge VT State government to improve our commitments to lowering emissions, for the sake of ourselves, our environment, and our children's futures. I am pleased that this is a non-partisan effort, because these problems affect us all, now and in the future, not any one segment of our population.
I urge that the transportation plan include a strong component of equity in the investment in infrastructure, to benefit those who have been over-burdened by pollution, and those who currently do not have access to "clean" transportation options. It is critical that limits on fossil fuel use (which are necessary) NOT reduce the ability of those with lower incomes, or living in more rural areas to get to work, health-care, recreation and commercial areas.
I also support the regional nature of this planning, since the needed solutions cannot be implemented solely on a local or state level. Our existing transportation infrastructure crosses state lines, and will need to be re-configured on that basis. Different transportation modalities will need to be complementary, not separately designed as has been the case for far too long. Looking at the interlocking needs of citizens, businesses and institutions on a regional scale should increase the quality of the planning and the outcome on the ground.
I further urge that the planners "push the envelope" to make the most aggressive improvements in our carbon emissions in this region, as part of a global effort to save us from our past mistakes--many of which result from a lack of any coordinated, regional (or national) plan. It's time to step beyond the influence of those who already have economic and political power, and to look at the global needs of all of us--not just humans, either, but all life on earth. We have shown that we can set the Earth on a path toward destruction of species (including ourselves), now it is time to see if we can set our course to maintain bio-diversity, human diversity and the eco-systems on which we all depend. |
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1/16/2020 |
John |
Savlove |
SaveLove Music inc. |
North Bennington |
Vermont |
Every 50-100 years, infrastructures need repair and revision. In this case, it is to adjust to problems caused by the negative by-products of the existing infrastructure. This means innovation,... read more Every 50-100 years, infrastructures need repair and revision. In this case, it is to adjust to problems caused by the negative by-products of the existing infrastructure. This means innovation, new jobs that supplant old ones, and enthusiasm for a brighter future. With government and industry both showing the foresight to support a cleaner approach to nature, success is inevitable. However, calcified pride in established norms is the diplomatic way of summarizing why neither institution moves with the enlightened urgency another civilization could display. But - even if forced by luck into improved regional policy design - the ideas and technology are already out there and on the way. Wit, humility, and positive attitude can inspire both holistic, eco-friendly traffic hubs and the lives of the people driving those trucks, buses, and cars. |
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1/16/2020 |
Donald |
Rendall |
none |
Shelburne |
Vermont |
I'm all for this proposal. Gotta go electric vehicles and fast read more I'm all for this proposal. Gotta go electric vehicles and fast |
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1/16/2020 |
Reto |
Pieth |
none |
Grafton |
Vermont |
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... read more 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. Complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy. |
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1/16/2020 |
john |
Chard |
none |
brattleboro |
Vermont |
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1/16/2020 |
Vanda |
Jaggard |
sentara |
Chesapeake |
Vermont |
Millions of fossil fuel burning sources are polluting our planet and making us ill. We have an must act. Millions of fossil fuel burning sources are polluting our planet and making us ill. We have an must act. |
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1/18/2020 |
Chris |
Ayers |
Tax Payer |
Saint Albans |
Vermont |
So is the bill going to increase gas, electric and heating oil based monthly bills for Americans? What is this new technology that will cap certain vehicles emissions? What about my 2010 Dodge... read more So is the bill going to increase gas, electric and heating oil based monthly bills for Americans? What is this new technology that will cap certain vehicles emissions? What about my 2010 Dodge Cummins and will I have to pay a seperate tax for having a bigger truck? Just how much is this program going to cost everyday tax paying New Englanders and please respond without political banter, I've had enough of that. Vermont is already one of the most expensive states to live in and it's only going up. It's very hard for a hard working father of 3 to pay all these taxes without a truthful relevant explanation. I give half my paycheck for taxes now so you can see why someone like me is hesistant.
Thanks for your time, |
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1/18/2020 |
Amy |
Moore |
Private Citizen of Pownal, Vermont |
Pownal |
Vermont |
The TCI is a bad deal for Vermont. Our state would have no control of distribution of funds. Most of rural Vermont, where I live and work, will be the hardest impacted with zero to no benefit from... read more The TCI is a bad deal for Vermont. Our state would have no control of distribution of funds. Most of rural Vermont, where I live and work, will be the hardest impacted with zero to no benefit from this program. We live in the shade of mountains where electric vehicles are not only not possible to use for our commutes, charging them is very expensive and still uses electricity that comes from sources generating carbon, and damming rivers which also affect our planet. Also, part of my living is derived from towing trailers - which I can't do with electric vehicles.
I live on the border of Massachusetts and New York. My husband works in Massachusetts. Part of my work has me travel to New York (to teach prisoners). Without a plan that treats every payer of this TAX with a return equally and directly, this is just another cash grab from urban areas from rural areas. This would damage my property values, hurt interstate commerce, and drive down tourism.
There is absolutely no good reason for Vermont to participate in this only to line the pockets of bigger states with higher populations and less demanding terrain. |
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1/20/2020 |
RICHARD |
HERRMANN |
retired |
EAST MONTPELIER |
Vermont |
THIS IS LONG OVERDUE! It's essential.
This is long overdue! Essential! THIS IS LONG OVERDUE! It's essential.
This is long overdue! Essential! |
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1/21/2020 |
Roy |
Lauridsen |
retired |
Pownal |
Vermont |
That the Federal Government pollution standards from vehicles is too high for proper pollution reduction, that gasoline engines will antiquate within a couple of decades due to projected shortages... read more That the Federal Government pollution standards from vehicles is too high for proper pollution reduction, that gasoline engines will antiquate within a couple of decades due to projected shortages and that the science now understands the effects of this type pollution on the most vulnerable, it is time to remove ourselves from inefficient and poorly designed transportation systems. |
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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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1/22/2020 |
Ralph |
Palmer |
retired from Keene State College |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
I am strongly in favor of a regional low-carbon transportation proposal and/or system that would help reduce transportation related carbon emissions. I believe climate change is a serious and... read more I am strongly in favor of a regional low-carbon transportation proposal and/or system that would help reduce transportation related carbon emissions. I believe climate change is a serious and major issue, and that a variety of solutions and adaptations to climate change will be required. |
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1/22/2020 |
Warner |
Shedd |
VCV |
East Calais |
Vermont |
I think this climate change initiative is an important first step, and urge Governor Scott to make Vermont a participating state.
Warner Shedd I think this climate change initiative is an important first step, and urge Governor Scott to make Vermont a participating state.
Warner Shedd |
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1/23/2020 |
Brian |
Forrest |
DSA |
Williston |
Vermont |
While in another time, many years ago, this would have been a good idea, but we have squandered our time neglecting the climate problem and now the TCI is too little too late. We need a massive... read more While in another time, many years ago, this would have been a good idea, but we have squandered our time neglecting the climate problem and now the TCI is too little too late. We need a massive plan to transform our society similar to the war effort in the Forties and TCI is a feel good bandaid on a massive wound and will just distract us from focusing on a plan that will comprehensively address this crisis. This plan among other things, must address the neglected parts of our society, for to work, it must have the support of all citizens. It must also address the main cause of the climate problem: the capitalist system where the wealthy prosper and the poor are left to their own devices to survive; making things for commerce's sake, not because we need these things; increasingly extracting material from the earth as if it is inexhaustible leaving behind a polluted earth and air now so degraded that we are on the brink of extinction - all in the pursuit of market projections that our businesses must not fail to meet not what is the best we can do for mankind. This is time for the boldest thinking we can muster if we are to survive - not this weak answer to the most dire issue mankind has created or faced.
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1/24/2020 |
Matthew |
LeFluer |
Person. With. A. Learning Disability. ( Autism,ADHD,) |
Alburgh |
Vermont |
The science of climate change is real. Scientists agree, and it's bad. After procrastinating for decades we have a short period of time to start turning off the greenhouse gas faucet. We can... read more The science of climate change is real. Scientists agree, and it's bad. After procrastinating for decades we have a short period of time to start turning off the greenhouse gas faucet. We can leverage market forces to start reducing transportation emissions through TCI.
I request that the Commonwealth of Vermont. take our common climate wealth seriously and formally join the TCI to reduce emissions. I further ask that the policy prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and is financially affordable for poor families and individuals as possible.
Thank you.
1/24/2020 |
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1/24/2020 |
Donna |
Smyers |
Vermont, New England, the US, and the planet Earth |
Adamant |
Vermont |
I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes... read more I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes people's behavior in this country is financial incentive. It is actually a very capitalistic and Republican manner of achieving results without the government deciding how it gets done.
TCI does not go far enough to cut carbon quickly, but it is a very important step that can be taken without major economic upheaval. We have endured gas price increases much more drastic than TCI would cause during prior gas shortages or panics. We paid up to $4/gallon not that long ago. When we did, people bought smaller cars and carpooled and used public transit or stayed home more. They had to. That is a price that we should pay now, and use the funds generated to help people who can least afford the price increases to change their mode of transportation and decrease their heating fuel needs. Upgrading vehicles and weatherization for those least able to pay will give them long term economic benefits from the price increases and help VT and the world achieve the needed decrease in fossil fuel use.
If we do not pay the small price now, the cost in disaster mitigation will dwarf the cost of TCI. Even though we are a small portion of worldwide CO2 emissions, Vermont must do its part. Every single portion counts. If we do not do it, everyone may not do it. We all must pay a price for the excesses of the last century or pay a much bigger price later. Delaying aggressive action is like obtaining an extremely high interest loan--it will come due and we will pay for it.
Please approve joining into the Transportation Climate Initiative now.
Thank you,
Donna Smyers |
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1/25/2020 |
Bill |
Christian |
Vermont citizen |
North Bennington |
Vermont |
Cutting gasoline will become a matter of life or death. We will keep using it as long as it's cheap and convenient. That's human nature. We MUST make it more expensive, so people will... read more Cutting gasoline will become a matter of life or death. We will keep using it as long as it's cheap and convenient. That's human nature. We MUST make it more expensive, so people will choose ways to NOT use it. This is life or death for our children's children. Implement this or a simpler carbon tax, and use the revenue progressively to help those hurt most by it, by returning the money straight back to them. Do not use the money for pet climate projects. Because the most effective and fairest measures are chosen by each of us individually. |
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1/25/2020 |
Hillary |
Twining |
Vermont citizen |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
To Whom It May Concern:
I want to express my enthusiastic support for this multi-state initiative. It is past time to be taking concrete steps - aggressive steps - to address climate change... read more To Whom It May Concern:
I want to express my enthusiastic support for this multi-state initiative. It is past time to be taking concrete steps - aggressive steps - to address climate change. I hope those involved will move ahead quickly and a clear sense of the narrowing window we have to prevent the worst effects of global warming.
Sincerely,
Hillary Twining |
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