2/28/2020 |
Anna Rose |
Benson |
Vermont citizen |
Weybridge |
Vermont |
We say Yes to this proposal.
It is a good start and shows good intention.
We must work together, we must be serious and effective.
Good work. We say Yes to this proposal.
It is a good start and shows good intention.
We must work together, we must be serious and effective.
Good work. |
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2/24/2020 |
Ben |
Freeman |
Vermont citizen and active voter |
Landgrove |
Vermont |
I am in support of the TCI and urge my elected officials, particularly Governor Scott, to vote in favor of Vermont's participation. read more I am in support of the TCI and urge my elected officials, particularly Governor Scott, to vote in favor of Vermont's participation. |
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2/14/2020 |
Cara |
Robechek |
Vermont Energy Education Program |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP) works with students and teachers from schools around Vermont. Young people around the state (our newest and soon-to-be voters) are worried about climate... read more Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP) works with students and teachers from schools around Vermont. Young people around the state (our newest and soon-to-be voters) are worried about climate change and looking for positive action to reduce carbon emissions and increase resiliency. With 44% of Vermont's climate pollution coming from Transportation, it is clear to me, and to our youth, that we need to be making positive changes in our transportation system. I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative.
Vermont needs new funding source to be able to create transportation that will work for all, including families and young people. Because it is regional, and it's burden on individual households is low, TCI is the best tool we have in the near future to provide this funding.
The RGGI model provides an excellent example of how this sort of programming can create a positive change for our state. As you know Vermont has been able to weatherize many, many more low and moderate income homes than would have been possible without RGGI's $2 million dollars each year. Similar strategic funding for transportation from a regional initiative would make a very noticeable difference for our transportation system.
Our young people are asking us to make real change on climate. They deserve to have programs like TCI put into place. New forward-thinking programming and action funded by TCI will make Vermont the kind of place where young people choose to stay to raise their families. |
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11/4/2019 |
Matthew |
Cota |
Vermont Fuel Dealers Association |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
The Transportation Climate Initiative sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses.
I am opposed to the TCI plan as outlined... read more The Transportation Climate Initiative sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses.
I am opposed to the TCI plan as outlined: Capping sales of gasoline and diesel, requiring suppliers to purchase allowances in order to sell motor fuel, and having consumers pay higher prices at the pump in order to subsidize electric vehicles.
This proposal negatively impacts low income Vermonters, particularly those that live in rural areas of the state. It would only help those who are considering purchasing a new electric vehicle and/or those that live in urban areas with access to public transportation.
Furthermore, while some consumers may be able to choose public transportation or an electric car to avoid the increased cost in gasoline, there is no viable option for businesses that need diesel trucks. In Vermont, 25% of the motor fuel sold is diesel— and we need diesel trucks to haul milk, logs and other products that benefit our agricultural economy. Diesel is also sold with increasing blends of renewable biodiesel, which is critical for Vermont and the Northeast to meet our energy goals.
We ask you to slow down this process, consider taking diesel fuel out of TCI and ensure that renewable liquid fuels such as biodiesel are not taxed in the same manner as petroleum fuel. |
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2/27/2020 |
Grace |
Gershuny |
Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition |
Barnet |
Vermont |
Please consider the value of drawing down carbon by building soil health in the discussion about how to allocate funds to be received from TCI. This also can contribute to improved water quality,... read more Please consider the value of drawing down carbon by building soil health in the discussion about how to allocate funds to be received from TCI. This also can contribute to improved water quality, climate resilience, and food production. Compensating farmers and other land managers for building soil carbon and water storage is one important part of Vermont's climate objectives. The Payment for Ecosystem Services Working Group is currently working on ways to measure ecosystem services provided by farmers and land managers, and identify sources of funding to reward them for this work. Perhaps TCI could provide part of the revenue needed to compensate farmers for drawing down carbon.
Another readily measurable way to reduce our GHG emissions is to encourage substitution of biological methods such as compost application and cover cropping for use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Support for farmers to replace synthetic nitrogen with compost to provide crop nutrients will serve to sequester carbon in addition to reducing nitrous oxide emissions. Nitrogen synthesis currently consumes vast quantities of natural gas in an energy intensive process. As a bonus, implementation of the solid waste recycling requirement would be supported by market incentives for community based compost production--a win-win for both environment and farm economy.
Thank you for considering these suggestions, submitted on behalf of the Vermont Healthy Soils Coalition - www.vermonthealthysoilscoalition.org
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2/26/2020 |
Richard |
Richard |
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light, Bristol Energy Committee |
Bristol |
Vermont |
My name is Richard Butz, I’m a member of the Bristol, Vermont, Energy Committee, a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL), a Board member of Addison County River Watch... read more My name is Richard Butz, I’m a member of the Bristol, Vermont, Energy Committee, a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light (VTIPL), a Board member of Addison County River Watch Collaborative (ACRWC), a father and grandfather. I’m writing in strong support for Vermont’s participation in the Transportation Climate Initiative.
As a college professor (now retired as an assistant professor of engineering technology), I lectured on building and transportation systems and have been staying up on the environmental and technological aspects of those systems. To me the evidence is clear, while we’re in trouble regarding greenhouse gas emissions, the technology exists, right now, to address them. What’s missing are the will and financial resources. TCI will facilitate change in attitudes and provide funding to encourage sustainable practices while protecting low income vermonters through rebates and incentives. It will result in clean, good paying jobs as we make the necessary transitions.
As a member of the Bristol Energy Committee, I work to plan and implement ways our citizens can achieve the mobility they need, whether it involves frequent and convenient public transportation or finding ways to afford more efficient and affordable personal vehicles. We’ve already benefitted from weatherization programs that have been funded through monies received as a result of the two million dollars Vermont receives each year as part of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Our Button-up and Window Dressers initiatives are local examples. TCI will function in a similar way to RGGI.
As a person of faith, a progressive church member and a Board member of Vermont Interfaith Power and Light, I advocate for TCI because it is a significant step in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, critical to protecting Creation, something people of faith understand and are called to do. Last Thursday more than fifty members of VTIPL spent the day at the State House in Montpelier, meeting with our legislators to lobby for the first bill of the Global Climate Solutions Act. Imagine our joy when it passed the House with a large majority.
I know that transportation contributes 43% of Vermont’s greenhouse gas emissions, and if we are to make any progress in this regard we are going to have to invest in cleaner public transportation modes, particularly in rural locations where driving is a significant factor. As a long-term Prius owner I know how much less gasoline an efficient vehicle uses and its impact on my budget, something that needs to be made available to low income vermonters, and the funding from TCI would assist in that regard.
As a grandfather I fear for our kid’s future. The Fourth National Climate Assessment and the IPCC reports among countless others, make it clear that we have very little time to act. We know from our own experience that we are already experiencing erratic and destructive weather patterns, emergence of tick and mosquito born diseases that we never saw before, and we run the risk of losing our maple trees, having shorter ski seasons, degrading our beautiful streams, rivers and lakes, and the tourism that these resources support. In short, our way of life and the Vermont Brand may be lost. We can’t let that happen.
To be clear, I urge Vermont to join TCI! |
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12/20/2019 |
gus |
speth |
Vermont Law School |
strafford |
Vermont |
Governor Scott, please ignore what those folks across the CT river might do and get Vt solidly behind the REGGI transportation initiative. We need you to get us there! Thank you, Gus Speth Governor Scott, please ignore what those folks across the CT river might do and get Vt solidly behind the REGGI transportation initiative. We need you to get us there! Thank you, Gus Speth |
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11/5/2019 |
Johanna |
Miller |
Vermont Natural Resources Council |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Transportation & Climate Initiative Regional Policy Workgroup,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the “Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal” released on... read more Transportation & Climate Initiative Regional Policy Workgroup,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the “Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal” released on October 1, 2019. We – the undersigned organizations – view the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as an important opportunity for regional collaboration on a pressing problem. We also believe that robust public input into both the regional and state decision-making process is essential to ensure an equitable policy design and the best program possible.
We face an existential crisis when it comes to climate change. Our collective greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – largely from the combustion of fossil fuels and, in our region, largely coming from the transportation sector – are putting our economies, public health, and quality of life at great risk. Strategies that are carefully designed to reduce carbon pollution as swiftly as possible, in an equitable manner, are essential. TCI offers one of those opportunities. Getting it right, but getting it done, is essential. And, then we will need to do more.
Vermont is far from meeting its long-standing climate goals, with most of our GHG emissions increases coming from our most carbon-intensive sector: transportation. A strong program – including a strong cap – will be important to put Vermont and the region on track to start meeting our carbon pollution reduction commitments.
In these comments we offer some high-level input on our hopes for a strong program that could take our states, and our region collectively, one big step forward to reducing carbon pollution and, importantly, helping to create a cleaner, more diverse, more accessible 21st century transportation system. We appreciate the direction it appears TCI states are moving on several fronts and the opportunity to highlight some of the key characteristics we believe are essential to a strong, equitable program.
Thank you in advance for your consideration of this input and, more so, for your hard work to date – and the important work to come – to shape the design of a program that works for our planet and all people.
Equity
The prioritization of equity in the design of this program is key to its success, and we commend your recognition of it as a top priority. This program must – and, we believe, can – be designed to begin to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving access, mobility, and public health for vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations in particular. Ensuring this outcome will require an ongoing, inclusive, and strong public process, in particular for getting input on where any revenues would best be directed. Considering the differences among and within each state, utilizing potential TCI proceeds to address and prioritize equity, mobility, and access for more rural, low income, vulnerable and disproportionately impacted populations is essential.
In rural Vermont, transportation is a huge equity issue. It is a barrier to accessing and retaining a job and meeting basic needs such as getting to medical appointments, the grocery store and the pharmacy. The lack of transportation options leave many Vermonters isolated and alone, specifically the 1/3 of Vermonters who do not drive (this includes one in five adults over 65 years of age, people with a disability, children and those who choose not to drive). It is also a tremendous economic burden for low income households, where transportation accounts for approximately 50 percent of their energy bills. Strategies that serve a rural region well and enable Vermonters access to more clean, diverse transportation solutions are needed, and TCI revenues could serve as an important means to spur the investments required to make this transition.
Affected Fuels and Emissions
We support the TCI states’ proposal to cap carbon emissions from the combustion of motor gasoline and on-road diesel fuel in the region, as these fuels account for the vast majority of emissions from the transportation sector. We also urge that in the future other fossil fuels, such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), be considered for coverage as well, to avoid them being falsely viewed as a solution to transportation sector emissions.
Program Design: Auctions, Allocation, Regional Caps and Allowance Budgets
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has concluded that we have about a decade to substantially reduce emissions if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate
disruption. As such, it is essential that states set a regional emissions cap at the outset of the program that is sufficiently ambitious to align both with states’ climate targets and with scientific imperatives. To ensure TCI serves as the strongest tool possible to reduce emissions, the cap should start low and drop as quickly as possible, in line with the latest climate science. Further, to achieve the GHG outcomes needed, states should also auction all allowances.
Investment of Proceeds
For the TCI program to succeed – and for states and the region to begin to reduce emissions in our most intensive sector – how revenues are invested is critical. Any TCI revenues must be reinvested in solutions that reduce pollution – as quickly as possible in the short term – as well as set the stage for avoided emissions in the long term, by giving people options for getting where they need to go by walking, biking, and taking transit, and well as the option to live in compact communities close to jobs, services, and amenities.
We believe parameters around the use of these proceeds are essential. These dollars should go to transportation-related solutions or solutions that reduce the need for transportation. TCI proceeds should not be spent to backfill budgets for roads, bridges, general funds, or, even, other needed climate solutions like weatherization or thermal fuel switching. We must find other means to meet these needs, but TCI proceeds should be harnessed to reduce carbon pollution from transportation and help to create a more connected, diverse, resilient, clean, and affordable transportation system.
Specifically, we believe any TCI revenues should prioritize low- and moderate-income and rural Vermonters without access to public transportation. The types of solutions we’d like to see prioritized include electrification of cars, buses, and bikes; transit; transportation demand management strategies like carpool, vanpool, and other creative ride-sharing techniques; safe walking and biking infrastructure; smart growth land use solutions; housing in downtowns and community centers and more.
We appreciate and support the flexibility envisioned for states to identify the best strategies and investments to meet their unique needs. We also hope to see in Vermont – but also potentially to help drive innovation more broadly – the ability for all states to spend some TCI proceeds to fund innovative pilots such as micro-transit, high-efficiency vehicle incentive programs (especially to serve low income earners), or other creative strategies that could drive reductions, enable access, and help to fill in the gaps where more traditional strategies might fall short. This includes enabling the flexibility for geo-targeted investment strategies that could serve specific regions well, considering that the best solutions for bigger cities and towns might not be the best or most-needed strategies to serve smaller communities and rural areas.
Complementary Policies
No one climate policy, including TCI, will accomplish all of the climate pollution reductions we need. We will need a diverse suite of significant, complementary policies to get the job done. We look forward to working with other TCI states, with diverse constituencies in Vermont and beyond and with policy makers to identify and advance that suite of other strategies to complement TCI, finally putting us on the path to meet science-based reduction targets we so desperately need to meet.
Conclusion
This regional effort presents the most promising opportunity at this time to tackle emissions reductions in our heavily carbon-intensive transportation sector. Shaping a strong program in line with the climate science, while also prioritizing strategies and solutions to serve low-income, rural, and disproportionately impacted communities is imperative.
As noted above, even a strong TCI will not be sufficient to do all that we must to reduce pollution. That is why we also strongly encourage you to design an equitable TCI program that could, one day, potentially link to other carbon markets – if that made sense. We know that reducing carbon pollution in our heating sector is also a climate imperative. The ability for a well-structured TCI program to link to successful programs like California and Quebec’s Western Climate Initiative would provide the flexibility for the region (or states in the region) to participate in this economy-wide market. We urge you to enable that kind of design and flexibility in the program.
Thank you again for your hard work, your ongoing commitment to designing a science-based, equitable, and flexible program, and for your consideration of our input.
Sincerely,
Audubon Vermont
Capstone Community Action
Transportation for Vermonters
Vermont Conservation Voters
VEIC
Vermont Natural Resources Council
Vermont Public Interest Research Group
CC:
Julie Moore, Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources
Peter Walke, Deputy Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources
Michelle Boomhauer, Director of Policy and Planning, Vermont Agency of Transportation
Curt McCormack, Chair, Vermont House Transportation Committee
Dick Mazza, Chair, Vermont Senate Transportation Committee
Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Tim Ashe
Vermont Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson
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Joint Comments-TCI-Nov. 5.docx |
2/28/2020 |
Johanna |
Miller |
Vermont Natural Resources Council |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Dear Honorable Governors, Mayor Bowser and Transportation & Climate Initiative Workgroup Members,
As organizations representing Vermont’s leading low income, business,... read more Dear Honorable Governors, Mayor Bowser and Transportation & Climate Initiative Workgroup Members,
As organizations representing Vermont’s leading low income, business, environmental, public health, and faith organizations, we thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Memorandum of Understanding for the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), and for your continued leadership in exploring and advancing the development of a robust and equitable regional clean transportation policy.
The science could not be more clear: Our collective combustion of fossil fuels is warming our planet, and we risk severe costs and consequences from delayed or insufficient climate action. Swift, strategic solutions that reduce emissions in the transportation sector in particular – the largest source of our region’s carbon pollution – are imperative. There is a tremendous opportunity before us to design and implement a strong, equitable TCI cap-and-invest program.
As you embark on crafting a final MOU, we offer the following comments for consideration as critical components of a well-designed program that drives down climate-warming pollution, while also protecting and prioritizing underserved communities and other communities that are disproportionately burdened by vehicular pollution, the costs of the current transportation system, the lack of access to clean transportation options, and at highest risk for experiencing the negative impacts of a changing climate.
We offer the following comments and recommendations on the draft TCI MOU:
• Time is of the essence. We support the launch timeline outlined in the draft MOU, with the first compliance period for a regional TCI policy commencing no later than January 1, 2022.
• Ensure the program aligns with the science. We strongly urge the adoption of a regional transportation carbon emissions cap that requires at least a 25 percent reduction in carbon pollution over 10 years, starting with the program launch in 2022. Current climate science makes clear that serious pollution reductions are required, swiftly. Considering the urgency, we also urge considering more ambitious cap reduction levels that would provide even greater greenhouse gas reduction results, as well as other economic, equity, and public health benefits beyond those calculated in the modeling scenarios thus far.
• Enable strategic state-by-state investments and ensure equity. The ability for participating jurisdictions to have significant responsibility for determining how auction revenues are expended based on their unique needs is critical. Vermont is a very rural state. The needs of rural-living Vermonters are very different than for those living in Burlington or Boston. The ability for states to direct auction proceeds to support investments in transportation efficiency solutions that serve particular constituencies – such as rural Vermonters, low-to-moderate income earners or constituencies with unique transportation challenges – is essential. This kind of flexibility is important to help ensure equity and access to clean transportation solutions for everyone, which could range from direct incentives for vehicle electrification to innovative micro-transit pilots, bike and pedestrian investments, housing in and around our transit hubs and far more.
• Design for program performance. To ensure the program works well with a minimum level of performance and generation of auction proceeds in the early years of the program – affordably reducing transportation emissions – a minimum reserve price, or a price floor, is critical. We recommend setting a price floor consistent with allowance prices modeled in the 20 percent cap scenario, beginning at $6 per ton in 2022.
• Incorporate opportunities for program review and adaptation. Regular, rigorous program reviews are essential to maintain a strong program that enables flexibility and adaptability that considers current science, as well as other potential indicators that might warrant adjustments to the program design. We recommend that the first program review take place within three years of the program start, which, if commencing in 2022, would mean a program review in 2025 and every three years thereafter.
The Need for Complementary Policies
While a well-designed TCI program could help reduce the region’s collective carbon emissions significantly, far more work will be required. Identifying and implementing other complementary policies will be essential to aligning our emissions with what the science says is needed for a safe, habitable planet. We look forward to continuing to work with other TCI states, diverse and key constituencies, and all Vermonters to identify and advance that suite of additional strategies to complement TCI, finally putting us on the path to meet science-based climate pollution reduction targets we so desperately need to meet.
Conclusion:
Ongoing climate inaction puts our economies, public health, and quality of life at significant risk. TCI offers one of the most promising opportunities to make much needed pollution-reducing progress in the transportation sector. We thank you for considering this input and for continuing your work to refine and advance a strong, equitable, and flexible program that puts this region on a path to a 21st century, clean, affordable transportation system.
Sincerely,
Audubon Vermont
Capstone Community Action
Conservation Law Foundation
Lake Champlain Committee
Toxics Action Center
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Vermont Climate and Health Alliance
Vermont Conservation Voters
Vermont Interfaith Power and Light
Vermont Natural Resources Council
Vermont Public Interest Research Group
Vermont Yankee Decommissioning Alliance
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TCI MOU-Joint VT Comments-2-28-2020.pdf |
11/4/2019 |
Kevin |
Conti |
Vermont Resident |
Williamstown |
Vermont |
The Transportation Climate Initiative sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses.
I am opposed to the TCI plan as outlined... read more The Transportation Climate Initiative sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses.
I am opposed to the TCI plan as outlined: Capping sales of gasoline and diesel, requiring suppliers to purchase allowances in order to sell motor fuel, and having consumers pay higher prices at the pump in order to subsidize electric vehicles.
This proposal negatively impacts low income Vermonters, particularly those that live in rural areas of the state. It would only help those who are considering purchasing a new electric vehicle and/or those that live in urban areas with access to public transportation.
Furthermore, while some consumers may be able to choose public transportation or an electric car to avoid the increased cost in gasoline, there is no viable option for businesses that need diesel trucks. In Vermont, 25% of the motor fuel sold is diesel— and we need diesel trucks to haul milk, logs and other products that benefit our agricultural economy. Diesel is also sold with increasing blends of renewable biodiesel, which is critical for Vermont and the Northeast to meet our energy goals.
We ask you to slow down this process and consider taking diesel fuel out of TCI. |
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11/6/2019 |
Kieran |
Edraney |
Vermont Resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
It's important that the policies we enact on climate change make sure that the big polluters pay the most money, and we need to ensure that we do everything we can to make sure that the... read more It's important that the policies we enact on climate change make sure that the big polluters pay the most money, and we need to ensure that we do everything we can to make sure that the people living in more rural areas (I know there are many in Vermont) are not dealt a horrendous blow in terms of rising costs they can't handle. Finally, we need to make sure that when we institute a cap that it's done to keep us on track to address climate change. |
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11/7/2019 |
steve |
gagliardone |
Vermont Resident |
Sharon |
Vermont |
To TCI Planners- Thank you for taking the time to listen to my input.
Vermont is bound by law to significantly reduce carbon and increase renewable energy sources. Many critics... read more To TCI Planners- Thank you for taking the time to listen to my input.
Vermont is bound by law to significantly reduce carbon and increase renewable energy sources. Many critics of carbon reduction proposals have argued that the small state of Vermont cannot do it alone. TCI provides a prime opportunity to take a regional approach to carbon pollution reduction. And it has the data of a similar and very successful RGGI program to back it up. Of course, Vermont needs to do this and much more. We need a suite of complementary policies to help us meet our legal obligation, but TCI is an opportunity that we cannot pass up. In planning the TCI program I hope that you consider these 3 priorities in your design:
1. Prioritize equity so that low income Vermonters without access to public transportation are the primary beneficiaries of low carbon transportation options.
2.Polluters, including fossil fuel companies should pay the real costs for the environmental and health consequences of their product.
3. Start the cap low and drop it rapidly. Vermont is way behind in our obligation to meet the reduced carbon goals, and we need an aggressive approach to get back on track.
Thanks for listening!
Steve Gagliardone
Sharon, VT |
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2/10/2020 |
S |
Mallory |
Vermont Resident |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
I think part of your stated goal of capping carbon emissions is a poor goal to focus on. Yes let's move to reduce carbon emissions, but capping them with the TCI plan of authoritarian price... read more I think part of your stated goal of capping carbon emissions is a poor goal to focus on. Yes let's move to reduce carbon emissions, but capping them with the TCI plan of authoritarian price increases in a product that many are dependent on in an attempt to motivate behavioral changes to reduce their usage of fuels is problematic and an inefficient manner to create behavioral changes.
I see the likely result of this is to cause pain for many who are trying to earn a living (transportation to work), get food to their table (transportation for food from warmer climates to the northeast, and transportation to get the food to the table), and heat their homes in the northeast (not all can heat totally with wood), while paying more in taxes that will be used to benefit only some. I don't see this as changing behaviors.
I do not support a tax and spend program given the already high taxes in Vermont. Even if this is instituted I still expect to heat my existing home with some non-wood sources, shop at stores to buy food, and drive a fuel efficient car to earn a living and to pay my share of taxes. Also, regarding electric vehicles, before you plan to tax, spend, and cap our use of fuel efficient cars, I suggest you consider what would happen to our economy and personal safety if with the current technology we have many stranded vehicles clogging our roadways in the winter as their batteries loose half their output when it gets cold.
I can reduce my personal emissions but cannot cap them and do not support a government "service" to disadvantage and cap the basic necessities of life! |
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2/10/2020 |
Elizabeth |
Kroll |
Vermont Resident |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
I highly commend the bipartisan TCI and approve of its mission to develop a regional policy for low-carbon public transportation for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Transportation... read more I highly commend the bipartisan TCI and approve of its mission to develop a regional policy for low-carbon public transportation for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region. Transportation emissions account for 45% of Vermont’s total greenhouse gas pollution. To meet our carbon-reduction goals, we MUST reduce pollution from our cars and trucks. Expanding public, shared transportation is crucial and will cut down on pollution and offer opportunities to develop clean-energy-fueled transportation. And it will ALSO help address the social isolation of Vermonters (and residents of all TCI states) who do not own or drive their own vehicles -- giving them affordable public options to get to jobs, appointments, errands, and even other towns and states. Now is the time to create the future of transportation, not cling to the insufficient status quo. |
TCI Transpor-Hearing Let 2-13-20.odt |
2/14/2020 |
Anne |
Dean |
Vermont resident |
Woodstock |
Vermont |
In Vermont, the transportation sector has the largest contribution to statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Many Vermonters must also drive long distances between their homes and their jobs, making... read more In Vermont, the transportation sector has the largest contribution to statewide greenhouse gas emissions. Many Vermonters must also drive long distances between their homes and their jobs, making affordable transportation a critical economic equity and social welfare issue. I strongly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) as a tool that can quickly reduce regional transportation GHG emissions. However, we must be careful to design TCI so as to make affordable, low-carbon transportation options available to rural citizens in the region. |
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2/16/2020 |
Kieran |
Edraney |
Vermont Resident |
Burlington |
Vermont |
We need to make major moves if we're to act on climate change. Please don't punish my generation by failing to act. read more We need to make major moves if we're to act on climate change. Please don't punish my generation by failing to act. |
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2/21/2020 |
Cedar |
Stanistreet |
Vermont resident |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
Please work to create a TCI policy that brings more public transit to the northeast! Reducing climate damaging emissions from transportation should be a number one priority for Vermont. Currently... read more Please work to create a TCI policy that brings more public transit to the northeast! Reducing climate damaging emissions from transportation should be a number one priority for Vermont. Currently the public transit options are severely lacking between Brattleboro/Keene/Greenfield/Amherst, and this is an area where many people would be able to use a bus instead of driving I-91. |
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2/24/2020 |
Jack |
Clay |
Vermont resident |
Middletown Springs |
Vermont |
The governor’s appointees from the Public Service Department, the Agency of Transportation and the Agency of Natural Resources have been holding public meetings across the state to introduce the... read more The governor’s appointees from the Public Service Department, the Agency of Transportation and the Agency of Natural Resources have been holding public meetings across the state to introduce the TCI to Vermonters. They are basically saying:
- Vermonters will pay TCI’s compliance costs whether or not Gov. Scott joins the program.
- The State will receive back more for investments than Vermonters contribute, if Vermont does join the TCI.
Seems like an obvious choice: Vermont should join TCI and get back more than we put in, rather than opt out, pay TCIs costs anyway and get nothing in return. |
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2/24/2020 |
Dee |
Gish |
Vermont resident |
Sharon |
Vermont |
I urge Governor Scott to sign on to the Transportation Climate Initiative. The largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont is the transportation sector. The increasingly evident... read more I urge Governor Scott to sign on to the Transportation Climate Initiative. The largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Vermont is the transportation sector. The increasingly evident negative affects of climate change highlight an urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Vermont would benefit from being a part of the TCI to encourage a reduction in carbon emissions from transportation. Proceeds from the TCI would benefit low and moderate income Vermonters and help incentivize public transportation and electric vehicles. As an EV owner, I am aware of the many benefits of EVs, including less vehicle maintenance, no smelly trips to the gas pump, and less expensive operating costs. I would like more Vermonters to have access to EVs. |
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2/25/2020 |
Julie A |
Kraus |
Vermont resident |
Bethel |
Vermont |
This question’s answer is a no brainer and pure common sense. Join TCI now! This question’s answer is a no brainer and pure common sense. Join TCI now! |
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