10/12/2020 |
Jennifer |
Kleindienst |
Self |
Middletown |
Connecticut |
CT STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON OCTOBER 1, 2019
FRAMEWORK FOR A DRAFT REGIONAL POLICY PROPOSAL
October 12, 2020
Dear Transportation Climate Initiative Regional Policy... read more CT STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON OCTOBER 1, 2019
FRAMEWORK FOR A DRAFT REGIONAL POLICY PROPOSAL
October 12, 2020
Dear Transportation Climate Initiative Regional Policy Workgroup,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the “Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal” released on October 1, 2019. I support a regional policy to reduce transportation pollution and believe robust and meaningful public input into both the regional and state decision-making on the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is necessary to ensure a just and equitable policy design for Connecticut. I offer feedback on the proposal’s sections below.
Our current transportation system in Connecticut and throughout the Northeast is inequitable, prioritizing car ownership and ridership over all other forms of transportation. This has, in turn, created pollution of many kinds and has resulted in transportation as the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity advisory committees
These committees are necessary to ensure accountability at all levels. It is essential that these committees have true decision-making power and include members from the relevant communities. To ensure participation from underserved and impacted communities, financial compensation for attending should be provided.
Dedicated investments for disproportionately impacted communities
At least 35% of investments, and ideally more than 50%, must be in disproportionately impacted communities to adequately address racial and economic justice issues. Antiracist discrimination, that is discriminating against people who are White in favor of Black and Latinx, is needed to make TCI an antiracist policy. More money must go to communities long left out of investment decisions to create equity. The Center for Latino Progress’s 2019 survey on TCI further indicates high support (82%) for prioritization of equity and environmental justice in investments, with 67% also supporting a dedicated percentage of investments going to address disproportionately impacted communities.
Air quality monitoring as complementary policy
Air quality monitoring is a necessary first step, but is the bare minimum needed. California’s model is a precedent for Connecticut, setting air quality improvement targets and strategies in individual communities and, through grants, empowers community organizations to facilitate this process. Because air quality is often worst in low-income communities and those with high percentages of Black and Latinx residents, the MOU should commit to lowering pollution in these communities.
Workforce training and employment
Creating good jobs in environmentally beneficial sectors is one of the most promising aspects of TCI. It is essential that strong labor standards are upheld and that job preference is given to those in environmental justice communities. Especially in this current age of COVID, well-paying and stable jobs are in short supply; TCI opens opportunities for high-quality jobs. TCI can and should also encourage apprenticeship and training programs.
Sincerely,
Jennifer G. Kleindienst
241 West St.
Middletown, CT 06457 |
2020 10 TCI Feedback.docx |
10/14/2020 |
Lilly |
Knuth |
None |
Garden City |
New York |
With climate change we must update our transportation to use less carbon based fuels and find ways to do it efficiently. With climate change we must update our transportation to use less carbon based fuels and find ways to do it efficiently. |
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10/14/2020 |
Annie |
Dawid |
University of Denver |
Westcliffe |
Colorado |
We must move to low-emission/no-emission transportation for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Now. We must move to low-emission/no-emission transportation for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Now. |
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10/14/2020 |
Paul |
Palla |
na |
Greencastle |
Pennsylvania |
It's very simple. FOSSIL FUELS = DEATH! STOP HELPING THEM KILL US!! read more It's very simple. FOSSIL FUELS = DEATH! STOP HELPING THEM KILL US!! |
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10/14/2020 |
Sarah |
Stewart |
Dr. |
Watertown |
Massachusetts |
My family and I are requesting a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032, an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%), and investments be... read more My family and I are requesting a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032, an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%), and investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit.
Thank you for your attention to our comments, The Stewart Family |
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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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10/14/2020 |
Tracy |
Feldman |
Dr. (Mr.) |
Durham |
North Carolina |
I am an ecologist, educator, father, and concerned citizen of Durham. I would like to make sure that NC is in a strong position to mitigate damages of climate change to the environment and the... read more I am an ecologist, educator, father, and concerned citizen of Durham. I would like to make sure that NC is in a strong position to mitigate damages of climate change to the environment and the people who live here. Thus, I would urge you to include a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032. Please also increase the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities to much more than 35%.
Please put investments towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit. Thank you! |
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10/14/2020 |
Mari |
Mennel-Bell |
Individual |
Fort Lauderdale |
Florida |
We are requesting a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
Request that... read more We are requesting a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
Request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit |
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10/14/2020 |
Lance |
Polya |
Elders for Climate Justice |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I strongly support the TCI I strongly support the TCI |
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10/14/2020 |
N. |
Dumser |
None |
NORTHPORT |
New York |
Carbon emissions must be capped and reduced to save our climate and ourselves. Carbon emissions must be capped and reduced to save our climate and ourselves. |
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10/14/2020 |
Liz |
Robinson |
Philadelphia Solar Energy Association |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
PA desperately needs more public education on the benefits of electric vehicles. We need to build the market and public support for clean transportation. PA desperately needs more public education on the benefits of electric vehicles. We need to build the market and public support for clean transportation. |
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10/14/2020 |
Dan |
Esposito |
Individual |
Manhattan Beach |
California |
Please ensure clean transportation in the Northeast. Thank you. Please ensure clean transportation in the Northeast. Thank you. |
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10/14/2020 |
Thomasin |
Kellermann |
none/concerned private citizen |
Cumberland |
Rhode Island |
Please make sure that the Initiative is robust and includes plans that can be implemented immediately, so that communities can see the benefit of the Initiative in a timely manner. Please make... read more Please make sure that the Initiative is robust and includes plans that can be implemented immediately, so that communities can see the benefit of the Initiative in a timely manner. Please make sure that funding is adequate for years to come. A lot of plans may look good on paper, but lack funding or oversight. Please make sure that the final proposal is not watered down to get all stakeholders in agreement. As to the technicalities of the plan, listen to the scientists and experts, and not lobbyists or special interest groups. Thank you. |
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10/14/2020 |
Donald |
Walsh |
citizen |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
A cap on carbon emissions of at least 50% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>50%)
Request that investments be... read more A cap on carbon emissions of at least 50% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>50%)
Request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit
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10/14/2020 |
Phyllis |
Blumberg |
concerned citizen |
Bala Cynwyd |
Pennsylvania |
I am a mother and a grandmother. I am appealing to you as a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. We must ensure low-carbon transportation so that our next generations will be able to live. To... read more I am a mother and a grandmother. I am appealing to you as a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. We must ensure low-carbon transportation so that our next generations will be able to live. To do this I am asking that you approve:
- cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
-an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
- investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit
According to a recently released study by Harvard and other institutions, if the program is designed appropriately, up to 1,100 lives can be saved annually, and the region could see $11 billion in health benefits each year.
Thank you for yout consideration of these requests. |
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10/14/2020 |
Emily |
Kennedy |
University of Pennsylvania |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
I'm really grateful this initiative is becoming a priority. As we develop a regional policy, I think it is important to ensure there is a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032, a... read more I'm really grateful this initiative is becoming a priority. As we develop a regional policy, I think it is important to ensure there is a cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032, a focus on an increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%), and request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit.
I think it is up to policy makers to begin thinking about how we prioritize land uses and where we allocate funds - whether to complete street and transit improvement or highway expansion. I implore this group to advocate for the transportation trust fund to shift it's funding from an 80/20 split prioritizing road improvements and switch to an 80/20 focus with a priority on transit and complete street design. |
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10/14/2020 |
Jason |
Curtis |
Andropogon Associates |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
The only way to move forward is to stop borrowing carbon from the future. Let's be smart. read more The only way to move forward is to stop borrowing carbon from the future. Let's be smart. |
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10/14/2020 |
Don |
Hawkins |
n/a |
North Braddock |
Pennsylvania |
Please support and include the following in your goals:
1. A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
2. An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and... read more Please support and include the following in your goals:
1. A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
2. An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
3. Put investments towards more diverse transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit
Thank you for your time,
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10/14/2020 |
Laura |
Herndon |
citizen |
Burbank |
California |
I demand a strong TCI program!!! I would like to see:
1. A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
2. An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved... read more I demand a strong TCI program!!! I would like to see:
1. A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
2. An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
3. Request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit
If the program is designed appropriately, up to 1,100 lives can be saved annually, and the region could see $11 billion in health benefits each year. |
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10/14/2020 |
James |
Talbot |
Neverland Designs |
Austin |
Texas |
I support a strong TCI program that provides a minimum increase of 35% of investment in underserved communities, at least a 25% cap on carbon emissions by '32 if not sooner, and a strong... read more I support a strong TCI program that provides a minimum increase of 35% of investment in underserved communities, at least a 25% cap on carbon emissions by '32 if not sooner, and a strong investment in infrastructure for walking, bicycles, and public transit.
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