2/25/2020 |
Paul |
Burns |
Vermonter |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
I believe that Vermont should join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Joining TCI is not the only thing we need to do now to address the climate crisis, but it is one important step we... read more I believe that Vermont should join the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Joining TCI is not the only thing we need to do now to address the climate crisis, but it is one important step we must take. And it will not only bring climate and economic benefits to our state; it will improve our transportation system and reduce air pollution as well. |
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1/2/2020 |
Daniel |
Marion |
Very Concerned Citizen |
Cumberland |
Rhode Island |
TCI is a complete sham and is nothing more than another excuse to take more money from the tax payers and control their lives. If you truly want to affect the climate in a positive way spend your... read more TCI is a complete sham and is nothing more than another excuse to take more money from the tax payers and control their lives. If you truly want to affect the climate in a positive way spend your time getting China, and India to reduce their toxic output and leave the US alone. There is no freaking way the people in New England will be ok garbage. |
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12/1/2019 |
Irving |
Priest |
Veteran taxpayer |
Killeen |
Texas |
I left MA when I realized the bloated hackerama would never repeal the income tax to what we the people voted it back down to. If Tall Devil, I mean Charlie wants to slide this into his budget to... read more I left MA when I realized the bloated hackerama would never repeal the income tax to what we the people voted it back down to. If Tall Devil, I mean Charlie wants to slide this into his budget to keep feeding his friends in the unions I think we should immediately votw for the only vehicles allowed to take home from ANY state map, I mean job, should be all electric vehicles. No more cruisers being driven home at 90 MPH because the statues are “on duty” 24/7 like they “have been” in the past. No more Tahoe for Charlie to be catered around in - he wants a free ride he can drive his own little electric spec to see how much fun they are to drive around Boston - and make sure it’s a stripped down model without any extras so he can finally drive like the rest of us. Might teach him to take that amazing MBTA he has worked such wonders on. |
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2/29/2020 |
Douglas |
Stuart |
Veterans For Peace, Eliot Church of Newton, United Church of Christ |
Newton |
Massachusetts |
This initiative is a constructive, cooperative enterprise engaging a mutual concern for our environment. A positive effort in facing up to our
responsibility for our planet's, our... read more This initiative is a constructive, cooperative enterprise engaging a mutual concern for our environment. A positive effort in facing up to our
responsibility for our planet's, our children's and grandchildren's future. |
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12/1/2019 |
Stan |
Roberts |
Victim |
Westminster |
Massachusetts |
The audacity of these swindlers in government. Instead of doing the job that they were elected to find innovative new ways to disguise ways around what we have already voted against. ... The audacity of these swindlers in government. Instead of doing the job that they were elected to find innovative new ways to disguise ways around what we have already voted against.
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10/14/2020 |
David |
Sawhill |
VidSaw Innovation, LLC |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
It is so important to address climate change. Especially for our children. It is time to stop thinking only for ourselves and for only this present moment. It is truly incomprehensible to me how... read more It is so important to address climate change. Especially for our children. It is time to stop thinking only for ourselves and for only this present moment. It is truly incomprehensible to me how self serving political change has become. Enough said. Let's try something different. It might even be a surprise that provides a long term economic advantage. |
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1/19/2020 |
Elaine |
Schmerling |
Village of Ardentown |
Wilmington |
Delaware |
We need more and better public transportation, to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. Also, our roads are too crowded already, as population is growing, we need more people to take... read more We need more and better public transportation, to reduce pollution and mitigate climate change. Also, our roads are too crowded already, as population is growing, we need more people to take public transportation - but it is not always convenient enough, we don't have enough of it. |
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2/21/2020 |
Laura |
Bang |
Villanova University |
Strafford |
Pennsylvania |
As someone who has always relied on public transportation, I have observed many different public transit systems in the states and cities in which I have resided. Of the TCI members, I have lived... read more As someone who has always relied on public transportation, I have observed many different public transit systems in the states and cities in which I have resided. Of the TCI members, I have lived in PA and MD (in the Washington, D.C. metro area), and visited many others. There is a huge difference in the ease of getting around via public transit in bigger cities vs. smaller cities and towns, but all systems can certainly benefit from upgrades. As someone who is also deeply concerned about climate change and the future of our planet, I am also eager to see more states take the initiative to reduce carbon pollution while investing in ways to make getting around better for everyone. |
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2/22/2020 |
Barbara |
Schelstrate |
Virginia citizen |
Arlington |
Virginia |
I am thrilled that my state is one of those supporting the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Let's ensure that Virginia is at the forefront of efforts to combat the worst effects of... read more I am thrilled that my state is one of those supporting the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Let's ensure that Virginia is at the forefront of efforts to combat the worst effects of climate change, and perhaps even to turn climate change around. |
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2/19/2020 |
Alleyn |
Harned |
Virginia Clean Cities at JMU |
Harrisonburg |
Virginia |
TCI could be well served to consider climate implications of a range of currently utilized U.S. transportation fuels and fuel switch solutions, based on Department of Energy, Department of... read more TCI could be well served to consider climate implications of a range of currently utilized U.S. transportation fuels and fuel switch solutions, based on Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, EPA and California longstanding efforts to reduce transportation emissions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. In the absence of metrics, the solutions proposed or modeled may be high cost and low impact. If TCI would like help there are a range of technologies that could be considered that could reduce emissions far greater than 19% over a decade. With transportation carbon targeting solutions looking at bang-for-the-buck or taking a greenhouse gas reduction as a metric strategy, deeper cuts could be seen on a faster timescale. Public sources of information from California Low Carbon Fuel Standard is a good peer-state guide. The federal Renewable Fuel Standard is the other long evaluated public tool tracking real metrics. Consider goal of tracking and reducing transportation greenhouse gas emissions with a wider all hands on deck approach rather than limited strategies and see if a TCI model can seek larger benefit for the public good. Consider a policy that has a larger emissions reduction strategy in the region such as 25% and continual evaluation. TCI materials miss a lot of science of transportation emission studies and additional advisors could help the TCI team. Clean transportation investment options seem pretty limited and could use peer review from state clean transportation programs. In Virginia our clean fuel program at Virginia Clean Cities reduces 175,000,000 tons annually and TCI should revisit 2032 goals of 62 total possible million metric tons reduced in 25% scenario to see if this regulatory action could meet or far exceed current single state voluntary annual emission reductions programs - considering the baseline of clean fuel programs goals could be increased with full coordination with DOT and Energy agencies or checking back at assumptions. |
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2/20/2020 |
Alleyn |
Harned |
Virginia Clean Cities at JMU |
Harrisonburg |
Virginia |
In a previous submission I had an error where I overstated the impact of the local transportation carbon reduction program in Virginia - 174 thousand tons of CO2e a year is saved in those... read more In a previous submission I had an error where I overstated the impact of the local transportation carbon reduction program in Virginia - 174 thousand tons of CO2e a year is saved in those voluntary efforts and not million. I regret the error. |
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2/27/2020 |
Homan |
Wai |
Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action |
Falls Church |
Virginia |
Transportation is becoming one of the leading source of carbon emissions. It is essential that we revamp the structure to address the impact it will have in the future. As a physician, I also... read more Transportation is becoming one of the leading source of carbon emissions. It is essential that we revamp the structure to address the impact it will have in the future. As a physician, I also understand that this is a significant factor that would impact the health of my patients. |
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2/28/2020 |
Samantha |
Ahdoot |
Virginia Clinicians for Climate Action |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
Yesterday I saw a two-year old boy with his third asthma attack in three months. After he failed to improve with treatment in my office I sent him to the Emergency Department, where he was... read more Yesterday I saw a two-year old boy with his third asthma attack in three months. After he failed to improve with treatment in my office I sent him to the Emergency Department, where he was started on his third course of oral steroids in twelve weeks. He was placed on strong preventative medication to continue indefinitely. In a single clinic day earlier this week I treated three children with Attention Deficit Disorder and one child with a learning disability.
We know from decades of research that air pollution from the combustion of oil and gas for transportation directly harms the health of our children. Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion harms children's lungs, causing asthma attacks and bronchitis, as well as potentially life-long reduced lung capacity. Air pollution also affects our brains, contributing to cognitive and behavioral disorders in children and Alzheimer's disease in adults. Reducing these pollutants is vital to protecting the health and future of our children and all members of our communities.
That is why I strongly support this policy to reduce air pollution from the transportation sector. This policy would have tremendous health benefits through reduced air pollution. By 2032, the public health benefits of the proposed program could reach as much as $10 billion, and reduce as many as 1,000 fewer premature deaths, and over 1,300 fewer asthma symptoms annually.
As a pediatrician, I strongly support the proposed policy. |
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2/28/2020 |
Wyatt |
Gordon |
Virginia Conservation Network |
Richmond |
Virginia |
Virginia Conservation Network is the partnership of 125 groups across the Commonwealth working to protect our natural resources. We have a 50 year history of working for state level policy changes... read more Virginia Conservation Network is the partnership of 125 groups across the Commonwealth working to protect our natural resources. We have a 50 year history of working for state level policy changes to protect and restore our air, water, and natural landscapes.
Climate change is the biggest environmental threat we face here in Virginia and across the globe. All levels of government must step up to address this threat by putting policies in place that reduce carbon emissions. Virginia is on a path to joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to ratchet down our carbon pollution from electricity generation with a statewide goal of getting to a carbon free power grid by 2050. However, the utility sector is only on fifth of our greenhouse gas emissions, forty-six percent of our state’s carbon pollution derives from the transportation sector. It is time for Virginia, our neighboring states, and the nation to tackle this source of pollution.
VCN is excited about the solutions the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) could offer our Commonwealth. TCI would not only put in place a system to reduce carbon pollution from transportation, the resulting revenue streams from TCI could allow us to expand our transit networks and transition our vehicle fleets—from police cruisers to school buses—to all-electric. The potential for revenues to be invested in cleaner and more accessible transportation solutions in communities that suffer disproportionately from transportation pollution and a lack of mobility options can not be overstated. It is important that while we look towards transportation solutions we look not only to electrification but also to smart land-use including walkable, bikeable communities. We look forward to working with TCI and our neighboring states to tackle this problem from all angles.
There are many co-benefits to cleaning up our transportation system; however, the benefits for public health would prove especially significant. Virginia’s rate of asthma and related deaths is well above the national average. Richmond in particular has more deaths linked to asthma than any other U.S. city, and childhood asthma is a top reason that Richmond children miss school. Cleaner vehicles would mean cleaner air for our kids to breathe.
We are excited to support this endeavor to simultaneously tackle the climate crisis, enhance our region's mobility and make a significant shift towards cleaner, healthier communities. |
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2/28/2020 |
Michael |
O'Connor |
Virginia Petroleum & Convenience Marketers Association |
Richmond |
Virginia |
Virginia Petroleum and Convenience Marketers Association is a statewide trade association formed in 1948 representing the interests of the state’s petroleum and convenience industries. We are... read more Virginia Petroleum and Convenience Marketers Association is a statewide trade association formed in 1948 representing the interests of the state’s petroleum and convenience industries. We are pleased to submit comments on the Transportation and Climate Initiative’s draft Memorandum of Understanding. |
TCI MOU comments final.docx |
2/21/2020 |
Greg |
Singleton |
Virginia resident |
Springfield |
Virginia |
We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:
More public transit and... read more We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:
More public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
Expansion of commuter rail, electric vehicles, and streets in the suburbs that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
Sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities
It is morally imperative that we transform our transportation system in a way that minimizes (and eventually eliminates completely) our use of fossil fuels as the energy source of our transportation system and move to an energy source that is renewable and sustainable.
Thank you for ready my comments. |
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2/23/2020 |
Eve |
Schwartz |
Virginia resident |
Keswick |
Virginia |
I applaud your work to reduce carbon-emissions by working cooperatively. Carbon emissions do not stop at the border of any particular state, so it is imperative for the states (and DC) to work... read more I applaud your work to reduce carbon-emissions by working cooperatively. Carbon emissions do not stop at the border of any particular state, so it is imperative for the states (and DC) to work together, supporting each other's needs, which my vary somewhat. It is time to: 1) encourage people to use public transit by making it affordable, convenient, and pleasant to use. This is a worthwhile financial investment. 2) tax sources of carbon emissions--cars, trucks, gasoline, and major industrial supplies of the products. 3) Invest heavily in alternative forms of energy, especially wind and solar. Fossil fuels are no longer a good investment. Solar and wind are the energy solutions of the future--that's when the smart money should go.
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2/27/2020 |
Julia |
Candon-Nguyen |
Virginia Resident |
Lovettsville |
Virginia |
We need to push the shift to sustainable transportation aggressively. As the cost of this cap is pushed onto consumers, more and more commuters in the area will have to turn to either sustainable... read more We need to push the shift to sustainable transportation aggressively. As the cost of this cap is pushed onto consumers, more and more commuters in the area will have to turn to either sustainable vehicle options or public transportation. Of the two, I think public transportation is more effective – it doesn’t have as severe an upfront environmental impact, it helps multiple people at once, and the benefits would only increase if the vehicles themselves were green. However, the current public transportation system is too inefficient to be beneficial. If my commute to work is 15 mins by car and an hour by bus, of course I wont take the bus! The money earned from TCI needs to be applied towards improving our public transport and incentivizing people to use it. |
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2/28/2020 |
Steve |
Banashek |
Virginia Resident |
Alexandria |
Virginia |
The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is an opportunity for Virginia and the Washington, DC metro region to reduce fossil fuel emissions and invest in clean transportation options... read more The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is an opportunity for Virginia and the Washington, DC metro region to reduce fossil fuel emissions and invest in clean transportation options including electric cars and buses, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, EV purchase tax credits, sidewalks/bike lanes, and regional rail. I strongly support and urge Virginia to move forward with and join the TCI as well as require that the revenue generated by the program be used to expand clean transportation. There are simply too many cars on the road contributing to our warming climate and adding to air pollution related health problems including asthma rates.
Transportation is responsible for nearly half (46 percent) of Virginia's greenhouse gas emissions. If Virginians want to do our part to slow climate change, we definitely need to tackle transportation emissions. In many ways, transportation presents one of the greatest obstacles to tackling climate change, as well as one of the biggest opportunities to address some of Virginia’s challenges.
TCI takes a regional approach. Virginia’s transportation systems are intimately connected to Washington, D.C., Maryland and the entire region, so a real solution to transportation challenges must be regional as well. Additionally, as a coastal state Virginia is already experiencing the impact of climate change more than most—and scientists have made it clear that we must dramatically scale up efforts to reduce GHG emissions if we are to mitigate the worst impacts of a warming world.
We must act now to implement thoughtful and collaborative solutions like TCI that will help address the climate challenge while also driving investments in a clean transportation future. Virginia’s state leaders need to join with our neighbors and build a clean and efficient transportation system that we can all benefit from. |
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11/5/2019 |
Douglas |
Stewart |
Virginia Sierra Club |
Fairfax |
Virginia |
Comments are in attached file. Comments are in attached file. |
VA Sierra Club comments Framework transportation cap-and-invest.docx |