2/28/2020 |
Sidra |
Pierson |
Middlebury College |
Middlebury |
Vermont |
Vermont’s Participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative Has the Potential to Improve Equity While Protecting the Planet
Coming off of the recent decision to pass the... read more Vermont’s Participation in the Transportation and Climate Initiative Has the Potential to Improve Equity While Protecting the Planet
Coming off of the recent decision to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act, Vermont has the opportunity to further its environmental commitment by supporting the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), a regional effort to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and improve sustainable transportation. The state must be a part of this undertaking, for the good of both the planet and its residents.
I chose to attend college in Vermont, over 3,000 miles from my home, because of the environment. I was not only drawn to the incredible natural beauty of the state, but also to the Environmental Studies program and Middlebury College. In my third year in the major, I’m spending a semester in an Engaged Community Practicum, thinking critically about public transit in the age of climate crisis. This perspective and sustained engagement with local stakeholders inform my understanding of the TCI, as does my childhood in an urban area where I depended on a (deeply flawed) public transit system.
The beauty of the TCI is that it takes the theories behind environmental justice and puts them into practice. The initiative holds the potential to provide incredible benefits to those who need them the most. The goal is to use a cap to reduce vehicle emissions (specifically on-road diesel and finished motor gasoline) and then invest the proceeds in measures to further reduce emissions and improve the quality and resilience of transportation. By targeting transportation, which contributes 43% of CO2 emissions in the TCI region, the program will combat climate change, which disproportionately impacts poor and marginalized groups.
The Draft Memorandum of Understanding for Stakeholder Input (MOU) highlights the program’s equity implications, pointing to increased accessibility and mobility as one key example. However, it must be acknowledged that the MOU is merely a sketch of what needs to become a much more robust plan. How exactly this outline is fleshed out has critical implications. When it comes to thinking about equity and the TCI, we must consider two dimensions: participation in process and distributive justice. Addressing these elements will alleviate most concerns about the TCI, but this has yet to be done sufficiently.
The Investments and Equity section of the MOU highlights the importance of thoughtful investment, of allowance proceeds, and of prioritizing transportation improvements for underserved communities. Significant concerns have been put forth about the potential for regressive effects of the TCI, and the writers of the MOU are right that proper investment can ensure that costs do not fall disproportionately on vulnerable groups. This is the case because Vermont’s low-income and aging populations share similar transportation obstacles, such as less access to personal vehicles. Therefore, investment in improved public transit options and pedestrian and cyclist safety will present benefits. Policy makers must make clear to the public exactly how they will invest proceeds in order to ensure that this program is progressive rather than regressive. In particular, this should include less emphasis on electric vehicles, which under the current investment scenario receive the largest share (30%). Rather than promoting infrastructures and ideologies centered around reliance on personal vehicles, the TCI must be more ambitious in investing in public transit. This is especially important considering the uncertainty around electric vehicle technology in rural, rugged landscapes.
It also must be clarified that distributional equity does not mean that benefits and burdens are evenly distributed across a population, but that those with the most constraints receive the most support. Furthermore, moving forward, policymakers must also demonstrate understanding of another core tenant of transportation equity, which is ensuring meaningful public involvement in the planning process.
Another key element regarding equity will be participation in the process. Policymakers must prioritize sustained public outreach to diverse demographics, and break down documents like the MOU in plain language to improve accessibility. Additionally, public transit programs and investments must be need-based, not demand-based. This may seem like semantics but the distinction means prioritizing justice and working towards accessibility by overcoming isolation.
Climate change demands rapid and expansive action to reduce emissions and adapt to exacerbated vulnerabilities. The scale of the TCI promises to do just that, harnessing technological and political tools already easily available. However, policymakers must sustain and expand upon their commitment to equity, proving to Vermonters and other residents in the region that the program will help rural, poor, and underserved communities.
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2/24/2020 |
Sidney |
Goldstein |
none |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
Clean transportation is an imperative for a world with a climate change problem. Clean transportation is an imperative for a world with a climate change problem. |
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1/26/2020 |
Sid and Judy |
Smith |
Resident greatly concerned with global warming. |
pasadena |
Maryland |
To Quote Greta Thunberg: "Our planet is on fire!!" Pollution from transportation is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally). We request that Maryland... read more To Quote Greta Thunberg: "Our planet is on fire!!" Pollution from transportation is our largest source of global warming emissions (regionally and nationally). We request that Maryland formally join the plan to reduce emissions.The plan should include a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
I appreciate the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward. |
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1/16/2020 |
Sid |
Reischer |
NYSUT |
EAST CHATHAM |
New York |
Creating a carbon neutral transportation infrastructure will help protect our climate while creating good paying construction jobs - a win win. Creating a carbon neutral transportation infrastructure will help protect our climate while creating good paying construction jobs - a win win. |
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2/12/2020 |
Shoshana |
Brown |
Temple Beth El, Fall River, MA |
Fall River |
Massachusetts |
TCI is a great idea, and a great start towards getting us to carbon neutrality in the next 20 years. This is so important. Be courageous, and unstintingly generous in your thinking about the... read more TCI is a great idea, and a great start towards getting us to carbon neutrality in the next 20 years. This is so important. Be courageous, and unstintingly generous in your thinking about the generations to come - give them a chance! Help the TCI get put into law! |
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2/28/2020 |
Shonna |
Davis |
None |
Houlton |
Maine |
I support clean transportation solutions that reduce carbon pollution and make it easier and more affordable to get to where we need to go. I support clean transportation solutions that reduce carbon pollution and make it easier and more affordable to get to where we need to go. |
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2/27/2020 |
Shobhana |
Kanal |
Unitarian Universalist Pennsylvania Legislative Action Network (UUPLAN) |
Bala Cynwyd |
Pennsylvania |
I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). I urge Pennsylvania state government to do everything in our power to reduce emissions, invest in a clean transportation... read more I am writing in support of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). I urge Pennsylvania state government to do everything in our power to reduce emissions, invest in a clean transportation system, and reduce the impact of climate change as much as we still can.
Thank you |
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1/16/2020 |
SHIRLEY |
SCHUE |
citizen |
Cherry valley |
New York |
I support a transportation system that does not need natural gas or oil. Electric rail using renewable energy sources would be the way to go.We have to reduce our carbon footprint now and... read more I support a transportation system that does not need natural gas or oil. Electric rail using renewable energy sources would be the way to go.We have to reduce our carbon footprint now and transition to cleaner more sustainable alternatives because if we fail to act now, we will destroy our economy and our planet. Natural gas is not a clean alternative. It leaks methane in every phase and is significantly accelerating green house gas emissions. Thanks for listening. Please work with scientists and engineers to reduce our carbon emissions in our transportation sector. |
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1/21/2020 |
Shirley |
Rice |
None |
Burdett |
New York |
The U.S. is controlled by corporate interests.
Years ago, in my lifetime, most trains (and subways) were put out of business by the oil and auto businesses. It has led to urban... read more The U.S. is controlled by corporate interests.
Years ago, in my lifetime, most trains (and subways) were put out of business by the oil and auto businesses. It has led to urban sprawl and the obliteration of good farm land. It has led to urban renewal that ruined cities and increased illnesses. It had led to grotesque slaughter of animals on highways. We need to return to good trains that save fuel and pollution, and lives, and time.
And the remaining cars and trucks need to be electric, fueled by solar and wind.
Fracking for oil and gas, digging for tar sands, is tragic in their damaging of all that the world of animals (us) and nature need to survive. |
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2/21/2020 |
Shirley |
Rice |
None |
Burdett |
New York |
There used to be healthy subway and rural trains all across America, but the auto industry made a concerted effort to wipe them out. They still rail about the trains that have been defunded by... read more There used to be healthy subway and rural trains all across America, but the auto industry made a concerted effort to wipe them out. They still rail about the trains that have been defunded by legislators committed to the private auto by lobbyists. Train railways have been sold to private citizens who, of course, do not want to lose their homes to railroads. Buses have replaced railroads in rural America where I live, but I have also lived in Hungary and Thailand where I took trains frequently and enjoyed it very much. We have been hobbled by capitalism that favors the corporations who are able to buy what they want from legislators. It has increased our carbon dioxide, methane and dangerous emissions that kill people and now damage our planet. And as long as they can win profit, the fossil fuel companies will not stop until we, and the other animals who are more important and benign than us, are all dying or dead. Why are damaging corporations more powerful than the saving of the planet? Because they are rich and use their wealth and power in a malignant manner to control the governments of the U.S. and the world. |
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2/22/2020 |
shirley |
mccarthy |
Clean Energy Committee Branford |
Branford |
Connecticut |
Clean Transportation is a must both for climate mitigation and human health. We have to act now to curtail planet warming otherwise it will be too late. Additionally CT residents suffer from a... read more Clean Transportation is a must both for climate mitigation and human health. We have to act now to curtail planet warming otherwise it will be too late. Additionally CT residents suffer from a number of lung diseases secondary to pollution from transportation. |
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2/26/2020 |
shirley |
mccarthy |
Dr. |
Branford |
Connecticut |
Please move forward on this initiative since we have little time to mitigate the worst consequences of planetary warming! Please move forward on this initiative since we have little time to mitigate the worst consequences of planetary warming! |
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2/26/2020 |
SHIRLEY |
SCHUE |
none |
Cherry valley |
New York |
Please design a transportation system that will reduce carbon emissions that are at an all time high and are causing significant harm to the planet. Please include a cap and trade policy. Carbon... read more Please design a transportation system that will reduce carbon emissions that are at an all time high and are causing significant harm to the planet. Please include a cap and trade policy. Carbon needs to be taken into account when pricing energy. Renewable energy sources rather fossil fuels become more competitive and affordable when the true cost of carbon is taken into effect. |
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2/26/2020 |
Shirley |
Purvis |
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
I support this transportation initiative generally, but I don't think that the goal of making more walkable or bikeable routes, is realistic, or at least not comprehensive enough. Focus... read more I support this transportation initiative generally, but I don't think that the goal of making more walkable or bikeable routes, is realistic, or at least not comprehensive enough. Focus needs to go into making electric cars affordable and desirable, and adding many electric car charging stations, which would be powered not by fossil fuels, but by renewable energy sources. Thank you. |
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10/14/2020 |
Shirley |
Schue |
None |
Cherry valley |
New York |
We have to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions in all sectors and transportation is a big one. We need to use more electric vehicles We have to address climate change and reduce carbon emissions in all sectors and transportation is a big one. We need to use more electric vehicles |
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2/25/2020 |
Sherwood |
Johnson |
Conservation Voters of PA |
Gibsonia |
Pennsylvania |
Dear TCI -
Pollution from transportation is a major component in US carbon dioxide emissions, and PA is no different. Additionally, transportation is a major source of demand for fossil... read more Dear TCI -
Pollution from transportation is a major component in US carbon dioxide emissions, and PA is no different. Additionally, transportation is a major source of demand for fossil fuels. As a result, public transit investments made with TCI proceeds would both reduce carbon emissions and demand for fossil fuels, while simultaneously improving transportation options to residents of PA and the northeast US.
Given the most recent data on climate science, and the likelihood of severe climate related consequences (including mass extinctions) if urgent action is not taken, aggressive reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is a critical, urgent need that easily will pay for itself in future benefits. The TCI will be most beneficial if it focuses clean energy investments in areas overburdened by pollution and where access to transportation choices is limited. With that in mine, I I writing in full support of a common-sense TCI policy to improve transportation options, reduce pollution, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while simultaneously reducing fossil fuel demand and providing clean energy alternatives. Thank you for your consideration.
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3/1/2020 |
Sherwin |
Start |
Ph.D. in ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION. |
Springvale |
Maine |
WE as a Nation & as people of the WORLD - MUST take any & all steps that are HUMANLY available to reduce & ELIMINATE our CARBON footprint from this NATION & the WORLD -... read more WE as a Nation & as people of the WORLD - MUST take any & all steps that are HUMANLY available to reduce & ELIMINATE our CARBON footprint from this NATION & the WORLD - IMMEDIATELY ! GLOBAL WARMING is EVIDENT every where in ALL Of its manifestations !
MAN MUST stop - completely the use of fossil fuels- for all purposes - if we do not- our grandchildren will reap the consequences!
Sherwin Start Ph.D. |
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2/21/2020 |
sherry |
weiland |
Mrs. |
Hudson |
Massachusetts |
We are facing a climate crisis and need to take bold steps to prevent further damage. The transportation plan should be a big part of this. The plan needs to hold large transportation polluters... read more We are facing a climate crisis and need to take bold steps to prevent further damage. The transportation plan should be a big part of this. The plan needs to hold large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and needs to invest in clean transportation solutions. This should include 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 and sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities. |
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2/28/2020 |
Sherry |
Flammia |
None |
Portland |
Maine |
NO, Maine is a POOR state & we can't afford to pay more! Our Govenor is Greatly mistaken and every post on FB Indicates how much she is dispised.We believe she got into office through... read more NO, Maine is a POOR state & we can't afford to pay more! Our Govenor is Greatly mistaken and every post on FB Indicates how much she is dispised.We believe she got into office through fraudulent methods and has an agenda to drive our state into the ground. There is very little public transportation as we're all spread out over a large area in rural Maine.
Please disregard what our governor says and do not consider Maine to partake in this! |
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10/31/2019 |
Sherrie |
Merrow |
NGVAmerica |
Washington |
District of Columbia |
Please see attached letter as comments from NGVAmerica on the TCI Framework.
Sincerely,
Sherrie Merrow
Director, State Government Affairs
NGVAmerica... read more Please see attached letter as comments from NGVAmerica on the TCI Framework.
Sincerely,
Sherrie Merrow
Director, State Government Affairs
NGVAmerica
400 North Capitol Street N.W.
Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20001
smerrow@ngvamerica.org | 303.883.5121 |
NGVA TCI Comments on Framework - Oct 31 2019.pdf |