TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

TCI Comments 2.28.20
I believe that we are not doing enough to address climate change. Whether TCI will accomplish the intended results is very uncertain. For example, expecting electric vehicles to significantly reduce climate change gases [cgc] is not certain, since it depends on the energy source of the electric recharge, which is dependent on the time of the 24-hr day cycle. The most efficient recharge would come directly [I.e., direct current] from a solar panel. However, for various bureaucratic reasons this cannot be done.
Uncertainty is also caused by the fact that major fracking is occurring across the US, except the east coast itself and New England. This fracking is producing significant cgs, which are carried eastward, and northerly, by the predominant air flows. TCI will do nothing to address this problem from fracking, as well as the other problems from fracking.
Needed is a comprehensive model of how to address not only climate change but also create sustainability. This model has to demonstrate how the collective “we” can move society in a short period of time from a consumptive society to a sustainable one, with low carbon waste gases. It will address social and environmental justice, by moving each of us higher on the Maslow model, resulting in a culture that has a higher quality of life for all.

I urge Vermont to formally join TCI so we can create a clean energy future that works better for everyone, especially our most vulnerable. Thank you for the work you’ve done so far to advance TCI across the region.

TCI provides the opportunity to tackle the biggest problem of our day — climate change — by reducing emissions in our state’s most carbon-intensive sector, while diverting funds into much-needed transportation infrastructure that will benefit all.

We can either seize this opportunity to make monumental progress and have a chance to prosper in a clean energy future, or accept a status quo that is only becoming more and more difficult for Vermonters and more harmful to our environment.

Vermont, like other states, desperately needs additional funding to create innovative, equitable transportation options for all, including seniors/people with disabilities/people with low incomes, for whom transportation costs and accessibility are an added burden. TCI can provide this support.

As you know, Vermont’s participation in a cap and invest program is not new. Under Governor Jim Douglas, Vermont joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in 2008. This cap and invest program covers the electric sector in the Northeast, and it has proven very successful, reducing consumer costs and carbon pollution from the power sector by 40%.

Vermont has strategically invested the revenues raised from RGGI, directing the $2 million annually into weatherization programs that help Vermonters stop wasting energy and save money. We know this type of project works — there is no excuse not to adopt TCI as well.

I urge Vermont to participate in the Transportation and Climate Initiative so that all Vermonters live in a world where they do not have to choose between being able to get where they need to go and polluting the planet irreparably.

Dr. Michael Shank

2BridgeCDX is an independent consultancy specializing in community engagement, community
development and active citizenship. 2BridgeCDX works across the nation offering expertise in facilitation,
training, research, evaluation and consultancy designing and conducting public involvement programs.
Having expertise in “exploring how public agencies can assess and improve their openness and ability to
respond to community influence”.

Fenceline community organizing is important in health education, absolutely because it reflects one of the field's
most fundamental principles, that of "starting where the people are. Community organizing also is
important in light of evidence that social involvement and participation can themselves be significant
factors in improving perceived control, empowerment, individual coping capacity, health behaviors, and
health status. “One of the key components is getting people to the table to speak for themselves and no
better way than with health education.”

• (1) implementation of an innovative community-owned and managed public engagement model;
• (2) bringing stakeholders together with diverse and conflicting viewpoints.

see attached document (corrections to previous document)
28FEB20_BTBCoaltion_01a.pdf