11/4/2019 |
Sarah |
Brown |
Mrs. |
Kittery |
Maine |
Maine people deserve safe, clean, modern transportation solutions that are affordable, reliable, and reduce air pollution.
We need transportation solutions that deliver real economic,... read more Maine people deserve safe, clean, modern transportation solutions that are affordable, reliable, and reduce air pollution.
We need transportation solutions that deliver real economic, environmental, and community benefits. The Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), has gained widespread momentum over the past few months and our family supports this important, and potentially historic climate policy. With the climate crisis fully underway we must support clean transportation solutions!
Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. Maine people deserve clean, modern, affordable transportation options that deliver economic, health, and climate benefits to local communities. Finally, tt makes perfect sense for Maine to work with neighboring states through TCI’s bipartisan, proven policy model.
TCI will be in development for many months, but the core idea is based on the tremendously successful Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Through RGGI, Northeastern states dramatically reduced power plant pollution and generated revenue Maine has used to support energy efficiency and weatherization investments through Efficiency Maine. Applying the same “cap and invest” approach to transportation would help Maine redirect some of the $5 billion a year we send out of state to fossil fuel companies into our local communities and sustainable transportation solutions.
Mainers overwhelmingly support bipartisan, science-based, regional solutions to our big transportation and climate challenges and we hope that you will too!
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11/4/2019 |
Cynthia |
Dechenes |
MaineHealth |
Brunswick |
Maine |
I support climate and transports initiatives! I support climate and transports initiatives! |
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11/4/2019 |
Jeramie |
thomas |
1987 |
GLENBURN |
Maine |
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11/4/2019 |
Patrick |
Kelliher |
Propane Gas Industry |
Gordonsville |
Virginia |
Oppose Initiative to Ration and Eventually Ban Fossil Fuels in Virginia
Blossman Gas Inc of Gordonsville VA which employs 14 people is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft... read more Oppose Initiative to Ration and Eventually Ban Fossil Fuels in Virginia
Blossman Gas Inc of Gordonsville VA which employs 14 people is strongly opposed to the "framework for a draft regional policy proposal" which seeks to expropriate the fossil fuel industry. Over time this plan proposes to move Virginia from simple rationing and new taxes to the ultimate prohibition of fossil fuels.
• This plan does not assess the collateral damage it will inflict on state revenue, local tax collections, Virginia's Transportation Trust fund, and consumers.
• Many of the advocates of these policies support regulation to electrify transportation. Those advocates somehow forget to mention that a major component of batteries powering these vehicles is cobalt, 90 percent of which is mined in third world countries under unfavorable working conditions.
• As the number of electric vehicles grows, petroleum marketers will likely have to battle for a share of the electric vehicle charging market with utility companies that see EV charging as a new business opportunity without cost. When utility companies install charging stations, they may seek the ability to include that cost as part of their capital investment. When these costs are approved by governmental regulatory agencies, they can then be passed on to all ratepayers as part of their monthly electric bills.
• Another likely competitor under this scheme is the state government itself. This is not a concept, as just this past session the General Assembly passed legislation to allow the Departments of Conservation and Recreation, General Services, and Transportation to install electric chargers. Fortunately our association was able to narrow this initiative considerably by limiting the number of state agencies involved and mitigating the threat of unfair competition by requiring the state to sell the power at prevailing market rates including taxes.
• As a propane marketer I support a clean environment. There are many ways to achieve this without rationing. Incentivizing the sale of electric vehicles does nothing to meet your stated goals of "equity, environmental justice, and non-discrimination." As one example, the stated goals could be achieved far faster and cheaper via efforts to assist low-income Virginians to purchase more fuel efficient vehicles that meet current and future CAFÉ standards.
• History has proven that rationing followed by prohibition - the ultimate goal of TCI - has led to black markets, unregulated and untaxed sales, and undue burdens on law enforcement.
• The impact of these proposals will not be solely on propane businesses such as mine - what about the auto repair industry, muffler shops, service facilities at new car dealers, quick lubes etc.? What about agriculture, construction and watermen who will be forced to scrap present equipment or pay artificially high prices due to rationing? What about the consumer who will experience not only higher prices to operate their personal vehicles, but higher prices for consumer goods and services?
• Again, we oppose the TCI plan to ration, tax and ultimately eliminate fossil fuels.
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11/4/2019 |
Rob |
Hoffman |
Resident |
Edgecomb |
Maine |
I’m asking you to work for bold changes to the outdated infrastructure in New England. Utilizing existing rail infrastructure and supplementing it with public owned light rail and electric busses... read more I’m asking you to work for bold changes to the outdated infrastructure in New England. Utilizing existing rail infrastructure and supplementing it with public owned light rail and electric busses will go a long way to give more people access to travel, reduce greenhouse gases, and enhance the tourist economy. Imagine high speed rail from Boston to Moosehead or Boston to Bar Harbor. |
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11/4/2019 |
Gerhild |
Paris |
Citizen |
Falmouth |
Maine |
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11/4/2019 |
Jack |
Widness |
none |
Wilmington |
Vermont |
I am strongly supportive of what the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) states are developing as a regional policy for low-carbon transportation. With accelerating climate change/warming... read more I am strongly supportive of what the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) states are developing as a regional policy for low-carbon transportation. With accelerating climate change/warming of the earth, we urgently need to cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels. This might be done through a cap-and-invest program as the TCI has suggest, or through other pricing mechanism. This needs to be be done in the context of an aggressive, health and conservation focused policy approach that is developed, adopted and implemented as soon as can be managed. Our future depends on this. This should be a top priority of our local, state and federal government. |
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11/4/2019 |
Kathleen |
Small |
Blossman Gas |
Gordonsville |
Virginia |
• As the number of electric vehicles grows, petroleum marketers will likely have to battle for a share of the electric vehicle charging market with utility companies that see EV charging as a new... read more • As the number of electric vehicles grows, petroleum marketers will likely have to battle for a share of the electric vehicle charging market with utility companies that see EV charging as a new business opportunity without cost. When utility companies install charging stations, they may seek the ability to include that cost as part of their capital investment. When these costs are approved by governmental regulatory agencies, they can then be passed on to all ratepayers as part of their monthly electric bills. I am against this Bill.
Kathy Small
540.832.0090 |
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11/4/2019 |
Richard |
Phelps |
Carroll Fuel and High's Stores |
Towson |
Maryland |
My company operates in Maryland as well as parts of Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I am Not in favor of the Transportation Climate Initiative as it sets out a framework that imposes an... read more My company operates in Maryland as well as parts of Delaware, Virginia and Pennsylvania. I am Not in favor of the Transportation Climate Initiative as it sets out a framework that imposes an unfair burden on all vehicle owners and thousands of businesses including my own.There have only been a handful of solicitations for feedback. No one knows the full detail of this proposal. The claims for a positive environmental impact have not been proven. This proposal places the burden of new taxes in a disproportionate way onto the poor and rural communities. |
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11/4/2019 |
James |
Burde |
Teiki Design Studio |
Jericho |
Vermont |
I support TCI as a way toward a stronger economy, equity for low-income and rural Vermonters, and a reduction in carbon pollution. I support TCI as a way toward a stronger economy, equity for low-income and rural Vermonters, and a reduction in carbon pollution. |
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11/4/2019 |
Anne |
Novosel mileski |
Ms. |
Belchertown |
Massachusetts |
I look forward to better public and side walks and road conditions for public transportation, the ability to walk or bike to the belchertown court house, library, senior center, grocery store and... read more I look forward to better public and side walks and road conditions for public transportation, the ability to walk or bike to the belchertown court house, library, senior center, grocery store and. Town buildings. I look forward to incentives and education of preventing clear cutting and innovative controlled new building renovation laws with solar panel or new technologies for all government town and state building, new construction and renovations, protect all conservation areas and field and forests. Solor and new technology use over parking lots private and public and buildings. Protection of all wetlands and vernal pools. Dprotction of underground water. |
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11/4/2019 |
Melanie |
Ceresna |
Blossman Gas Inc |
Gordonsville |
Virginia |
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11/4/2019 |
Colby |
Gahagan |
Resident |
Biddeford |
Maine |
I find it completely irrational that the govenor would even entertain the idea of raising prices on gas when the cost of living in most of maine is getting preposterous. I'm a 24 year old... read more I find it completely irrational that the govenor would even entertain the idea of raising prices on gas when the cost of living in most of maine is getting preposterous. I'm a 24 year old male. I have a good job and I work full time. With that being said even with my partner paying half of our bills we barely have enough pay our bills and save anything to progress our life beyond renting. I know I'm not alone when it comes to these kinds of financial situations, and I'm one of the lucky ones without student loan debts! The cost of living for us young people is already pushing us from the state. If you want the state to flourish we must take care of the young people who will be responsible for it sooner rather than later. We are the ones who suffer inevitably.. I Make over $40,000 a year and I'm struggling I'm not even close to drowning in debt and my friends of which who have student loans have to actually stay with their parents because they cannot afford their bills and their rent. The last thing we need is a higher taxs on gas. All that does if funnel money to the government and does absolutely nothing for the people. If you want to reduce emission (in one of the lowest populated states??) Propose bills that actually have to do with making a change towards a cleaner alternative. Not just something that will widen the gap from us normal people from middle class to the wealthy.
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11/4/2019 |
Nancy |
Hamor |
Select your title |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
Get serious. The climate Crisis and our infrastructure crisis are not going to fix themselves. It is time to do something that will provide a means to a proactive, positive change for my... read more Get serious. The climate Crisis and our infrastructure crisis are not going to fix themselves. It is time to do something that will provide a means to a proactive, positive change for my grandchildren's future. |
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11/4/2019 |
kevin |
leveret |
unaligned |
white river jct |
Vermont |
Stop d**king around with carbon pricing & cap-and-investment, and push for a comprehensive Green New Deal (we are too deep in the 6th mass extinction to settle for band-aids). Stop d**king around with carbon pricing & cap-and-investment, and push for a comprehensive Green New Deal (we are too deep in the 6th mass extinction to settle for band-aids). |
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11/4/2019 |
Tim |
Quinn |
Boston Environmental |
Bel Air |
Maryland |
The proposal outlines a program that will cap the sale of gasoline, tax it, and then require the revenue generated to be spent on new government programs and projects that will further reduce the... read more The proposal outlines a program that will cap the sale of gasoline, tax it, and then require the revenue generated to be spent on new government programs and projects that will further reduce the sale of gasoline. Some of the projects envisioned have ramifications that have not been verified or well thought out. For instance, pushing consumers to electric vehicles has not been shown to lessen environmental impact due to the environmental costs of EV batteries and manufacture of new vehicles. Further, programs such as incentives to EV purchase often favor wealthier individuals while the new taxes on gasoline will disproportionate affect poor and rural communities.
The northeast compact has a greater impact on Maryland and Delaware than the other Northeast states. Geographically, Maryland and Delaware retailers will suffer the most because consumers may more easily choose to go elsewhere for fuel.
Although this proposal has been pitched as a consensus document, in fact, it is not. There have been only three work sessions and less than a handful of webinars to solicit public feedback and comment. The framework is not ready for adoption by the states as too many points have not been clarified and fleshed out. No one really knows the full detail of the proposal. More outreach and public input needs to happen to shift this to a consensus. At the present, the framework appears to be a predisposed outcome.
I reject this framework – and I urge that the participating Governors be required personally to attend and hold public hearings throughout their states. This proposal will not achieve its goals. California enacted a similar program recently, and, by most accounts, their gasoline costs have skyrocketed while the environmental impact has had no true measurable benefit.
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11/4/2019 |
Don |
Cummings |
Citizen |
South Burlington |
Vermont |
This is an excellent proposal. I urge Vermont’s Governor Scott to support an aggressive program to fight the Climate Crisis This is an excellent proposal. I urge Vermont’s Governor Scott to support an aggressive program to fight the Climate Crisis |
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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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11/4/2019 |
Dianna |
McKeage |
Concerned Citizen |
Trenton |
Maine |
Please keep working towards greener transportation and climate controls for Maine's citizens. We need to be the change we wish to see in the world. Creating carbon emission caps on... read more Please keep working towards greener transportation and climate controls for Maine's citizens. We need to be the change we wish to see in the world. Creating carbon emission caps on transportation will force us a society to find cleaner methods and solutions for our transportation. Thank you for your efforts and considerations. |
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11/4/2019 |
Greta |
Warren |
Maine Conservation Voters |
Augusta |
Maine |
Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. |
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