TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

TCI is important for several reasons. Firstly, it works to substantively mitigate CO2 output into our atmosphere, lowering MA's carbon footprint. Secondly, this initiative is shown to have positive effects on public health by limiting tailpipe emissions and boosting public transportation, in doing so we create a less congested and cleaner environment for all of us. Lastly, TCI stands not only to make tangible change but to make an important statement, one that is increasingly important. Someone needs to take strong measures to combat climate change and Massachusetts is poised to do so. This sends a message to other states as well as the federal government that we are willing and capable of taking the first step towards meaningful change.

I support a strong transportation initiative that helps reduce the carbon emissions that come from the transportation sector (the largest sector). We need bold actions to transition to electric cars, make electric buses available, provide for a strong system of public transportation, and make our neighborhoods walkable and bikable.
Take bold actions now to help do what must be done.
I appreciate all of your work to make this happen.
Sincerely, Tracy Stein

This is a much needed step in our ongoing response to climate change. We need to be developing low/no carbon transportation systems now to insure the viability of our planet

350 Maine stands behind a regional bipartisan policy to provide no-to-low-carbon transportation solutions for Maine residents. Our current transportation system in Maine is outdated and contributes to poverty and public health problems.

Maine residents have very few transportation options. Driving in a fossil-fuel emitting vehicle is often the only mode of transportation available to us. This is due to the fact that most roads in Maine are not designed for pedestrian or bike traffic, and many transportation routes involve highways or multi-lane roads, making commuting by walking or biking nearly impossible. Furthermore, our current system is such that those who cannot drive often have limited options to access gainful employment. Public health concerns are increased by blocking access to those who can’t drive to health care, healthy food, social services and entertainment. Maine must design a transportation system that allows its citizens to safely access the goods and services they need.

The transportation sector accounts for more than half of Maine’s carbon emissions into our atmosphere. As Maine’s population continues to increase, we must find a way to transport our population safely and efficiently while reducing or eliminating the emissions associated with traditional forms of transportation.

350 Maine supports further clarification in the Final TCI MOA in the following areas:

350 Maine supports the establishment within the TCI framework of a Regional affordable High-Speed Rail that interconnects Canada, eastern Maine including Portland and Boston South Station;

350 Maine urges TCI to require the investment of the cap-and-invest funds into electric trolley service between all major Cities in Maine;

350 Maine urges the TCI to require the investment of cap-and-invest fund into local and regional electric bus service that runs on regular schedules serving the areas where people live, work, and access services;

350 Maine supports the prioritization of investment of transportation funds to provide reasonable, affordable access to public transit to low income and under-served communities;

350 Maine urges the TCI to further elaborate how the cap-and-invest program funds will flow equitably to communities that are currently underserved by clean transportation options;

350 Maine urges TCI to further study traffic patterns and transportation routes in the State of Maine such that at least 50% of current vehicular traffic can be replaced by electrified public transit, because replacing fossil-fuel vehicles with electric vehicles on a one-to-one basis is not a sustainable option for the electric grid;

Transporation is a large sector of our economy contributing to fossil fuel emissions. As a state on a coast, Massachusetts will soon experience rising sea levels that can completely wipe out our infrastructure, causing economic hardships and civil unrest. I urge you to join this initiative to quickly drive green house gas emission down before it becomes irreversible.

Despite broad support for Vermont's stated climate goals, emissions in the state are rising, with almost 50% coming from transportation. The TCI Regional Policy Design is a significant step forward. We all need to support it.