2/21/2020 |
Brad |
Snyder |
NRDC |
West Hartford |
Connecticut |
The fossil fuel party is coming to an end. The planet can no longer tolerate our profligate use of this amazing resource. In order to curb carbon emissions it is beyond clear we need better ways... read more The fossil fuel party is coming to an end. The planet can no longer tolerate our profligate use of this amazing resource. In order to curb carbon emissions it is beyond clear we need better ways to transport ourselves, including goods and services. I strongly urge you to adopt a comprehensive plan that incorporates infrastructure upgrades to rail lines and a strong move toward electric vehicles, use of bike lanes and pedestrian friendly options for travel. It would be nice to live in an era where cars and trucks are not the first mode of getting from A to B. We need to do this NOW. |
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2/21/2020 |
Dolores |
Snyder |
NRDC |
Middlesex |
New Jersey |
Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the United States. That means it's time to totally reimagine the way that we transport people and goods.
The... read more Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the United States. That means it's time to totally reimagine the way that we transport people and goods.
The states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and the city of Washington, D.C., are working on a groundbreaking policy to modernize the transportation sector under the Transportation and Climate Initiative. I SUPPORT THIS POLICY!!
In order for this regional plan to work, governors of these states and the mayor of Washington, D.C., must ensure that this transportation plan is bold enough to cut harmful transportation pollution at the scale needed to avert the climate crisis. 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
WE NEED TO DO THIS NOW TO PROTECT OUR PLANET FROM FURTHER DESTRUCTION FROM CLIMATE CHANGE!!
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2/27/2020 |
Valerie |
Snyder |
Private citizen |
Forest Grove |
Oregon |
Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and other northeast states are considering a program that would transform the transportation sector in that part of the country through the Transportation and... read more Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and other northeast states are considering a program that would transform the transportation sector in that part of the country through the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). Clean Air Council and other advocates across the region believe this is a critical step to improving transportation and addressing the climate crisis.
If designed correctly, this program could help to create safe roads for biking and walking, more frequent and reliable public transportation, greater access to electric vehicles, and a more equitable system with cleaner transportation options for everyone in the region.
Transportation is the country’s and region’s leading source of carbon emissions. Clean Air Council believes TCI will help to clean this sector up. As a leading state in environmental protection, Oregon should join this plan to reduce transportation pollution. |
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3/8/2020 |
Brad |
Snyder |
Concerned voter and parent. |
Maple Grove |
Minnesota |
As a Science Teacher/Environmental Educator, Engineering/STEM Professional, Environmental/Energy/Human Health Advocate, and a concerned citizen, I wholeheartedly support the Transportation and... read more As a Science Teacher/Environmental Educator, Engineering/STEM Professional, Environmental/Energy/Human Health Advocate, and a concerned citizen, I wholeheartedly support the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) and demand the most comprehensive program possible: we need improved transportation options, we need polluters to pay their fair share for the damage they are causing, and we need to act now!! Climate change is effecting the Earth NOW so it is necessary that we act NOW!!
I demand a strong program that invests in creating safe roads for biking and walking, more frequent and reliable public transportation, greater access to electric vehicles, and a more equitable system with cleaner transportation options for everyone in the region!
I request Minnesota to join the plan to reduce transportation emissions and fight climate change!
Thanks! |
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10/16/2020 |
Brad |
Snyder |
World citizen, Scientist, Educator, Goals: Protect the natural world/nature/biodiversity, Fight climate change. |
Maple Grove |
Minnesota |
As a Science Teacher/Outdoor-Environmental Educator and a former Engineer, my top priorities have always been the three E's - Energy, Environment, and Education!
We MUST... read more As a Science Teacher/Outdoor-Environmental Educator and a former Engineer, my top priorities have always been the three E's - Energy, Environment, and Education!
We MUST eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels and prepare for the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Revolutions (which have already started!)! This must include the following:
- 100% electrification of homes, buildings, and transportation systems (vehicles, buses, trucks, mass transit)!
- Immediately stop ALL exploration and development of fossil fuel sources.
- Immediately stop ALL development of fossil fuel infrastructure (e.g. pipelines, power plants)!
- Eliminate ALL fossil fuel subsidies and tax breaks!
- Increase spending on research and development of renewable energy, energy storage, and improving energy efficiency!
- Implement natural climate solutions (e.g. restoring and conserving the natural world/ecosystems)!
- Improve environmental literacy of all citizens, but especially our youth! |
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10/29/2019 |
Ed |
Snider |
Citizen |
EastMachias |
Maine |
No more taxes. Maine has to much poor people to pay your extra taxes. And how is taxing the gas more going to help the climate? No more taxes. Maine has to much poor people to pay your extra taxes. And how is taxing the gas more going to help the climate? |
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1/16/2020 |
John |
Snell |
retired engineer |
Montpelier |
Vermont |
Time is of the essence! We must take steps NOW to reduce the need to fossil fuel use and transportation is a huge part of that. Time is of the essence! We must take steps NOW to reduce the need to fossil fuel use and transportation is a huge part of that. |
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2/24/2020 |
Roy |
Snell |
N/A |
South Woodstock |
Vermont |
Please sign the Transportation and Climate Initiative. Please sign the Transportation and Climate Initiative. |
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12/1/2019 |
Christine |
Smythe |
Taxpayer |
Duxbury |
Massachusetts |
I completely disagree with this tax, and it IS a tax. Given that this state completely mismanages any money it gets (look at the MBTA), this tax is nothing but a money grab and will do ZERO to... read more I completely disagree with this tax, and it IS a tax. Given that this state completely mismanages any money it gets (look at the MBTA), this tax is nothing but a money grab and will do ZERO to lower anyone's carbon footprint. Making people shell out even more money will hurt a lot of people commuting to work. There is no real plan in place that proves paying more money at the pump will do anything but fill some people's bank accounts. If the so-called plan is so great, put it to a vote of the people. Baker is out of his mind on this one. |
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1/24/2020 |
Donna |
Smyers |
Vermont, New England, the US, and the planet Earth |
Adamant |
Vermont |
I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes... read more I am a very concerned citizen who believes that the governor's and legislators' resistance to increasing the cost of carbon is very short sighted. The only thing that reliably changes people's behavior in this country is financial incentive. It is actually a very capitalistic and Republican manner of achieving results without the government deciding how it gets done.
TCI does not go far enough to cut carbon quickly, but it is a very important step that can be taken without major economic upheaval. We have endured gas price increases much more drastic than TCI would cause during prior gas shortages or panics. We paid up to $4/gallon not that long ago. When we did, people bought smaller cars and carpooled and used public transit or stayed home more. They had to. That is a price that we should pay now, and use the funds generated to help people who can least afford the price increases to change their mode of transportation and decrease their heating fuel needs. Upgrading vehicles and weatherization for those least able to pay will give them long term economic benefits from the price increases and help VT and the world achieve the needed decrease in fossil fuel use.
If we do not pay the small price now, the cost in disaster mitigation will dwarf the cost of TCI. Even though we are a small portion of worldwide CO2 emissions, Vermont must do its part. Every single portion counts. If we do not do it, everyone may not do it. We all must pay a price for the excesses of the last century or pay a much bigger price later. Delaying aggressive action is like obtaining an extremely high interest loan--it will come due and we will pay for it.
Please approve joining into the Transportation Climate Initiative now.
Thank you,
Donna Smyers |
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2/28/2020 |
Carole |
Smudin |
none |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
we need clean air, please we need clean air, please |
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2/21/2020 |
Amanda |
Smock |
concerned citizen |
Brooklyn |
New York |
Hold polluters accountable.
We need to hold hold transportation polluters *and* invest in clean transportation solutions including:
-More public transit and electric... read more Hold polluters accountable.
We need to hold hold transportation polluters *and* invest 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
We need to be bold and ambitious. We need a plan that creates clean public transportation and at the same time cuts transportation pollution. |
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10/2/2019 |
John |
Smith |
PA Citizen |
Plymouth Meeting |
Pennsylvania |
Why don't you just skip all of the complication and add a tax directly on the price of gasoline/jet/diesel/nat gas/coal rather than trying to hide the cost that will ultimately be passed on... read more Why don't you just skip all of the complication and add a tax directly on the price of gasoline/jet/diesel/nat gas/coal rather than trying to hide the cost that will ultimately be passed on to the consumer in some nonsensical program? The tax would be based on carbon from a nonrenewable source (i.e if gasoline has 10% ethanol content then 90% of the gasoline is taxable). All of these "programs" are just taxes to try to incentivize the consumer to find an alternative. Make sure the money collected from the tax actually goes to renewable r&d and isn't diverted somewhere else. Forget the rebates for using renewables. If the tax is high enough people would go buy more efficient cars and renewable electricity sources would become more economical. Or, make the tax low enough so it doesn't have an impact on the local economy and the r&d from the taxes would eventually bring the price of renewables down enough that people will choose to buy it on their own. |
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10/9/2019 |
Mark |
Smith |
Resident of Maine |
Scarborough |
Maine |
This would wreck havoc on the maine economy, just like it has in california. No law should be passed without the consent of the voting public. The lack of transparency in this endeavor should... read more This would wreck havoc on the maine economy, just like it has in california. No law should be passed without the consent of the voting public. The lack of transparency in this endeavor should frighten every person in Maine. Janet mills needs to do what the people of main want, not what her demorcrat party tells her to do. |
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10/25/2019 |
Randi |
Smith |
ME resident |
Industry Franklin County |
Maine |
Maine does have some unique transportation and mobility challenges, and we deserve solutions that get us to work, to stores and appointments, and to our favorite outdoor places—solutions that are... read more Maine does have some unique transportation and mobility challenges, and we deserve solutions that get us to work, to stores and appointments, and to our favorite outdoor places—solutions that are affordable, reliable, and reduce air pollution.
TCI could bring significant economic, environmental, and health benefits to Maine communities. By redirecting some of the $5 billion a year we send out of state to fossil fuel companies into our local communities and sustainable transportation solutions, we could also address mobility and pollution problems- please choose to resolve this issue for humans and to counteract drastic air and climate concerns! |
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10/25/2019 |
James H. |
Smith |
Bates College |
Hallowell |
Maine |
Maine should use TCI as an opportunity to invest in local transportation solutions that help Maine people get to where they need to go in an affordable way that’s good for our environment. We need... read more Maine should use TCI as an opportunity to invest in local transportation solutions that help Maine people get to where they need to go in an affordable way that’s good for our environment. We need to stop sending Maine money to oil companies; let’s reinvest our money into our communities and local clean energy.
James Smith |
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10/29/2019 |
Mark |
Smith |
Advanced Fuel Solutions, Inc |
Newark, |
Delaware |
Engine manufactures continue to refine and improve the entire fuel system to meet the US EPA air quality mandates set forth for particulate and greenhouse gases emissions. These improvements... read more Engine manufactures continue to refine and improve the entire fuel system to meet the US EPA air quality mandates set forth for particulate and greenhouse gases emissions. These improvements include technologies in both gasoline and diesel vehicles engines.
I am not opposed to electric vehicles as a matter of an individuals choice of options for transportation. However, I am opposed to subsidizing only electric vehicles at the expense of other fuel efficient modes of transportation.
Bio Fuels must play an important role in reducing the carbon foot print of gasoline and diesel to further reduce both NOX and particulate matter. Bio Fuels are readily available in the supply chain today while the electric vehicle charging stations are far from being available.
If a tax is charged on gasoline and diesel, an equal amount of the monies collected must be proportionally allocated to electric, gasoline, diesel, and renewable energy sources.
Thank You
Mark Smith |
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10/31/2019 |
Dana |
Smith |
Maine Resident |
Waterboro |
Maine |
An increase in fuel tax, on an already overtaxed state like Maine is absurd. The state is bigger that the rest of new england, and very rural. Increasing the fuel tax will do nothing but further... read more An increase in fuel tax, on an already overtaxed state like Maine is absurd. The state is bigger that the rest of new england, and very rural. Increasing the fuel tax will do nothing but further harm our lower income, scree the middle class, and make the state unbearable for our elderly and retired. Not smart. Stay out of this agreement! |
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11/2/2019 |
James |
Smith |
None |
Sanford |
Maine |
I'm opposed to this as the cost of living in southern Maine is already too high. I can't even afford an apartment. Pretty soon I'll be living under a bridge..... read more I'm opposed to this as the cost of living in southern Maine is already too high. I can't even afford an apartment. Pretty soon I'll be living under a bridge..... |
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11/5/2019 |
Bill |
Smith |
VT Truck and Bus Assoc |
Northfield |
Vermont |
The trucking industry is very concerned about TCI increasing the cost of delivering goods to Vermonters without any means of reducing the cost. Unlike pleasure cars, heavy trucks do not have a... read more The trucking industry is very concerned about TCI increasing the cost of delivering goods to Vermonters without any means of reducing the cost. Unlike pleasure cars, heavy trucks do not have a viable alternative such as electric vehicles, alternate fuel vehicles, riding the bus, or combining trips. Class 8 heavy truck production is several years out, at least, and when available will cost significantly more. In addition, the infrastructure to charge those trucks does not exist. Some trucks can run on LNG or CNG, but that is a very specific type of trucking (garbage hauling or bus, for example), and has a significant infrastructure cost for each business.
Our trips are determined by the location of the customer, and as such cannot be avoided. Combining deliveries is something which is already done--- efficient logistics of truck deliveries and bus trips is already at the forefront of the industry's focus.
Without any viable alternative the costs of funding TCI--- presumably from a charge on diesel fuel--- will be borne by this industry and its customers, putting Vermont businesses at a competitive disadvantage with companies in non-TCI states, and increasing costs without the ability to mitigate them.
Thank you for considering our concerns,
William S Smith, Esq.
VT Truck and Bus Association
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