TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Please consider support of a regional electric charging corridor extending from Maine to Massachusetts and also reaching north to connect Canada and Maine. Access to charging infrastructure is vital for residents of rural states like Maine to be able to purchase and drive electric vehicles. Also, please consider long term transportation solutions like creation of a high speed electrified railway to help create high skill jobs in Maine and also provide sustainable access to tourism destinations in state. A railway connection from Boston, Portsmouth, and Portland, with destinations such as Bar Harbor, Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Mount Katahdin could provide easy low carbon access to help continue Maine’s tradition as Vacationland. Thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Kyle B.

The TCI is an essential step forward for the Eastern US to combat climate change. Many states, including Vermont, have ambitious emission reduction goals under a Global Warming Solutions Act or similar legislation that will only be met with a stringent and permanent policy that addresses transportation. In Vermont this is especially important because transportation produces nearly 40% of Vermont’s emissions. A cap and invest program which confronts the greatest source of emissions while also investing in new technologies and supporting desirable and equitable transportation initiatives will contribute positive gains towards these climate goals.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is an existing cap and trade program for the electricity sector enacted in 2009 by many of the same states. The existing framework of this durable and effective program is evidence that the states could design an effective program for transportation as well. Nonetheless, various policies and investments should be considered and implemented alongside a pricing strategy to achieve the results our climate and our future requires. Many of these states have a renewable portfolio standard that complements RGGI to create effective, well rounded policy. A similar idea can be applied to the transportation sector. For instance, requiring a certain amount of the public vehicle fleet to become electric or ensuring housing developments are in line with our transportation goals. A combination of a cap and invest program, mandates, and investments would work together to create powerful climate policy for the transportation sector in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

The flexibility of the cap and invest design is advantageous. The cost containment reserve ensures that the price of allowances, and therefore the price that is passed to the consumer, does not exceed an unreasonable amount. This cap price and floor price should be predetermined at a level that will guarantee sufficient emissions reductions to make strides in Vermont’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Most importantly, it must be ensured that the TCI is designed to address existing inequity in our current transportation system and address additional inequity that will be created through the implementation of the TCI. A vital part of the design of the TCI allows the states to invest the income from the allowances as they see fit. This way, the TCI provides states with an opportunity to address their specific most pressing transportation needs. Due to the diversity in demographics and transportation needs across states, this aspect of the TCI is critical. For Vermont, this has numerous benefits. Investments in transit upkeep and expansion will allow Vermonters to get around who cannot or wish not to rely on personal vehicles as much. And with expansion of long-distance public transit and local bike and walking routes more citizens will be encouraged to get out of the SOVs. The funds that are raised should also be put towards ensuring that the Vermonters most at risk of increased gas prices (i.e. people who rely heavily on their vehicles for work and life and are at financial risk if gas prices increase) can receive rebates. The planned incidence modeling on households by RFF is an important next step in ensuring this equity. Overall, the TCI can make great strides in addressing Vermont’s largest sector of emissions while improving transit options, allow for greater mobility in the state, and reduce the need to drive as much in the first place.

I am very concerned with environmental issues. I live frugally and with a keen eye to minimizing use of plastics and other waste. We are in a rural area of Maine where personal transportation is essential. There is no public transportation. Maine’s estimated $.17 per gallon increase in gas price, as well as increase in heating oil price, and likely propane as well, will be a critical hardship on middle and low income people.There is no alternative for us.

“In the public debate surrounding this program, especially in the media, confusion exists over whether regulated entities will pass the costs of purchasing allowances onto consumers who buy motor fuels. To be 100% clear, and eliminate any confusion, these costs, and the costs necessary to comply with this program by regulated entities (these costs) *will be reflected in retail motor fuel prices that consumers pay*.”

This initiative will devastate rural Mainers and the poor. It is not feasible for the State of Maine to drive electric cars - not affordable cars for the middle class and poor, slow and unreliable operation in the cold, let alone the snow. No chargers available. Governor Mills should know better being from Farmington. Raising the gas tax will just make it harder on the already tax burdened State of Maine.

Increasing taxes on gas in Maine does nothing to help the people of Maine. The cost of electric cars means that they are not an option for the majority of the states population. Since so many people travel from rural areas it makes electric cars that much more a burden due to charging and the cost of maintenance. Replacement batteries for electric cars are very pricey. There are very few mechanics in the state equipped to work on electric cars or that have the knowledge to do so. Then there’s the condition of the roads in Maine. Most electric cars are smaller and will be damaged by the horrible road conditions here. Not to mention rural drivers trying to get to and from work/errands during the winter months. It’s time Governor Mills starts to actually listen to the people of Maine instead of those lining her pockets. No to the gas tax. No to more tax breaks for electric vehicles.

Firstly, many of us do not even believe that these radical plans will impact the climate. We have no control. And we don't want to pay dearly for fantasy living well beyond our own years on earth. Secondly, many believe climate changes, but not due to human activity. The earth was very hot millions of years ago, without human intervention. It is foolish to think we humans have to much power. Thirdly, the HYSTERIA over climate reminds us of the witchcraft mentality during the Middle Ages. The media has hyped this up, and some people act mentally ill on the subject, almost like a religion. I prefer my life not to be reduced to a third world status, so certain politicians, and their cronies in business, can make billions of dollars off of this insanity. WHY are we being forced to pay for something we don't believe in???? Maine is not a wealthy state, with many retires, including myself, who have to drive long distances to get milk and gas. This will burden us even more. Plus put Maine further in debt (except, of course, politicians, and green businesses). NO, DO NOT TAX GAS. It already is highly taxed now. AND, stop, the HYSTERIA!!!!!

This will drive up cost by increased fuel cost to my business construction cost building homes all aspects of the economy first Janet Mills should concentrate on paying your bills so my employed can make more than minimum wage. Your policies make people poor. You are a nut job to believe electric cars are the way of the future. If you drive up fuel cost you drive up the cost of government. Which will raise taxes.

I can not support more money in gas taxes. We in maine drive on the worst roads and the gas tax already goes to this. More taxes is not the answer. I fortunately only travel 6 miles to work but alot of people in my community work 370 minutes or more from home. We need another solution for this. Gas is just now affordable and people will pick another travel destination if the prices keep goin up!