12/2/2019 |
Joseph |
Sweeney |
Resident of Massachusetts |
Needham |
Massachusetts |
I find it outrageous that the Commonwealth is pursuing this initiative without a vote of the people. The taxpayers overwhelmingly rejected the Legislatures brazen and cowardly attempt to index gas... read more I find it outrageous that the Commonwealth is pursuing this initiative without a vote of the people. The taxpayers overwhelmingly rejected the Legislatures brazen and cowardly attempt to index gas tax increases to inflation in 2014. Trying to hide the same initiative in the TCI based on unsettled science is the epitome of taxation without representation, one of the founding tenets of this country. This is a completely irresponsible piece of legislation. |
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12/2/2019 |
Samuel |
Kramer |
Auto Repair Business |
Quincy |
Massachusetts |
Mass Governor must bring this to the people. He must stop acting like a dictator. Passing this tax on businesses like the one I own will kill any further growth and adding workers. There is no way... read more Mass Governor must bring this to the people. He must stop acting like a dictator. Passing this tax on businesses like the one I own will kill any further growth and adding workers. There is no way of passing on these exsorbant added cost in the industry. Governor Baker stop acting like a dictator, we are a government of the people, you work for us! Stop wiping out industries that you don't care about. We can not all be in BioMed and IT that continue to get massive Taxes Breaks. |
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12/2/2019 |
Chris |
Howell |
Tax Payer |
Sandwich |
Massachusetts |
TCI is a tax. A Tax by another name would smell just as bad. TCI is a tax. A Tax by another name would smell just as bad. |
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12/2/2019 |
Alan |
Cunha |
taxpayer |
Lakeville |
Massachusetts |
Voters denied your automatic gas tax request and now you're trying a back door attempt to install one. This will not fly, we WILL remember this come next re-election Gov. Baker. You have... read more Voters denied your automatic gas tax request and now you're trying a back door attempt to install one. This will not fly, we WILL remember this come next re-election Gov. Baker. You have become as conservative as that nut Liz Warren. |
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12/2/2019 |
gary |
marrese |
Mass. republican party |
Bridgewater |
Massachusetts |
I am outraged Governor baker would even consider a massive tax on gasoline without a vote in the Legislature. We already spend more on roads and infrastructure per mile than any other state in... read more I am outraged Governor baker would even consider a massive tax on gasoline without a vote in the Legislature. We already spend more on roads and infrastructure per mile than any other state in the country, and now you want to crush us with this insane tax. Many young people I meet including my own children are talking about leaving this state because of the cost of living in Massachusetts. If the Governor does this there will be recall petitions circulated to remove him from the Governor's office. |
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12/2/2019 |
Cynthia |
Mallia |
MA taxpayer |
Peabody |
Massachusetts |
Gov. Baker, will you be taking public transportation or continue with your personal driver in a gas guzzler that we taxpayers will be paying for? There is very little public transportation in... read more Gov. Baker, will you be taking public transportation or continue with your personal driver in a gas guzzler that we taxpayers will be paying for? There is very little public transportation in Peabody unless you want to go to one of the malls. Your “fee” is a deceptive way to push an actual tax on us and it will not only hurt the middle class but all the small businesses. You’ve already hurt us by banning menthol cigarettes, legal vaping products that haven’t been proven to be the culprits in the recent deaths, and not pushing for enforcement of preventing under age purchases. I propose we voters BAN YOU! by voting you out on the next election. |
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12/2/2019 |
christine |
savage |
citizen |
boston |
Massachusetts |
Outrageous! Since when is Massachusetts taxed without representation! We are so overburdened with taxes as is and this tax will hit the middle class the hardest. Where are our tax dollars spent?... read more Outrageous! Since when is Massachusetts taxed without representation! We are so overburdened with taxes as is and this tax will hit the middle class the hardest. Where are our tax dollars spent? Not on transportation? Another train derailed today! Infrastructure? Nope. It's so old that I'm shocked that the lights come on when I flip the switch. Road maintenance. The potholes in Boston have yet to be fixed on our major highways since last winter. Encore is paying a large amount of taxes..where's it going? We "fined" them for an extra $35 million. Where is that money going? Who is running the show? State taxes originate in the House of Representatives. "Carbon fee"?? Who do you think you're kidding?????? |
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12/3/2019 |
Michael |
Modica |
citizen |
Saugus |
Massachusetts |
If this is really about the environment and not just another tax increase, it will be made revenue-neutral, perhaps with a fixed dollar amount tax credit/benefits increase, so that if you consume... read more If this is really about the environment and not just another tax increase, it will be made revenue-neutral, perhaps with a fixed dollar amount tax credit/benefits increase, so that if you consume less than the average amount of fuel you get back more than you paid, and if you consume more, you get back less than you paid. |
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12/3/2019 |
John |
OLoughlin |
Independent |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Mass should NOT participate in this farce. Unconstitutional and already voted sown by taxpayers.
Virtue signalling great for Charlie; not so great for working people. Mass should NOT participate in this farce. Unconstitutional and already voted sown by taxpayers.
Virtue signalling great for Charlie; not so great for working people. |
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12/3/2019 |
James |
Holdman |
- None - |
Sudbury |
Massachusetts |
THIS IS JUST ANOTHER TAX. TOTAL BS. WE'LL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER. OINK, OINK read more THIS IS JUST ANOTHER TAX. TOTAL BS. WE'LL REMEMBER IN NOVEMBER. OINK, OINK |
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12/3/2019 |
Garth |
Goldberg |
Law Offices of Garth Goldberg |
Winchester |
Massachusetts |
As far as I can tell, TCI is an interstate compact between states. This requires approval of Congress which does not appear to have been given. If this passes, a lawsuit will be brought.... read more As far as I can tell, TCI is an interstate compact between states. This requires approval of Congress which does not appear to have been given. If this passes, a lawsuit will be brought.
I oppose the Massachusetts Legislature using a back door method to impose an increased gas tax. |
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12/3/2019 |
MARK |
ROGERS |
none |
WEBSTER |
Massachusetts |
The TCI is an illegal tax...pure and simple. If you want to tax us do it in the open and lookng us " in the eyes". I am not in favor of contributing more to a bloated budget. read more The TCI is an illegal tax...pure and simple. If you want to tax us do it in the open and lookng us " in the eyes". I am not in favor of contributing more to a bloated budget. |
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12/3/2019 |
Walter |
Kennedy |
Independent |
Randolph |
Massachusetts |
NO MORE TAXES!! NO TAXES DISGUISED AS SOME SORT OF FEEL-GOOD INITIATIVE! WE VOTED THE GAS TAX OUT, STOP TRYING TO BRING IT BACK! NO MORE TAXES!! NO TAXES DISGUISED AS SOME SORT OF FEEL-GOOD INITIATIVE! WE VOTED THE GAS TAX OUT, STOP TRYING TO BRING IT BACK! |
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12/3/2019 |
Scott |
Johnson |
Massachusetts resident. |
North Andover |
Massachusetts |
To put in this TCI tax to the consumer is absolute insanity. I live next door to the NH border and will purchase all gas across state lines.
Once again you are hurting small business... read more To put in this TCI tax to the consumer is absolute insanity. I live next door to the NH border and will purchase all gas across state lines.
Once again you are hurting small business owners who are trying to make a decent living. I will oppose this tax at all costs. |
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12/3/2019 |
Lisa |
Morton |
Unenrolled |
West Boxford |
Massachusetts |
The residents of MA have already voted no on the gas tax! TCI is another attempt at a gas tax in disguise. The residents of MA have already voted no on the gas tax! TCI is another attempt at a gas tax in disguise. |
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12/3/2019 |
TONY |
WOOD |
REPUBLICAN |
LYNN |
Massachusetts |
I WOULD SAY TAKE THIS TAX AND PUT IT WHERE YOUR SOLAR PANELS SHINE.THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PLANNING ON ENACTING THIS TAX ARE NOTHING MORE THAN THIEVES TRYING TO TAKE MORE OF OUR HARD EARNED DOLLARS... read more I WOULD SAY TAKE THIS TAX AND PUT IT WHERE YOUR SOLAR PANELS SHINE.THE PEOPLE WHO ARE PLANNING ON ENACTING THIS TAX ARE NOTHING MORE THAN THIEVES TRYING TO TAKE MORE OF OUR HARD EARNED DOLLARS AWAY. WHY AREN'T THEY LOOKING IN TO ALL THE WASTED SPENDING SUCH AS TODAYS FRONT PAGE HERALD STORY ABOUT THE EBT CARD ABUSE? EBT CARDS ARE TURNING UP AT LUXURY HOTELS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY INCLUDING 5 STAR LUXURY HOTELS LIKE THE PRINCEVILLE IN HAWAII? ARE LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR ARE A JOKE BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE HONEST HARD WORKIN TAXPAYER THE JOKE IS ON US. THEY DO NOTHING BUT CONTINUALLY TRY AND COME UP WITH NEW WAYS TO SCREW US. THEY SUUUUCK!! |
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12/3/2019 |
S |
Marengo |
Tax Payer |
Worcester |
Massachusetts |
Kathleen Theoharides states the difference between TCI and a gas tax is the point of regulation. This is irrelevant to consumers who will soon be paying more at the pump for this backsliding tax... read more Kathleen Theoharides states the difference between TCI and a gas tax is the point of regulation. This is irrelevant to consumers who will soon be paying more at the pump for this backsliding tax scheme. While taxpayers are the most obvious victims of this situation, individual legislators are greatly affected as well. They are being stripped of their rights and denied the opportunity to carry out the duty they were elected to perform. Taxpayers and constituents deserve better than having such a tax being implemented without explicit legislative approval process. I agree with others that it is a very slippery slope for Massachusetts. Lawmakers from other states in the TCI agreement are seeking legislative approval. Governor Baker’s administration, whether legally required or not, should also act in good faith and seek legislative approval. There must be an open and transparent legislative process on the details of the agreement. |
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12/3/2019 |
Richard |
Parkes |
Republican |
Milton |
Massachusetts |
Before you yet again ask hard working tax payers for more money, tighten your own belts first. Cut down on waste and fraud. We are not a bottomless pit of money for you to dip into endlessly. We... read more Before you yet again ask hard working tax payers for more money, tighten your own belts first. Cut down on waste and fraud. We are not a bottomless pit of money for you to dip into endlessly. We pay enough! |
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12/4/2019 |
Marc |
Breslow |
Climate XChange |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future
December 3, 2019
Response to Transportation and Climate Initiative
Framework for a Draft Regional Policy... read more Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future
December 3, 2019
Response to Transportation and Climate Initiative
Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal
Dear state government TCI officials:
This statement responds to your call for comments on the “Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal.” We greatly appreciate your openness to public input on the proposal, and the depth of discussion in your draft.
We represent the Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future (MCCEF), which is a coalition of organizations advocating for an economy-wide carbon pricing policy in the state. As such, we support the development of a robust and equitable cap-and-invest program for the transportation sector through TCI, but also recognize that TCI and RGGI only get us two-thirds of the way toward an economy-wide system, and urge states to extend carbon pricing to the heating fuels sector. Only by implementing carbon-reduction strategies throughout all the major fossil fuel-consuming sectors can the states achieve their goals to reduce emissions by 80 percent by 2050 -- or the more ambitious goals now being implemented in many states, such as 100 percent clean energy. Given the severity of the climate crisis, we cannot wait to take action to reduce carbon emissions from all sectors.
We support the points put forward by the Our Transportation Future (OTF) coalition, and some of our groups are members of that coalition. We will add here only points that are additional to OTF’s, or that we need to additionally emphasize.
Attached along with this statement we are attaching our Statement of Principles, which gives our criteria for a carbon pricing policy that is sufficiently strong to move our economy toward zero emissions. Our two basic principles state that carbon pricing must:
Achieve, in combination with other policies, the state’s GHG reduction mandates;
Ensure that the vast majority of low-income, and most moderate-income, people come out ahead or even from the combination of carbon pollution charges and use of the resulting revenues for rebates/tax cuts and reinvestment.
Beyond those two principles, below are our comments specific to the plan for TCI:
Cap levels - the cap must be set, initially and in future years, so that it will achieve in the transportation sector the reduction in emissions called for by the Massachusetts Global Warming Solutions Act and by similar acts in other states, which is at least 80 percent by 2050. Given that the transportation sector constitutes the largest portion of our emissions, we believe that this requires a 40 to 45 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2030. As calculated by OTF, this would require beginning with a cap level of 250 MMT in 2022 and declining by 40 percent to just over 150 MMT by 2032.
Recent scientific evidence indicates that greater reductions are needed, and we would urge the TCI states to set the caps according to this evidence. We would further urge the states not to set the cap levels higher in order to prevent allowance prices from rising above a predetermined level. While such prices may cause motor fuel prices to rise significantly, the depth of the climate crisis means that we cannot avoid such price rises - which can be mitigated through use of the proceeds.
Use of the proceeds - We understand that use of the proceeds will be up to the individual state governments, but we believe that TCI should set standards for their use, just as was done under RGGI. Most carbon revenues should be allocated to investments that reduce GHG emissions, while also meeting essential public needs and creating jobs. This includes projects that support low-carbon transportation, including public transit and electric vehicles, and resilience to climate change impacts. The burdens of higher fuel prices can be mitigated by using the proceeds from allowances in ways that reduce transportation costs for environmental justice communities, low-income populations, and other vulnerable groups. In addition to investment spending, proceeds returned as cash benefits to low and moderate income consumers may be necessary to ensure that low- and moderate-income populations benefit from the program.
Just Transition - We believe that a Just Transition to a clean energy future requires addressing the possible losses that will occur to workers who lose jobs and to communities that face losses to their economies and tax revenues due to shrinkage of fossil fuel industries. We therefore support the provision of transition benefits and training for workers and communities who are affected. We also urge that all employment provided with carbon pricing revenue be at union-scale wage levels.
Integrity of the cap - The various design aspects of the program should be
transparently constructed and limited in order to ensure the program’s effectiveness. In particular, measures taken to moderate the costs of the program, such as offsets, price ceilings, and banking must only allow the cap to be exceeded in extreme circumstances and for limited time periods.
Baseline emissions must be transparently calculated and the initial cap must be stringent enough to avoid a future surplus of “banked” allowances.
If offsets are allowed they must meet the requirements currently used by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, including that offset projects should take place only within the regulated territory covered by TCI.
If a Cost Containment Reserve (CCR) is included, the trigger price must be set sufficiently high so that additional allowances are only made available under exceptional circumstances. If CCR allowances are purchased, the cap should further be reduced over the following five years by a quantity equal to or greater than the amount of CCR allowances purchased.
A price floor must be included that ensures stability of revenues and allowance prices in the range anticipated in the policy design.
Thank you for allowing us to provide our comments concerning the design of TCI. We look forward to further discussions on how best to reduce transportation sector emissions and to improve the functioning of the region’s transportation systems.
Yours truly,
Mary Ann Ashton, Co-President, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
Marc Breslow, Policy and Research Director, Climate XChange
Nancy Goodman, Vice President for Policy, Environmental League of Massachusetts
Kristin Kelleher, Programs Director, Climate Action Business Association
Cindy Luppi, New England Director, Clean Water Action
Bill Ravanesi, Senior Director, Green Building & Energy Program, Health Care Without Harm
Jordan Stutt, Carbon Programs Director, Acadia Center
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MA carbon pricing coalition TCI comments 12.3.19.pdf |
12/4/2019 |
Marc |
Breslow |
Climate XChange |
Boston |
Massachusetts |
Attached are the principles for carbon pricing from the Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future; in conjunction with our comments on the TCI Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal... Attached are the principles for carbon pricing from the Massachusetts Campaign for a Clean Energy Future; in conjunction with our comments on the TCI Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal. |
MCCEF Carbon pricing principles 9.12.19.pdf |