TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

Do not impose any more gasoline taxes on us! This whole idea is a scam and simply a way to bypass voters. We already made it clear we do not want more gas taxes. If you want to build some other form of transportation, spend the money you already have. You do not need any more money. Stay out of my pocket and leave my car alone!

I support a transportation plan that will commit to reducing gas emissions from vehicles and more sustainable methods of transportation.

We must do all that we can to cut emissions and greenhouse gases. Every day we inflict more damage to our only home. Unfortunately, time is running out and we aren't doing enough to halt the destruction of our planet. I support the TCI.

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!!!!!

I support a “…design (for) a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.” Electric vehicles for both public transportation and individual use with abundant charging stations throughout the region are needed to support these goals.

The citizens of Maine can not afford this ridiculous new tax on fuel. I demand that Governor Mills and the Democratic majority withdraw from the Transportation and Climate Initiative like three other states have done already.

Very supportive of the plan. We need to end the "carbon externalithy." However, adding to the price of gasoline and diesel can be politically a tough sell. I hope you will allow those states that opt to implement the initiative to do so, and those states that opt not to will have the option to join later, perhaps when political changes occur, and climate change becomes more of a concern and action item.

Thank you for the opportunity to offer my comments and concerns about the Transportation and Climate Initiative MOU among Northeast and Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions. I applaud the Baker Administration for working to reduce emissions related to transportation and for collaborating with other states in our region to do so. In order to build the clean, safe, and accessible transportation system that Massachusetts requires, and to address the climate emergency we are faced with, the TCI must be equitable, visionary and ambitious. The current TCI proposal has areas that need to be addressed.

The emissions reduction estimate of the current TCI proposal is flawed. It does not take into account a 19% drop in emissions caused by the more fuel-efficient vehicles that will be used over the next decade. The TCI proposal would not reduce emissions from transportation in the region from 20-25% over 10 years as stated; it would reduce emissions by 1-6%. In Massachusetts, as transportation is responsible for 40% of emissions, the TCI would reduce total emissions by only 2.4%. In addition, climate change mitigation calls for emissions reduction to be approximately 40% of current emissions levels per decade. The TCI only aspires to reduce transportation climate emissions by 1%, 3% or 6% over a decade. This is clearly inadequate. The TCI targets and calculations must be reconsidered and revised.

It is critical that the TCI proposal protects moderate and low-income and rural residents from bearing an inequitable financial burden as transportation emissions are reduced. Funds generated from the TCI should be distributed to cover added energy expenses over time. In addition, the TCI should include policy regulations that:

1. Provide funding to rural residents to cover the added gasoline costs incurred from longer driving distances and from extremely limited public transportation options.
2. Allocate funds to public transportation, municipal energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, EV charging stations in rural areas and urban areas with rental properties, rebates for electric vehicles, including used EVs, and higher EV rebates for low-income residents, to make EVs more accessible to residents of all income levels.
3. Target funding for the development of community solar for moderate- and low-income residents.
4. Include large emissions from jet fuel.

TCI funds should be invested in clean energy, energy efficiency, and more robust public transportation. This would improve our economy by increasing employment opportunities, improving public transportation, and making jobs more accessible. Clean transportation will improve the quality of life throughout our region by lowering pollution related health issues and giving us hope for the future.

Nothing but Political Manipulation, to Brake the country's financial position, impoverish all citizens and control all . Usurping Power is the ONLY thing this is ALL about, to put all of U.S. under the control of the Fkn UN