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1/16/2020 |
Zoe |
Warner |
concerned resident of PA and mother |
Malvern |
Pennsylvania |
I have a PhD in City and Regional Planning. One of the issues we frequently discuss is inefficient transportation systems and auto-dependency. One priority should be to improve train travel... read more I have a PhD in City and Regional Planning. One of the issues we frequently discuss is inefficient transportation systems and auto-dependency. One priority should be to improve train travel throughout this reason. With improved train service, it would be possible to travel from Washington DC to Boston with greatly reduced emissions.
I often think of these transportation issues and how they play out at the local level. I live in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and I experience inefficiencies and auto-related gridlock daily. In Chester County we are expected to add 140,000 people in the next 20 years. On neighborhood forums, I see the tendency to want to reject all development, which is not possible when considering the projected population growth. A major reason for not wanting more development is the overburdened infrastructure that will become increasingly inefficient with more cars on the road. We need a solution that will provide other means of local and regional transportation. These local transportation solutions should be part of the scaffolding of a regional transportation system.
Creating an enforceable limit on transportation pollution and investing in clean, modern mobility solutions across the region will reduce vehicle emissions, especially GHG emissions; support clear air initiatives; and improve the quality of life of residents in these states. A regional planning initiative is long overdue, but I am grateful that the process has begun. I request that Pennsylvania will formally join the plan to reduce emissions. This bipartisan project will provide an example to the rest of the country, demonstrating that state jurisdictions can do this important but difficult work even as our federal government continues to roll back regulations and refuses to address issues that will make us competitive in the future. I also hope this policy will prioritize clean energy investments on behalf of all residents, especially those in areas overburdened by pollution or in areas where access to clean energy options are limited. |
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1/16/2020 |
Tara |
Chambers |
Concerned resident of Planet Earth |
Concord |
Massachusetts |
Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! Please move forward towards clean air!!! And go vegan while you are at it! |
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1/16/2020 |
Katharine |
Pillsbury |
concerned resident, mother |
Newton Highlands |
Massachusetts |
Emissions from so many polluting cars not only causes rising temperatures but also has caused higher rates of asthma -- especially among kids. The rates of asthma have increased at my kids school... read more Emissions from so many polluting cars not only causes rising temperatures but also has caused higher rates of asthma -- especially among kids. The rates of asthma have increased at my kids school --more kids needing inhalers! Reducing emissions will directly help improve kids lives now and in their future.
Regional policy has really helped in the electricity sector. We need additional funds and policies to upgrade public transportation and low CO2 means of transportation -- EV cars and busses.
The Transportation and Climate Initiative is a major step in helping improving our kids lives.
Thank you.
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1/17/2020 |
Kathi |
Thonet |
concerned resident, mother and grandmother |
Pittstown |
New Jersey |
It is long past the time when we, following the lead of Europe, invest heavily in mass transit as one way to curb global warming emissions from cars, trucks and planes. It is long past the time... read more It is long past the time when we, following the lead of Europe, invest heavily in mass transit as one way to curb global warming emissions from cars, trucks and planes. It is long past the time when we need to be stuck in gridlock, taking hours to reach our destination, all while watching the earth cook.
I request that New Jersey formally join the plan to reduce emissions and I demand that the policy has a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
Thank you for the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government takes us backward. A breath of fresh air is much appreciated. |
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1/27/2020 |
Eve |
Schwartz |
concerned resident, naturalist, & mom |
Keswick |
Virginia |
Pollution from transportation sources is the largest source of global warming emissions both regionally and nationally. To tackle climate change, it is imperative to reduce pollution from... read more Pollution from transportation sources is the largest source of global warming emissions both regionally and nationally. To tackle climate change, it is imperative to reduce pollution from transportation sources. I would like Virginia to formally join the plan to reduce emissions
It is very important that the policy have a strong component of equity by prioritizing clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don't have access.
I am grateful to you for the bipartisan nature of this project, moving us forward while the federal government moves us back. |
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1/16/2020 |
John |
Haresch |
Concerned resident, physician, and parent |
Fairfax |
Virginia |
Thank you for this effort to improve our air, the climate, and access to transportation. Please focus on efforts to minimize carbon emissions as much as possible, which will help my patients... read more Thank you for this effort to improve our air, the climate, and access to transportation. Please focus on efforts to minimize carbon emissions as much as possible, which will help my patients' health and my children's future. And please focus on providing transportation access to underserved communities who tend to have very little voice in these processes. |
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1/16/2020 |
david j. |
lafond |
concerned resident, voter |
Holyoke |
Massachusetts |
Our transportation system is stuck in the dark ages. Traffic congestion from millions of cars and trucks are polluting our lungs and planet more than ever before. But as we enter this new decade,... read more Our transportation system is stuck in the dark ages. Traffic congestion from millions of cars and trucks are polluting our lungs and planet more than ever before. But as we enter this new decade, we have an opportunity modernize how we get from point A to point B.
We need to move quickly to address transportation emissions & shift to a cleaner transportation model if we are to have a prayer of averting the most catastrophic effects of the climate crisis. We need clean, high speed rail services to be expanded & we need ready access to charging stations for electric vehicles, support for cleaner alternative fuels & support for those among us who simply cannot afford hybrids or plug-in vehicles. Massachusetts needs to join this effort & work aggressively toward our goal of a cleaner transportation grid. |
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2/26/2020 |
Daviann |
McClurg |
Concerned resident/parent/grandparent |
Larned |
Kansas |
Since the federal government under Trump and McConnell refuse to do anything, the responsibility falls to governors, mayors and conscientious industries to take the lead. Please making Kansas a... read more Since the federal government under Trump and McConnell refuse to do anything, the responsibility falls to governors, mayors and conscientious industries to take the lead. Please making Kansas a leading state reducing transportation emissions. A few suggestions are: investing in public transportation, walking paths, and biking lanes.
Since Kansas is also a large agricultural presence, the state must be proactive in sustainable farming practices and limiting agricultural irrigation systems. |
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2/27/2020 |
Daniel |
Dorgan |
Concerned Resident/Parent/Physician |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative as a Philadelphia resident and father of two children. I also support it as a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician with many patients whose... read more I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative as a Philadelphia resident and father of two children. I also support it as a Pulmonary and Critical Care physician with many patients whose lung diseases are worsened by poor air quality. A comprehensive program creating a safe environment for biking and walking, along with improved public transportation is crucial for the health of our city and region and would make the region a more vibrant and desirable place to live. We also have a responsibility to future generations to play our part in mitigating the effects of climate change. This should be a top priority for anyone who wants want is best for our region and the world. |
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1/16/2020 |
Kelly |
Clark |
Concerned Scientist and Mom |
Medford |
New Jersey |
The largest source of pollution in the northeast US is from transportation. These emissions result in increased asthma and other pollution-related illnesses, and even death. The impacts on health... read more The largest source of pollution in the northeast US is from transportation. These emissions result in increased asthma and other pollution-related illnesses, and even death. The impacts on health from air pollution particularly affect the most vulnerable: children, elderly, the chronically ill, and people living in low-income communities. Healthcare costs increase along with the average temperatures. It is not a hoax: My state of New Jersey is absolutely seeing changes in climate and it appears to be accelerating.
The northeast states have been leaders in changing sources of energy from coal to renewable and that investment has brought jobs and greater efficiency. The next logical step would be to be at the forefront of reducing transportation emissions and cleaning up the air we breathe. It's going to take research, creativity, ingenuity, and, yes, investment to accomplish this goal, but I think it's a challenge these states can tackle together. A "cap and invest" program, as used to make the transition to renewable energy sources, could work in a similar way with reducing transportation pollution. |
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1/16/2020 |
Kay |
Clement |
concerned senior citizen |
North Adams |
Massachusetts |
Respectfully request action to commit to solid scientific action to provide safe and environmentally sustainable means of transportation that will support our environment rather than continuing to... read more Respectfully request action to commit to solid scientific action to provide safe and environmentally sustainable means of transportation that will support our environment rather than continuing to degrade the climate. We, as a society, must protect our Earth and stop relying on old school means of transportation. Supporting the Transportation and Climate Initiative will benefit our Society and future generations.
I thank all who work on this initiative. We must work together with respect to forward sustainable initiatives, laws, programs to better and enlarge this world.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kay Clement
North Adams, MA |
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1/16/2020 |
Arline |
Goodman |
Concerned senior citizen |
Canton |
Massachusetts |
I am pleased that my Republican Governor Baker has signed on to this initiative and congratulate him for taking this position.
It is disheartening to read in the Boston Globe that... read more I am pleased that my Republican Governor Baker has signed on to this initiative and congratulate him for taking this position.
It is disheartening to read in the Boston Globe that Republican Governor Sununu of neighboring New Hampshire has taken a negative position and will not sign on. That is very unfortunate for New Hampshire residents and the whole east coast states. |
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1/16/2020 |
Q |
Holmes |
concerned student |
Connecticut Area |
Connecticut |
We need to make changes now. We cannot keep putting the lives of future generations at risk. What is convenient to you know will suffocate your great grand kids. Please look beyond the convenience... read more We need to make changes now. We cannot keep putting the lives of future generations at risk. What is convenient to you know will suffocate your great grand kids. Please look beyond the convenience of fossil fuels to a sustainable alternative in which kids can breathe fresh air and don't have to worry like I do today. |
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12/1/2019 |
Bruce |
Wojciechowski |
Concerned tax payer |
Brighton |
Massachusetts |
MASSACHUSETTS is not California !!! The working poor cannot afford another tax. We pay enough. If this state needs more money for hack jobs, get it from some else. Try cutting some of the overpaid... read more MASSACHUSETTS is not California !!! The working poor cannot afford another tax. We pay enough. If this state needs more money for hack jobs, get it from some else. Try cutting some of the overpaid government bureaucrats. Not everybody can drive a bike to work. |
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10/9/2019 |
Dean |
Desmarais |
Concerned taxpayer |
Dover |
New Hampshire |
Anything we do at this point won't reduce the environment any noticeable amount in the next 30 years, but if you went after China and India and got them to cut back, well then you'd see... read more Anything we do at this point won't reduce the environment any noticeable amount in the next 30 years, but if you went after China and India and got them to cut back, well then you'd see a dramatic change. Quit trying to force this down on people that can't afford it. Go after the ones that will really make a difference. |
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1/18/2020 |
Emily |
Castner |
concerned taxpayer |
Worcester |
Massachusetts |
Thank you for finally getting together in a bipartisan fashion to take action on global climate change by working on the transportation sector in the northeast. We are already seeing the effects... read more Thank you for finally getting together in a bipartisan fashion to take action on global climate change by working on the transportation sector in the northeast. We are already seeing the effects of climate change in increased severe weather events and hotter temperature. The poor among us bear the brunt of the burden. Seeing that Massachusetts people are involved, I trust you will continue to lead. When investments are made in clean energy, I trust you will consult the communities involved, especially the poorer ones. Hopefully I will live to see the day (I am 79) of efficient train and bus service, electric car charging stations and dedicated bicycle and walking paths. The cost of doing nothing will be greater than that of taking action now. |
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1/21/2020 |
Peter |
Brush |
Concerned Taxpayer |
Jefferson |
Maine |
This well-intentioned plan benefits only urban areas. Those of us living in rural portions of the country will pay a heavy economic price in order to force city dwellers to take taxpayer-... read more This well-intentioned plan benefits only urban areas. Those of us living in rural portions of the country will pay a heavy economic price in order to force city dwellers to take taxpayer-subsidized transportation. Instead, find a plan that only the actual users of this 'grand plan' will be forced to pay for. |
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11/6/2019 |
Linda |
Sukop |
Concerned Vermont citizen |
BURLINGTON |
Vermont |
Please prioritize equity. Low- and moderate-income and people in rural areas without access to public transportation should be the primary beneficiaries of the low-carbon transportation... read more Please prioritize equity. Low- and moderate-income and people in rural areas without access to public transportation should be the primary beneficiaries of the low-carbon transportation investments.
Polluters should pay. In this case, the fossil fuel companies that are buying permits at auction should be required to pay for the environmental and health damages associated with their products.
The cap should start low and drop quickly, in line with the latest science on the necessary pace of climate pollution reductions. |
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2/4/2020 |
Erik |
Breiland |
Concerned Vermonter |
Milton |
Vermont |
What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when setting the starting level and the
trajectory for a regional cap on carbon dioxide emissions from transportation fuels? Answer: The... read more What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when setting the starting level and the
trajectory for a regional cap on carbon dioxide emissions from transportation fuels? Answer: The program should be a net savings to the average family to keep it popular. A trajectory such that you get to $50/metric ton by 2030.
How should the compliance period be structured to provide needed flexibility, while
ensuring environmental integrity? If a person or business buys new infrastructure/equipment that is zero emissions or reducing their emissions (different criteria for different industries), some of the carbon tax they paid in the previous or two could be used to help pay for that new equipment.
What factors should TCI jurisdictions consider when designing stability mechanisms for
managing uncertainties regarding future emissions and allowance prices? It should be clear how the proceeds are distributed and the 10 year carbon tax plan should be stated up front and not changed for 10 years. The market should take care of everything else. |
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10/31/2019 |
Jordan |
Bastedo |
Concerned voter |
Baileyville |
Maine |
Taxation is theft. We’re already taxed enough as it is. Quit using something that naturally occurs as a method to force more control over those that you represent. Taxation is theft. We’re already taxed enough as it is. Quit using something that naturally occurs as a method to force more control over those that you represent. |
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