2/28/2020 |
David |
Mankiewicz |
CenterState CEO |
Syracuse |
New York |
CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce dedicated to the success of its members and the... read more CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. CenterState CEO is headquartered in Syracuse, New York and has 2,000 members. You can see more information about us on our website: www.centerstateceo.com. We undertake programs in economic development/business development, economic inclusion, research, policy and planning, as well as innovation and entrepreneurial development to achieve our goals.
We are closely following the development of the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI). We have participated in the public information meetings sponsored by the New York State Department of Conservation on November 7, and the TCI webinar of December 17. We thank New York State and the TCI for making those opportunities possible and look forward to continuing to engage in the process as it moves forward.
We are well aware of the climate issues you are seeking to address with this program. We applaud the states for working together to address a problem on this scale, and recognize that the leadership being taken by the states together can have a significant impact on the problem. We urge you to keep the flow of communication open as we are concerned that the general public, and business community awareness of the TCI is not very great at this point. Ultimately the participating states will be asked to pass legislation to implement the TCI proposals, by that time it will be critical to have greater public understanding of what is being proposed and why it is being proposed. The TCI will increase the cost of doing business for New York State employers, it will be critical that you clearly articulate the benefit that will be generated by the actions you propose.
At this point we have more questions, and as an organization we have not taken any position on the TCI. We would ask you to consider several factors as you design this program.
Our employers frequently must compete for customers in national and international markets. We understand that your market model indicated a positive economic impact for the region as a whole. The region’s economic vulnerability is not really caused by whether some customers drive over a state line to buy a tank of gas in another state, but rather when a business in Central New York has to compete for a contract against a competitor in another part of the country whose fuel prices may be lower to produce and transport a product to market. These types of decisions can often be driven by fractions of a cent per unit differences between one plant and another.
The Central New York economy is very vulnerable to changes in transportation costs. We are heavily dependent on trucking to move our products to market. We do not have competitive rail service that major rail centers possess, we are largely the captive of a single railroad. This is not an uncommon situation for middle sized cities in the TCI region. If a CNY business is seeking to sell products to international market, it actually costs more to move goods 300 miles from Syracuse to the Port of New York/New Jersey by truck than it then costs to move that same product from the Port of New York/New Jersey to an international market (such as China) by ship. Therefore, we are very sensitive to increases in fuel prices. If you do follow the “cap and invest” strategy, then some of that investment should be dedicated to alternative modes of transportation in order to avoid significant adverse consequences to a region like ours. Central New York produces a significant amount of agricultural products, lumber, paperboard, and consumer products that are relatively low priced goods that will be very sensitive to an increase in the cost of transportation. To the degree that there would be a shift from truck to rail as a means of goods movement, there should also be a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, as rail is a much more environmentally efficient way to move products.
It seems that the results from your economic model indicate that the rise in impact on CO2 emissions was generating diminishing returns as you raised the price; i.e. a 5 cent per gallon increase led to a 20% reduction in CO2 emissions, raising that to 9 cents per gallon only generated a 22% reduction and a 17 cent per gallon decrease only generated a 25% reduction. It appears most of the cap and invest strategy’s return came from the initial increase in fuel price, and it is possible that the marginal increase in additional CO2 reduction would not be worth the potential economic damage of continuing to raise the price.
Part of that diminishment of return may be linked to the nature of the opportunities in which the TCI invests. At the public meeting many of the advocates were recommending projects that while they may be meritorious in their own right might not be particularly effective at the scale of the problem that you are trying to solve. Adding a rural bus route to help a hand full of customers get to a center city is not likely to contribute much to the major CO2 reductions you are seeking to achieve. The investment projects need to be about systemic change and you need projects that will change human behavior. We would recommend that you identify large and bold initiatives that can make a difference such as building out electric car infrastructure across the states, investing in the electrification of transit, upgrading electric generation and transmission to make sure that the utility systems can actually serve the increase desired in the sales of electric vehicles, or investing in infrastructure such as inland ports that will move significant amount of freight movements from truck to rail.
The TCI will have to work with the region’s utility providers to assure that they have the capability to deliver the clean electric power that the TCI needs to reduce carbon emissions. For example, in New York State, Upstate New York already has a significant base of non-fossil fueled power sources including wind, hydro, and nuclear. Seventy percent of our power comes from those sources. Downstate, the supply is closer to 70% from fossil fuels, and only 30% from non-fossil fueled sources. A wise investment, while not necessarily a transportation one, would be to increase the capacity of the New York State electric grid to move non-fossil fuel
dependent electricity from Upstate to downstate, or to convert or replace the fossil fuel plants that supply New York City with clean power. There will also be a need to make sure that there is sufficient generation to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, and given the challenges in siting and permitting utility generation, this could be a problem that could undermine your efforts.
Another issue the TCI should address is to encourage states to change their transportation investment policies. For example, NYSDOT is currently close to a final decision on replacement of I-81 through Syracuse. This will represent a minimum of a $2.5 billion investment in highways around Syracuse. While this is a good investment, being done in an environmentally responsible manner, the investments that the TCI are proposing will pale in comparison to the amount of money which will have to be spent on roads and highways. You may need to convince member states, and the federal government, to reconsider their own transportation investment policies and put more emphasis on transit or non-highway investments. With the aging of the interstate system, many states will be in the position to consider whether they can turn their transportation investments to replace some of the demand for automobile transportation with other forms of moving people.
We appreciate your willingness to engage the business community on this important and complex issue. We look forward to be engaged in the process, and hope that we can make progress in addressing this problem.
Sincerely,
David A. Mankiewicz
Senior Vice President
CenterState CEO
115 West Fayette Street
Syracuse, New York, 13202
Phone: (315)-470-1942
Email: dmankiewicz@centerstateceo.com
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TCI Comment Letter 2-27-2020 with sig..doc |
2/28/2020 |
David |
Kosterlitz |
Maryland Sierra Club |
Bethesda |
Maryland |
Please enter into the TCI. I support the cap and invest method that has been proposed. This policy could set a declining cap on the amount of carbon pollution released by the use of... read more Please enter into the TCI. I support the cap and invest method that has been proposed. This policy could set a declining cap on the amount of carbon pollution released by the use of transportation fuels by requiring entities like wholesale fuel distributors that sell gasoline and other fuels to retail outlets (i.e., gas stations) to purchase emission permits available under the cap (2). The proceeds from sale by states of those permits could then be invested in clean alternatives like electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, public transportation, walking and biking projects, and other smart growth initiatives, speeding up the must needed transition to a clean, equitable, 21st century transportation system. |
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2/28/2020 |
David |
Pringle |
Clean Water Action |
Cranford |
New Jersey |
Please see the attached for details. TCI must reduce emissions in line with IPCC targets, TCI must benefit EJ communities, and all TCI proceeds must go to those purposes! Please see the attached for details. TCI must reduce emissions in line with IPCC targets, TCI must benefit EJ communities, and all TCI proceeds must go to those purposes! |
Clean Water Action TCI Comments 2.28.20.pdf |
10/14/2020 |
David |
Hrobuchak |
PA resident |
Harrisburg |
Pennsylvania |
I recommend the following actions:
A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)... read more I recommend the following actions:
A cap on carbon emissions of at least 25% by 2032
An increase in the minimum investment in overburdened and underserved communities (>35%)
Request that investments be put towards active transportation like better sidewalks, bicycle infrastructure, and high quality public transit. |
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10/14/2020 |
David |
Sawhill |
VidSaw Innovation, LLC |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
It is so important to address climate change. Especially for our children. It is time to stop thinking only for ourselves and for only this present moment. It is truly incomprehensible to me how... read more It is so important to address climate change. Especially for our children. It is time to stop thinking only for ourselves and for only this present moment. It is truly incomprehensible to me how self serving political change has become. Enough said. Let's try something different. It might even be a surprise that provides a long term economic advantage. |
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10/25/2019 |
David A. |
Woolsey |
David Woolsey Violinmaker |
Ellsworth |
Maine |
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2/28/2020 |
David and Kathy |
Hooke |
Landowner - Building contractor - town leader |
Vershire |
Vermont |
Dear Governor Scott -
I strongly urge you to add Vermont to the TCI.
You have seen the analysis that monetarily Vermont stands to gain more than it will lose. These are compelling... read more Dear Governor Scott -
I strongly urge you to add Vermont to the TCI.
You have seen the analysis that monetarily Vermont stands to gain more than it will lose. These are compelling, and perhaps, motivation enough. But fundamentally, this TCI approach is the first truly credible, regional approach to bending the curve on emissions - and it is long past time that something like this be done. The ONLY thing that truly affects behavior across the whole population is the relative cost. Gas is at historically low prices right now, as a result of the fact that we do not include the external costs - to the environment, and society - in what people pay at the pump. Only if we start to make it that those external costs are included, will people have the incentive to change. I just so remember my friend Mike the logger, a classic practical Vermonter if ever there there was one, who talked about when gas prices spiked over $4/gal a few years ago. He said, you know, that got my attention. Used to be I'd think nothing of driving the 2500 down to the store to get a gallon of milk. So when gas got pricey, I planned my trips. Now it's cheap again, and I've forgotten...make it cost more again, and I'll be thoughtful. Vermonters who drive long distances to work ARE thoughtful, they are resourceful, and they know, deep down, this is something we have to do. There will be a long phase in of these changes. People will have time to adjust. I strongly urge you to take this step now. |
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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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2/13/2020 |
david j. |
lafond |
none |
HOLYOKE |
Massachusetts |
We need desperately to act to mitigate climate change & to do so requires action on all fronts, including moving transportation to a greener, cleaner future. It is absolutely critical that we... read more We need desperately to act to mitigate climate change & to do so requires action on all fronts, including moving transportation to a greener, cleaner future. It is absolutely critical that we move forward with initiatives such as the Transportation & Climate Initiative to begin to address the critical problems caused by accelerating & worsening climate change.
Thank you. |
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5/25/2019 |
Dawn |
Henry |
Electric Vehicle Club of Connecticut |
Westport |
Connecticut |
I'd like to see policies that encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles over internal combustion engines. This could be done through carbon pricing, tax incentives, or perks given to... read more I'd like to see policies that encourage consumers to choose electric vehicles over internal combustion engines. This could be done through carbon pricing, tax incentives, or perks given to drivers of EVs (preferred parking, discounted tolls, HOV lanes, etc.) |
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1/16/2020 |
Dawn |
Zelinski |
concerned citizen |
Middletown |
New Jersey |
I believe New Jersey (and all states) should enforce limits on transportation pollution and invest in clean, modern transportation solutions. Climate change is real, and human pollution is the... read more I believe New Jersey (and all states) should enforce limits on transportation pollution and invest in clean, modern transportation solutions. Climate change is real, and human pollution is the major contributor. We owe it to all creatures who share the planet, to take aggressive steps to curb all forms of pollution. It is our duty. |
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1/16/2020 |
Dawn |
DiBlasi |
County Government |
Waterville |
Maine |
Clean Transportation Can Protect Our Environment and Grow Our Economy
HIGHLIGHTS
The Northeast has helped lead the nation
in reducing pollution from electricity.
Now... read more Clean Transportation Can Protect Our Environment and Grow Our Economy
HIGHLIGHTS
The Northeast has helped lead the nation
in reducing pollution from electricity.
Now the largest source of pollution in the
region comes from transportation. We
can create a better, cleaner transportation
system for Northeast residents through
investments in public transportation and
new technologies such as electric vehicles.
An important step forward would be for the
Northeast region to set an overall limit
on pollution from transportation through
a regional “cap-and-invest” program,
similar to the program the region
implemented for electricity-related
emissions. This program would begin to
hold oil companies accountable for their
emissions and provide funding for clean
mobility for Northeast residents.
Over the past decade, the Northeast region of the United States has helped lead
the country—and the world—in supporting and developing clean, renewable
sources of electricity. Taken together, the policies of Northeast states, from Maine
to Maryland, have generated billions of dollars in investment for solar, wind, and
efficiency. One driving force behind this investment is a regional initiative that
caps emissions from the electricity sector, charges power plants for the emissions
they generate, and invests the revenue from those fees into efficiency and clean
energy programs. This initiative has helped fundamentally change the region’s
electricity sector: we have achieved unprecedented penetration of renewables,
nearly eliminated the use of coal, and reduced overall electricity use at a time of
economic expansion.
The next big step for the region is to bring that same sense of commitment,
ingenuity, and purpose to clean transportation.
Transportation is the largest source of pollution in the Northeast region,
comprising more than 40 percent of total regional global warming emissions
(Georgetown Climate Center 2015). In addition to the health impacts associated
with rising temperatures, soot and ground-level ozone from the region’s cars
and trucks are responsible for more than 50,000 asthma attacks, 1,000 deaths,
and other pollution-related illnesses that incur approximately $27 billion in total
health care costs every year (Holmes-Gen and Barrett 2016). The health impacts
of transportation affect all of us, but especially vulnerable are children, the elderly,
the chronically ill, and people in low-income communities (who often live in or
near freight corridors). |
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1/30/2020 |
Dawn |
Henry |
NA |
Westport |
Connecticut |
The climate crisis is the biggest issue of our time. This requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to reducing emissions. I support investing in public transportation, bike and walk friendly... read more The climate crisis is the biggest issue of our time. This requires an all-hands-on-deck approach to reducing emissions. I support investing in public transportation, bike and walk friendly infrastructure, and electric vehicles. Thank you. |
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2/25/2020 |
Dawn |
King |
Brown |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
I support TCI because I want cleaner and quicker public transportation. I use public transportation frequently, and know that many people rely on it to travel to work. We need a faster, cleaner... read more I support TCI because I want cleaner and quicker public transportation. I use public transportation frequently, and know that many people rely on it to travel to work. We need a faster, cleaner, regional transportation system! |
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9/30/2020 |
Dayne |
Delahoussaye |
Neste |
Houston |
Texas |
Please see attached letter. Please see attached letter. |
2020-09-30 TCI Workshop Comments - Neste.pdf |
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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2/28/2020 |
Dean Bruce |
Langmuir |
Member Environmental League of Massachusets |
Concord |
Massachusetts |
We need to drastically reduce vehicle pollution now. We need to drastically reduce vehicle pollution now. |
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11/1/2019 |
Deanna |
Melville |
Maine resident |
Farmington |
Maine |
Maine people do not need or deserve any more taxes! This is especially true for gas, which is required for our travels to and from work. We work to pay our federal, state, sales, excise, and... read more Maine people do not need or deserve any more taxes! This is especially true for gas, which is required for our travels to and from work. We work to pay our federal, state, sales, excise, and property taxes! Increasing gas taxes is like kicking us while we are desperately trying to make ends meet already! This also applies to any ideas of increasing taxes on fuel oil, which Maine relies on to try to keep warm in our freezing winters! Living in Maine means we most likely live in rural areas that absolutely require significant fuel costs to travel to and from work. How about going after car manufacturers to make vehicles more fuel efficient? It's absurd the low mileage that almost every vehicle on the road gets. There is no need of it. Working Mainers should not continue to be the first option on getting more funds! This is why people are leaving Maine. |
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2/27/2020 |
Deanna |
Hessert |
Rep |
Swanville |
Maine |
This is a complete outrage to do to the citizens of Maine. We already have to travel bigger distances to get to work school Etc because most of Maine is still rule. For you too implement a $0.17... read more This is a complete outrage to do to the citizens of Maine. We already have to travel bigger distances to get to work school Etc because most of Maine is still rule. For you too implement a $0.17 gas tax is absolutely ridiculous. I only put 9 to 10,000 miles a year on my vehicle where in the heck do you think I can cut back? If you think you can show me where to do that please come to 62 East Eagle Lane in swanville and follow me for a week and see just how little I drive. Janet Mills knows nothing about running a household let alone a state. |
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2/26/2020 |
Deb |
Stringham |
self |
Sharon |
Massachusetts |
Please develop and implement a policy that caps/reduces carbon emissions from transportation Please develop and implement a policy that caps/reduces carbon emissions from transportation |
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