10/18/2019 |
Kevin |
Meindl |
Buffalo Sewer |
Buffalo |
New York |
Transportation infrastructure should include vegetated green infrastructure to manage stormwater as well as reduce air pollution and urban heat. Vegetation directly adjacent to roadways can... read more Transportation infrastructure should include vegetated green infrastructure to manage stormwater as well as reduce air pollution and urban heat. Vegetation directly adjacent to roadways can decrease PM2.5 and PM10 as well as be up to 9 degrees cooler than surrounding areas. In addition, vegetation incorporated into transportation networks helps sequester CO2 and other GHG.
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10/19/2019 |
Kathy |
Offord |
Mainer |
Jay |
Maine |
Why are "WE"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) paying more and getting less. This proposal does "US"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) no good. "WE"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) pay and pay and have... read more Why are "WE"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) paying more and getting less. This proposal does "US"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) no good. "WE"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) pay and pay and have no say in how these designs are made until "WE" ...(MAINE RESIDENTS) hear after the fact that it was done and said ..."its for the good of all Mainers". Governor Mills has made decisions that "WE"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) do not agree with and feel they are not fully made with "OUR INTERESTS"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) in mind. I wish Governor Mills would let "US"...(MAINE RESIDENTS ) help her in making decisions that will impact "OUR LIVES"...(MAINE RESIDENTS). This proposal is definitely NOT in "OUR"...(MAINE RESIDENTS) best interest. |
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10/19/2019 |
Cheryl |
Fraunhofer |
Maine Citizen |
South Berwick |
Maine |
NO! Absolutely not! Governor Janet Mills, please stop doing things like this that will make it harder for people in Maine to survive. It may be the politically correct thing for you that will make... read more NO! Absolutely not! Governor Janet Mills, please stop doing things like this that will make it harder for people in Maine to survive. It may be the politically correct thing for you that will make you look good to your liberal lunatic supporters, but it is absolutely the wrong thing to do for all the normal citizens of Maine. We are a poor state as it is, and we need to have affordable oil and gas to heat our homes and to get around. You are just going to make the people of Maine poorer, while making yourself look good. It's a stupid and selfish thing to do. Please don't! |
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10/22/2019 |
Daniel |
Pendergast |
Maine citizen |
Brunswick |
Maine |
Initiatives like this would absolutely devistate a rural state like Maine. I'm a hybrid plug-in owner; I believe in conservation, but slamming through crippling taxes on a state that... read more Initiatives like this would absolutely devistate a rural state like Maine. I'm a hybrid plug-in owner; I believe in conservation, but slamming through crippling taxes on a state that naturally already struggles to compete economically (I say naturally, but how much is from decades of willful disdain of economic realities?) is short sighted at best, if not just down right cruel. Please THINK about the repercussions of your actions, not just your long term pipe dreams (or nightmares as the case may be, despite that those have so consistently been proven to be not entirely well founded). Maine does not need this, and outside of insular bastions in the state, DOES NOT WANT IT. |
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10/22/2019 |
Heidi |
Strom Moon |
Sierra Club |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
I applaud the TCI for taking a collaborative, forward-looking approach to addressing the climate crisis through bipartisan, cooperative efforts to reduct carbon emissions from transportation. I... read more I applaud the TCI for taking a collaborative, forward-looking approach to addressing the climate crisis through bipartisan, cooperative efforts to reduct carbon emissions from transportation. I only wish this work had started 20 years ago. I have a 15-year-old daughter and I am seriously worried about the planet her generation is inheriting. |
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10/22/2019 |
Bob |
Higgins-Steele |
Town of Truro Climate Action Committee |
Truro |
Massachusetts |
Disincentives to single person automobile travel such as a substantial increase in gasoline taxes complement the cap and invest mechanism of the TCI.
To minimize the regressive... read more Disincentives to single person automobile travel such as a substantial increase in gasoline taxes complement the cap and invest mechanism of the TCI.
To minimize the regressive nature of such a tax there could be an exemption to persons or families earning 250% times poverty level, or perhaps 60% of median income for the state.
People who qualify would be given a transponder and gas stations a transponder reader. The upfront set up cost would be borne by the state then reimbursed from the tax revenue.
In 2017 Massachusetts drivers used 2,700,036,000 gallons of gasoline according to the EPA.
Approximately 25% of Massachusetts residents would qualify for an exemption using the above means testing.
A 50 cent increase would net a bit over 1 billion dollars a year after the exempt population is discounted. This money would go to infrastructure and public transportation.
As revenue falls when more people switch to EVs or take public transportion the could be a surcharge; either means tested or, by miles driven to keep the infrastructure and transportation investments funded.
II wholeheartedly support the TCI
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10/23/2019 |
Shayna |
G |
MA Resident |
Somerville |
Massachusetts |
I support this initiative and its intent very much. It must be coupled with additional funding to public transit and paratransit so everyone can get around. We all need stronger public options.... I support this initiative and its intent very much. It must be coupled with additional funding to public transit and paratransit so everyone can get around. We all need stronger public options. |
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10/23/2019 |
Scott |
Steinbach |
Caton Auto Clinic |
Catonsville |
Maryland |
I am deeply and gravely concerned over this petition. By limiting the amount people will drive you are affecting an entire industry and workforce on the available cars to work on after the... read more I am deeply and gravely concerned over this petition. By limiting the amount people will drive you are affecting an entire industry and workforce on the available cars to work on after the industry has already sustained raising workforce costs. We as an industry cannot sustain being attacked on both angles by our own government who is supposed to help foster small business instead of kill it. I voted for a Republican Governor in my state to help protect me from these issues. |
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10/23/2019 |
Jared |
Fernandez |
Concerned Citizen |
Somerville |
Massachusetts |
Hello, my name is Jared Fernandez and I am an individual based in Massachusetts. Though not based in the great state of Maine, I travel quite often to the state via train and car.
I'd... read more Hello, my name is Jared Fernandez and I am an individual based in Massachusetts. Though not based in the great state of Maine, I travel quite often to the state via train and car.
I'd like to strongly express my support TCI, and loudly applaud Governor Mills for participating in the regional design process.
I firmly believe that the policy as currently constructed reflects the best and latest available science on climate emissions from transportation -- and ultimately, if we are not basing policy on science, then the policy is faulty.
It is also critical that the policy have a strong component of equity that ensures that low-income, rural, and aging populations are not hurt by this program.
I love that TCI is largely a bipartisan issue -- but also want to express my concern with many of the comments put forward by people with oil & gas industry associations, as well as those who simply argue that any attempts to address our communities contributions to climate change are somehow a form of corporate greed or government authoritarianism. When we look back at this juncture in history in 50 years, do we want to admit that we fell for misleading industry talking points and avoided taking action to address the greatest threat facing our communities, economy, and ecosystems? I strongly encourage all policy makers to rise to the occasion and ensure TCI becomes a reality.
As a state, Maine spends an average of $5 billion annually on oil and gas that leaves the state economy and goes into the hands of giant fossil fuel companies. Maine will not meet its climate goals, nor will any other state in the Northeast region, unless they can tackle transportation emissions. |
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10/23/2019 |
Austin |
Cox |
Maine constituent |
Surry |
Maine |
Maine can absolutely not afford this. In an extremely rural state with virtually 0 public transportation, most Mainers have significant drives to get to and from work each day. Raising prices is... read more Maine can absolutely not afford this. In an extremely rural state with virtually 0 public transportation, most Mainers have significant drives to get to and from work each day. Raising prices is not going to keep people from driving: they have no choice. Instead it will just drive us further and further into poverty, causing more and more people to leave our state as soon as they are able. |
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10/23/2019 |
Gail |
Landy |
Sierra Club |
Gaithersburg |
Maryland |
The Transportation and Climate Initiative provides an incentive though cap and invest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, investing the proceeds in low carbon transportation and clean energy jobs... read more The Transportation and Climate Initiative provides an incentive though cap and invest to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, investing the proceeds in low carbon transportation and clean energy jobs and related businesses. We need to transform the transportation sector with increased transit, electric cars and buses. Maryland needs to expand MARC train service and implement a fleet of transit rapid buses. We must convince Governor Hogan to move away from highway expansion projects that prioritize single occupant cars. Instead we should rely on more affordable transit, and also make our cities and suburbs safer and accessible for walking and biking.
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10/23/2019 |
Charles |
Skinner |
None |
Baltimore |
Maryland |
Creating a strong initiative that reduces transportation pollution, including smog and greenhouse gases, as quickly as possible is vital to public health, a resilient economy and a sustainable... read more Creating a strong initiative that reduces transportation pollution, including smog and greenhouse gases, as quickly as possible is vital to public health, a resilient economy and a sustainable environment. Copying from the successful Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative on power plants to cap transportation emissions and invest in communities and clean resilient infrastructure is one promising approach. Improved mass transit and inter-city rail is also essential since we cannot solve congestion simply by building more roads or lanes. Population growth will add further pressure to this issue. Electric buses are already more cost-effective, not to mention healthier, cleaner and quieter, than diesel ones; a strong push to procure only electric buses going forward is a big winner. Electric vehicles are widely forecast to be price competitive (without incentives) with combustion ones within the next 4 to 5 years. We need to more quickly get the charging infrastructure underway to support the likely surge in demand for EVs. |
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10/23/2019 |
David |
Askwith |
Convenience Retailing ,LLC |
Columbia |
Maryland |
One year is not enough time for people to meet the criteria. There is already a Veip Program. How about requiring testing annually vs bi-annually. One year is not enough time for people to meet the criteria. There is already a Veip Program. How about requiring testing annually vs bi-annually. |
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10/24/2019 |
Muhammad |
Ishtiaq |
Businessman |
Silver spring |
Maryland |
It is very important to reduce emission. Government should work with large corporations to find ways and innovate new technology within the existing products. But govt. must not negatively effect... read more It is very important to reduce emission. Government should work with large corporations to find ways and innovate new technology within the existing products. But govt. must not negatively effect the small & medium size businesses by cutting down the gas consumption.
Thanks |
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10/24/2019 |
Lucy |
Duff |
Peace & Justice Coalition |
Lanham |
Maryland |
Maryland needs to act based on scientific findings. Those show clearly the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the transportation sector, say at least 40% reduction by 2030 would... read more Maryland needs to act based on scientific findings. Those show clearly the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In the transportation sector, say at least 40% reduction by 2030 would be entirely appropriate. One major way to do that equitably is making public transit more convenient, a boon especially to the families now underserved by our transportation system. But encouraging more Marylanders to take public transit, rather than drive, will lead to a better environment for all of us. Nearly three-quarters of us express support, in a bipartisan way, for limiting our transportation pollution. |
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10/24/2019 |
Lance |
Boucher |
American Lung Association |
Augusta |
Maine |
The American Lung Association in Maine supports Maine’s involvement in the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) as a critical regional effort to reduce the harms of transportation... read more The American Lung Association in Maine supports Maine’s involvement in the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) as a critical regional effort to reduce the harms of transportation pollution. Transportation pollution contributes to unhealthy air pollution days and a growing public health risk due to our changing climate. By supporting ambitious and achievable regional transportation policy solutions, we can invest in cleaner technologies and support a healthier future. |
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10/24/2019 |
Richard |
Reis |
Maryland Sierra Club |
Silver Spring |
Maryland |
Transportation is the leading cause of harmful climate change that we are experiencing now with fire storms in California, more severe hurricanes, and rising sea levels. High levels of carbon... read more Transportation is the leading cause of harmful climate change that we are experiencing now with fire storms in California, more severe hurricanes, and rising sea levels. High levels of carbon dioxide in the air are entering the world's oceans, disrupting life there. As greenhouse gas levels rise to levels never before experienced during the time that humans existed, reputable scientists predict that the world will become hotter and less livable. This is all happening at a time when we humans depend even more on nature to provide the conditions to grow our food and just let us survive. This affects people in the developing world - who tend to live in hotter climates to begin with - even more than us. When conditions become unbearable, they migrate.
As Greta Thurnberg clearly states it's immoral to leave our children and future generations a world severely harmed by global climate change.
Since the cost of clean energy is now less than the cost of fossil fuels, there is no reason not to act.
In the realm of transportation, the solutions are electrification (using electricity from solar and other clean sources) of vehicles and at the same time less reliance on driving alone as our primary form of transportation. Alternatives include walking, bicycling, transit, and car-pooling.
When we reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, reductions in health-harming emissions of sulfur and oxides nitrogen decrease. These and volatile organic compounds (e.g., gasoline) plus sunlight are precursors to low-level ozone which also causes disease, disability, and death.
To realize a better future, governments should promote and build infrastructure that encourages walking, bicycling, and transit use and avoid adding more miles of motor vehicle lanes.
The Transportation and Climate Initiative is a great first steps toward addressing the severe problems of climate change and unhealthy air. |
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10/25/2019 |
MICHAEL |
HOLT |
Truro Climate Action Committee, a town board, but I speak on my own behalf |
TRURO |
Massachusetts |
How about a gas tax or road toll set up in such a way that it doesn't hurt low income people? People could be required to furnish income information, and businesses required to furnish... read more How about a gas tax or road toll set up in such a way that it doesn't hurt low income people? People could be required to furnish income information, and businesses required to furnish information about their size, when applying for a transponder. And everyone who currently has a transponder could be required to furnish that information. Then, people over a certain income and businesses over a certain size could be tolled at a higher rate. The transponders could even be required to buy gas. Or a simpler method would be to apply a flat gas tax, and then return dividends to everyone who report low incomes on their taxes. |
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10/25/2019 |
Annie |
Sheble |
resident of Maine |
Unity |
Maine |
I ride the Concord Bus from Augusta to Boston several times each year. I want the busses to be battery powered like my car. It was a joy
for me to switch over to my EV from driving a fossil... read more I ride the Concord Bus from Augusta to Boston several times each year. I want the busses to be battery powered like my car. It was a joy
for me to switch over to my EV from driving a fossil fuel burner. It's time to have our public transportation reflect the necessity of keeping fossil fuel in the ground. Let's DO THIS! |
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10/25/2019 |
Randi |
Smith |
ME resident |
Industry Franklin County |
Maine |
Maine does have some unique transportation and mobility challenges, and we deserve solutions that get us to work, to stores and appointments, and to our favorite outdoor places—solutions that are... read more Maine does have some unique transportation and mobility challenges, and we deserve solutions that get us to work, to stores and appointments, and to our favorite outdoor places—solutions that are affordable, reliable, and reduce air pollution.
TCI could bring significant economic, environmental, and health benefits to Maine communities. By redirecting some of the $5 billion a year we send out of state to fossil fuel companies into our local communities and sustainable transportation solutions, we could also address mobility and pollution problems- please choose to resolve this issue for humans and to counteract drastic air and climate concerns! |
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