11/18/2019 |
Colin |
Murphy |
UC Davis Policy Institute for Energy, Environment & the Economy |
Davis |
California |
Please find attached the ITS-Davis comment on the preliminary design framework. Our apologies for the late submission. Please let us know if we can clarify or add to any part of this submission.... Please find attached the ITS-Davis comment on the preliminary design framework. Our apologies for the late submission. Please let us know if we can clarify or add to any part of this submission. |
ITS Davis - TCI Preliminary Design Comment.pdf |
11/18/2019 |
Matthew |
Gorham |
n/a |
South Easton |
Massachusetts |
The freedom to move/migrate is a human right and necessity. Adding a tax on this activity not only hinders our right but it affects the poor among us the most in their ability to live their day-... read more The freedom to move/migrate is a human right and necessity. Adding a tax on this activity not only hinders our right but it affects the poor among us the most in their ability to live their day-to-day lives. The fact that transportation is a necessity for most people also means that taxation does nothing to curb this activity. We ask that you consider the working class and the families who will impacted the most by your legislation. |
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11/18/2019 |
Fernando |
de Aragon |
ITCTC |
Ithaca |
New York |
The ITCTC is the MPO for the Ithaca Urbanized Area. A newly developed 20-year plan can be found in our website: http://tompkinscountyny.gov/itctc/lrtp. The plan recognizes the many of the... read more The ITCTC is the MPO for the Ithaca Urbanized Area. A newly developed 20-year plan can be found in our website: http://tompkinscountyny.gov/itctc/lrtp. The plan recognizes the many of the interactions and synergies that are associated with efforts to reduce transportation GHG emissions. Data shows that the bulk of GHG emissions in transportation come from light duty vehicles fulfilling everyday household trip demands. In response, plan policies support efforts and programs that seek to reduce automobile dependency, and particularly, drive-alone trips. Concurrently, it is recognized that there needs to be a concerted effort to shift the vehicle flee to Electric Vehicles. Both strategies are needed, a reduction in trips and a shift to EVs, in order to have significant GHG reductions. Therefore, in addition to EV promotion initiatives, the TCI is urged to support local and regional efforts to enhance transit, bicycling, walking, shared transportation and land use and technology applications that facilitate a modal shift away from cars with a focus on drive-alone trips. The results will enhance equity, reduce GHG emissions and provide for a more diverse and resilient economy.
There also remains an important role for intensive education of technical staff and decision makers at all levels, to better understand the dynamics of transportation as they relate to environmental concerns, economic growth and overall quality of life. Similarly, education of the public, is required to move the needle in an effort that requires individuals to make different day-to-day transportation decisions. In many ways, our challenges are not technical, but political
The ITCTC is available to discuss this issue further and to assist in any way we can the work of the TCI.
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11/18/2019 |
William |
King |
MA Resident & Voter |
West Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
We do not need the Transportation and Climate Initiative in MA. It amounts to a carbon tax at the wholesale level and ultimately another tax
on gas and diesel. Taxes are already too high,... read more We do not need the Transportation and Climate Initiative in MA. It amounts to a carbon tax at the wholesale level and ultimately another tax
on gas and diesel. Taxes are already too high, we do not need to add more. Such an initiative needs to be voted by the State legislature, it should not be implemented by the Executive branch or other means. CA is losing business and residents because of excessive regulation and taxes. We do not need gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon or higher car prices, etc. |
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11/18/2019 |
Fallon |
Clark |
Just a concerned citizen |
Colchester |
Vermont |
Hello, I am staunchly against any and all carbon taxes in the state of vermont. Carbox taxes and credits are designed as a secondary currency, which furthers economic discrimination and reduces... read more Hello, I am staunchly against any and all carbon taxes in the state of vermont. Carbox taxes and credits are designed as a secondary currency, which furthers economic discrimination and reduces opportunities for already struggling families to get ahead. Additionally, these "green" energy solutions have known side effects that can be quite dangerous:
- solar panels have been known to leak dangerous chemicals into homes and buildings on which they have been installed
- wind turbines cannot be recycled and are being buried underground
- electric vehicle batteries are being produced by children in countries with lax pr nonexistent child labor laws.
If we really want green energy, the only acceptable resposes are to work toward Tesla's model of free energy, which would also serve to enrich lives by lessening the financial burden of living, or researching thorium-based nuclear energy.
Pollution is a problem. Carbon is not. Any vote for this initiative loses all respect and trust in government from all citizens who see through the chicanery to the disgusting underbelly of what these initiatives will really do - establish complete government control. |
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11/18/2019 |
stephen |
manseau |
taxpayer and legal citzen who votes in every election |
billerica |
Massachusetts |
We the taxpaying legal citizens of Massachusetts five years ago overwhelmingly rejected the "Automatic Gas Tax". This unconstitutional end run around congress and the voters to force yet... read more We the taxpaying legal citizens of Massachusetts five years ago overwhelmingly rejected the "Automatic Gas Tax". This unconstitutional end run around congress and the voters to force yet another tax on the people shall not stand. It will be fought on every front; Courts, polling stations, media and in the streets. These phony baloney excuses to punish the poorest among us on a product we all must buy is a lie on it's face. The ice caps on Mars and Europa are melting at the same rate they are here on Earth. My V8 might burn a lot of gas, but it is not changing the weather on Mars and the moons of Jupiter. I realize our alleged "representatives" count on the ignorance, laziness and stupidity of the voters, but this time, it's not going to happen. |
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11/18/2019 |
Brady |
Fergusson |
None |
Rochester |
New York |
Regionally, we need high speed trains like those used for many years in Asia and Europe. We also need to make sure that commuter trains run on schedule so they are convenient for people to use -... read more Regionally, we need high speed trains like those used for many years in Asia and Europe. We also need to make sure that commuter trains run on schedule so they are convenient for people to use - considering this, we need to balance freight train needs with commuter train needs. On the local level, we need to increase walking, biking and using public transit; regional support or incentives for local changes could help facilitate the changes needed. |
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11/17/2019 |
Peter |
Cook |
Resident of NJ |
Washington Township |
New Jersey |
Of course reduction in GHG and related emissions is a worthwhile effort, however, I think this tax and trade policy will reduce the competitiveness of the states involved and result in more... read more Of course reduction in GHG and related emissions is a worthwhile effort, however, I think this tax and trade policy will reduce the competitiveness of the states involved and result in more businesses moving from the area. Already many of these states are losing population and is jobs leave the area, residents will soon follow. This could have the impact of reducing GHG emissions by having less people on the highways, but the goal should not be to do anything to leave the states.
In addition I feel this does not address the high polluting older vehicles that are on the road by focusing on the GHGs. Technology could be developed to identify the extremely high polluting vehicles and getting them off the road. Perhaps high polluting vehicles could be targeted for purchase or removal from the states by some other method. Many times these are low MPG vehicles as well which results in more carbon generation than more efficient vehicles.
Lastly, the efforts to improve the traffic flow such as improved traffic light timing using developing AI could increase quality of life as well as reduce GHG emissions. This could be a technology that would bring high tech jobs and engineers to the area. Using other modern technology e.g. through Waze or other apps, employers could be enticed to stagger their employee commute to minimize traffic delays due to rush hour. The technology today lends itself much more today than in the time of the old Employee Trip Reduction Program. Besides flex hours, employers could be encouraged to let employees work from home.
In summary, I am against the GHG tax and trade program because I believe it will make these states an even less attractive place to establish a business. |
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11/17/2019 |
Mark |
Goldberg |
Private Citizen |
Newington |
Connecticut |
Living in Connecticut, we are taxed to the max.
No more increases - if you don't believe the fuel distributors will not pass on the costs to the end users,
we are not that... read more Living in Connecticut, we are taxed to the max.
No more increases - if you don't believe the fuel distributors will not pass on the costs to the end users,
we are not that stupid.
In CT we of course have a sales tax on fuel, plus there is a Petroleum Gross Receipts Tax that has
been in effect for years.
Enough is enough!
Thank you. |
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11/17/2019 |
Cathy |
Collins |
voter |
Douglas |
Massachusetts |
No more gas taxes no matter what they want to call them. Carbon foot prints come from people who fly and have pleasure boats not the working POOR. Governors are not Kings or Dictator and need to... read more No more gas taxes no matter what they want to call them. Carbon foot prints come from people who fly and have pleasure boats not the working POOR. Governors are not Kings or Dictator and need to stop behaving that way. |
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11/17/2019 |
Joseph |
Brogna |
Republican |
Lunenburg |
Massachusetts |
This is a back door way to go around legislation to increase fuel taxes with no accountability. Mr. Baker remember that you would not have been elected if it was not for the referendum gas tax... read more This is a back door way to go around legislation to increase fuel taxes with no accountability. Mr. Baker remember that you would not have been elected if it was not for the referendum gas tax question on the ballot five years ago. This is a BS move. What we need is a bill introduced that states that ANY talk about anything that affects the taxpayers pocketbook in any way is always brought before the PEOPLE on a ballot. That will be our accountability!!!! |
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11/16/2019 |
James |
Ryan |
Self |
Sudbury |
Massachusetts |
I do not agree to increased costs to taxpayers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by use of this proposed “Transportation and Climate Initiative”. I do not agree to increased costs to taxpayers of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts by use of this proposed “Transportation and Climate Initiative”. |
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11/16/2019 |
PAUL |
KLEINWALD |
Tax paying citizen |
Great Barrington |
Massachusetts |
Stopping pollution is a great idea. Attempting to interfere with climate change is beyond pitiful human endeavor.
Twelve thousand years ago North Africa including Egypt was lush... read more Stopping pollution is a great idea. Attempting to interfere with climate change is beyond pitiful human endeavor.
Twelve thousand years ago North Africa including Egypt was lush with vegetation and rainfall. The populations at that time were tiny compared to modern day. The people of the time did not cause the climate to change any more than people do now. The totality of human efforts have minuscule effect compared to the forces of the solar system.
Government officials never saw a tax or a regulation they did not want to grab. You waste the sweat of the people on folly. This is but another example of your folly and righteous lust. I object and call you out for what you are, intellectual idiots. |
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11/16/2019 |
Chris |
Grande |
WHA |
Medford |
Massachusetts |
I concur with my friends who oppose any attempt at revenue increases, i.e. taxes, without MA House approval. I will let my legislators know my thoughts on this also. Furthermore, spending some... read more I concur with my friends who oppose any attempt at revenue increases, i.e. taxes, without MA House approval. I will let my legislators know my thoughts on this also. Furthermore, spending some time in California, with their exorbitant gas taxes, and other "penalties" for owning combustible engine vehicles, I see these moves as nothing more than crushing expenses to everyone, which particularly hit lower income more (gasoline tops $4/gallon, a very large increase vis a vis current MA gas taxes.
Tax credits, desirability for EV, and cost reductions as the market finds ways to deliver at lower costs are doing much to reduce vehicle emissions. Though it doesn't matter what taxes or carbon exchange fees you charge, the average worker can not afford an EV yet.
If you want to focus your energies, somewhere, help India, China and other fast growing economies to reduce their carbon emissions. MA is flatulence in the breeze compared to the real global polluters. or you could try the US agriculture/meat industries. And let the MA House focus on taxes.
Thank you,
Chris Grande |
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11/16/2019 |
Lisa |
Burke |
Howie Carr listener |
Fitchburg |
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts has tried numerous times to pas an automated gas tax. It was refused by the voters every time. Can't you get it through your head that MA voters do not want to pay for higher... read more Massachusetts has tried numerous times to pas an automated gas tax. It was refused by the voters every time. Can't you get it through your head that MA voters do not want to pay for higher gas nor a climate tax. NH is not far and I will move and take my business to NH. MA continues to rape our wallets. I refuse to go along with this TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. !!!!!!!!! Even though Charlie Faker says it's not a tax. It is !!! And I am against it !!!!! |
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11/16/2019 |
Joseph |
DeSouza |
Independent |
Natick |
Massachusetts |
1. It is unconstitutional to impose new taxes unless a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives. This is a tax imposed by fiat.
2. The voters of Massachusetts made it abundantly... read more 1. It is unconstitutional to impose new taxes unless a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives. This is a tax imposed by fiat.
2. The voters of Massachusetts made it abundantly clear that they reject an increase in the gas tax by a referendum just a few years ago
3. Since the mass dpw spends 4 times as much per mile as New Hampshire and twice as much as New York it is unconscionable to ask for more money until the most basic of fiscal controls are placed on their expenditures |
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11/16/2019 |
John |
Pimental |
Mr. |
East Randolph |
Vermont |
Hi, I just became aware of this. What is presently happening in VT with this? Is the any upcoming legislature? Is there a simple, TCI for dummies, explanation of this program. i am part of a... read more Hi, I just became aware of this. What is presently happening in VT with this? Is the any upcoming legislature? Is there a simple, TCI for dummies, explanation of this program. i am part of a climate group in Randolph and members are interested. |
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11/16/2019 |
Chantal |
Hall |
Small business owner |
Brockton |
Massachusetts |
Massachusetts has been raising taxes with impunity and without any accountability every year. Your crippling taxes and restrictive policies do nothing to help reduce carbon emissions. This isn’t... read more Massachusetts has been raising taxes with impunity and without any accountability every year. Your crippling taxes and restrictive policies do nothing to help reduce carbon emissions. This isn’t fair to the working people of Massachusetts or the businesses that give them jobs. If you want to reduce carbon emissions work on improving the commuter rails and other public transportation. How many tax raises were supposed to do that? Please stop extorting taxes. You are killing jobs! |
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11/15/2019 |
Kimberley |
O’Sullivan, M.D., F.A.C.S. |
MD |
Wellesley |
Massachusetts |
Do not agree with the climate TCI!!!!!! This should not be implemented without a vote! Do not agree with the climate TCI!!!!!! This should not be implemented without a vote! |
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11/15/2019 |
Sophie |
Underwood |
Mrs. |
Wellesley |
Massachusetts |
It’s wrong for the Governor to pursue this tax increase without a legislative vote. Lawmakers are being completely excluded from the process, despite this being the exact task they were elected to... read more It’s wrong for the Governor to pursue this tax increase without a legislative vote. Lawmakers are being completely excluded from the process, despite this being the exact task they were elected to carry out. |
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