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2/25/2020 |
Kathy |
Maffei |
private citizen |
Aston |
Pennsylvania |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative for many reasons. It's critically important to reduce our carbon emissions to reduce climate change, of course. Research has repeatedly... read more I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative for many reasons. It's critically important to reduce our carbon emissions to reduce climate change, of course. Research has repeatedly identified the many harmful effects of pollution on our health. The closer you are to high traffic areas, the worse the effect. Working to reduce and eventually eliminate pollution will leave us and the climate and ecosystems healthier, and reduce remediation costs in both the short and long term. We need to be working on increasing zero emissions power generation and vehicles as quickly as possible. There are many practical applications for electric vehicles in the public sector. The sooner and more aggressively we act, the better off we'll be. |
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2/25/2020 |
William |
McLachlan |
Retired |
Kennett Square |
Pennsylvania |
I totally support Gov. Wolf in his program to support TCI. The dramatic increase in atmospheric temperature, wild weather patterns, and significant melting of the polar ice caps certainly... read more I totally support Gov. Wolf in his program to support TCI. The dramatic increase in atmospheric temperature, wild weather patterns, and significant melting of the polar ice caps certainly indicate that global warming is here and the solution is not easy nor immediate. It is certainly a travesty that the US is the only country within the developed nations who is not actively engaging this issue. |
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2/25/2020 |
Dagnija |
Neimane |
Democrat |
Burlington |
Vermont |
Governor Scott, please let Vermont join this organization for the love of the earth!
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) states are developing a regional policy for low-carbon... read more Governor Scott, please let Vermont join this organization for the love of the earth!
Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) states are developing a regional policy for low-carbon transportation following the December 18, 2018, statement by nine states and Washington DC committing to:
“…design 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.” |
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2/25/2020 |
Nancy |
Olmstead |
Citizen |
Portland |
Maine |
Dear TCI,
I'm writing to support the implementation of TCI in Maine. As a very rural state, Maine faces challenges in transportation, long commutes, and high emissions from vehicle... read more Dear TCI,
I'm writing to support the implementation of TCI in Maine. As a very rural state, Maine faces challenges in transportation, long commutes, and high emissions from vehicle miles. Maine can’t miss this opportunity to invest in solutions to help Maine people safely get to where we need to go that are both affordable and good for the environment.
Mainers deserve new options that result in cleaner air and healthier choices. Pouring pollution into the air and sending our hard-earned money out of state to line the pockets of the fossil fuel industry is not the best path forward for our economy. Maine needs an ambitious plan to reduce climate-changing transportation pollution. Working together with neighboring states to give Maine hundreds of millions of dollars it can invest here at home just makes sense. Maine will realize economic, health, and environmental benefits by transitioning to cleaner and more efficient transportation options through adoption of TCI.
Thank you,
Nancy Olmstead
Portland, Maine |
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2/25/2020 |
Larry |
Seymour |
Mr |
Factoryville |
Pennsylvania |
We have no time to waste and cannot follow the "do-nothing"/rollback approach of the Trump administration. read more We have no time to waste and cannot follow the "do-nothing"/rollback approach of the Trump administration. |
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2/25/2020 |
Dennis |
Wingle |
Lancaster County Conservancy |
Shoemakersville |
Pennsylvania |
I am submitting this form stating that I applaud and also support Governor Wolf's decision to join the eight other states and the District of Columbia to support the Transportation and... read more I am submitting this form stating that I applaud and also support Governor Wolf's decision to join the eight other states and the District of Columbia to support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. This move by Governor Wolf is a bold and timely move and comes at a time when it is of the utmost importance to take the necessary steps to reduce and eventually overcome human-caused climate change. Governor Wolf's very wise decision to join this initiative will aid in the reduction of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and also help to improve air quality. I also ask Governor Wolf to please end fracking here in the Keystone State and also to stop the construction of new oil and gas pipeline projects in our state and to transition to renewable and nonpolluting forms of energy--particularly solar power. |
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2/25/2020 |
Richard |
McNutt |
tidewaters gateway partnership |
Pipersville |
Pennsylvania |
Hello, we are seventh grade students from Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School in Springfield New Jersey. We have created a policy to help the issue of unsafe drinking water in New Jersey. Please... read more Hello, we are seventh grade students from Florence M. Gaudineer Middle School in Springfield New Jersey. We have created a policy to help the issue of unsafe drinking water in New Jersey. Please support our policy by signing our petition to help protect everyone in the state of New Jersey from dangerous chemicals in their water. Our policy is (YPSWI) The Yearly Public School Water Inspection. This policy insures that all public schools will have clean water, and a water test would be conducted annually. Some disadvantages are that it would cost a lot of money, and this policy is only regulated for public schools and tax-supported charter schools in the state in New Jersey. The advantages are that it would protect students from harmful chemicals at schools, no matter what the town’s financial stance is. The level of government responsible for carrying out this law is State government. State government is responsible because it is supporting all of the tax-funded schools in New Jersey. We would ask Senator Kean to represent New Jersey and propose this policy in the state Senate. If that law gets passed through the General Assembly and gets to Governor Christie and he signs it into law, it would then be up to Kimberly Harrington; Commissioner of Education; and Bob Martin; Commissioner of Natural resources; to enforce this policy in the state. As said in the New Jersey Constitution, “All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for the protection, security, and benefit of the people, and they have the right at all times to alter or reform the same, whenever the public good may require it.” Everyone should be entitled to the benefit of clean drinking water and it is up to our government to protect this natural resource. Clean drinking water is something that the public needs.
A Trump administration aide said in an email that releasing a water contamination report would cause a “public relations nightmare.” So they buried it. |
children water poisoning.txt |
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2/25/2020 |
Mark |
Kramarz |
Independent |
Pemberton |
New Jersey |
I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. We can't move backwards and should decrease the use of polluting fossil fuels to only a minimum. The TCI is a good start. read more I support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. We can't move backwards and should decrease the use of polluting fossil fuels to only a minimum. The TCI is a good start. |
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2/24/2020 |
Terrie |
West |
Retired |
North Chesterfield |
Virginia |
Having lived in the British Isles on two occasions and visited numerous European countries, I have been able to observe and use public transport in most of those locations. I found public... read more Having lived in the British Isles on two occasions and visited numerous European countries, I have been able to observe and use public transport in most of those locations. I found public transport there easy to use and efficient, especially in Amsterdam. Bon Air, the community I live in, had passenger train service to and from Downtown Richmond in the past and could so once again. In fact, much commuter automobile traffic could be converted to mass transit using bus and rail service. Also, there are numerous towns and cities throughout our Commonwealth that could serve as regional transport hubs. Why is this relevant? What could we gain by expanding public transport? Cleaner lungs. Reduced carbon emissions, less reliance on fossil fuels which are wreaking havoc with our climate, resulting in global warming. Fewer highway fatalities, less traffic congestion, less time spent in traffic. Our children’s futures depend on us making good choices, choices to protect their health, the entire ecosystem, our climate. |
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2/24/2020 |
Cornelius |
Horan |
Citizen |
Chelmsford |
Massachusetts |
The stated goals of the TCI are most laudable, however the stratagem to initiate it in Massachusetts is unacceptable. Regardless of how it is primped, preened or presented the TCI is in reality a... read more The stated goals of the TCI are most laudable, however the stratagem to initiate it in Massachusetts is unacceptable. Regardless of how it is primped, preened or presented the TCI is in reality a T-A-X. Yes I know, Governor Baker has dipped deep into his store of weasel words to proclaim otherwise but that does not change the reality. If the TCI Tax were approved by the voters or their elected representatives then so be it. But this devious scheme to force by decree the TCI Carbon Tax upon the citizenry of Massachusetts is revolting (and I use that word advisedly). I am informing all my friends and relatives of Governor Baker's disgraceful attempt to emulate King George III of England. The principle of "No Taxation Without Representation" is just as valid today as it was in 1776. |
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2/24/2020 |
Eugenia |
Marks |
retired |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
Understanding that transportation contributes approximately 1/3 of carbon emissions and that in Rhode Island which is fairly representative of a fleet of 224 stock, only 3 of RIPTA's vehicles... read more Understanding that transportation contributes approximately 1/3 of carbon emissions and that in Rhode Island which is fairly representative of a fleet of 224 stock, only 3 of RIPTA's vehicles are electric, I endorse the Transportation & Climate Initiative. We need strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation which is basic for food supply and labor transport. Our ports needs to be electrified so that ships are not operating their dirty bunker oil generators while in port, and landside services support the port operations. I support a comprehensive plan for addressing these concerns through appropriate financial pressure points. |
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2/24/2020 |
Jame |
Funk |
None |
Chambersburg |
Pennsylvania |
All industrial policies must include a zero effect on the environment
In California right now, the state government is on the hook for thousands of abandoned oil wells.
The bonds... read more All industrial policies must include a zero effect on the environment
In California right now, the state government is on the hook for thousands of abandoned oil wells.
The bonds required were insufficient and drillers just walk away.
Cleanup must be part of licensing
Methane off-gassing must be captured. It’s valuable too.
Studies need done on fracking chemicals getting eventually into the water table
Thousands of Pennsylvanians including farmers and homeowners count on their wells to be pure
Re-injection of fracked water back underground is fraught with danger, and will comeback as a curse on our children who may not have well water supply for themselves and livestock.
Suggest increasing licensing and bonding costs to pay for bankrupt drillers. Drillers must be personally responsible for state required mitigation...no walking away as a corporate LLC shell
I also think nicotine based pesticides must be banned.
Bird, bee, and insect populations are in crisis.
Europe has banned them to good effect
Legislature must debate a carbon capture tax, and follow the science, not the corporate interests.
Water supplies must be nurtured and protected from any destructive chemicals such as the phosphorus from corporate pig farms and farming in general. Maryland is currently suing Pennsylvania over excessive phosphorus. Who can help the farmers use less phosphorus and move cows further back from water sources?
Regarding transportation: with self driving trucks and autos soon sharing the roads, we need policy for the ramifications.
We need more and better rail service for commuters with fast connectors into the cities
Cars should be parked at outlying lots with light rail, etc. moving people into cities
Suggest a mass transit tax on gas and oil selling it to the public with specific projects.
Of course, the roads are deteriorated most everywhere. A working infrastructure is key to Pa’s future
Do what needs to be done. Compromise is imperative. The committee leaders must be visible to the public selling the future
When does Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and Philly get connected with high speed rail?
Monorails save right of way issues and may still be viable for cities.
Who is speaking for a plan for the future? We need an energy and environment “Czar”.
With sea levels rising, flood insurance (federal) must not pay for rebuilding homes
in flood plains more than once. New housing in flood plains at owners risk
It is time for shore communities to plan to move back from danger without hope of payment from government except taxed help with new infrastructure.
No more sand refurbishment for shore communities. No more water walls to protect cities. Move or expect no help from government. Publish flood plains maps expected in the lifetime of a mortgage. No more mortgages or insurance except at private cost for all shore dwellers in peril.
Make this clear now. by government giving tax payers a “heads-up” now on all these issues we can steer to a less expensive in the long run, and environmentally sound future for all Pennsylvanians, our neighboring states, America, and Nature which sustains all life.
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2/24/2020 |
Bryn |
HammarstromRN |
environmental activist |
Middlebury Center |
Pennsylvania |
Penn's Woods citizens should take the lead in protecting our environment from the disastrous effects of climate change/ global warming. While we do not have a "coastline", the... read more Penn's Woods citizens should take the lead in protecting our environment from the disastrous effects of climate change/ global warming. While we do not have a "coastline", the Delaware River will be affected by sea level rise, and our landscape will be impacted by more severe storms and by increased 'average daily temperatures'... |
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2/24/2020 |
Kristin |
Peterson |
engaged citizenry |
Watertown |
New York |
Electric bikes are the solution not electric cars: https://theweek.com/articles/895479/real-potential-electric-vehicle-revolution
Emissions of different transportationmodes: http://... read more Electric bikes are the solution not electric cars: https://theweek.com/articles/895479/real-potential-electric-vehicle-revolution
Emissions of different transportationmodes: http://hugeasscity.com/images/climate-CO2byMode-med.jpeg
We need real cities, not "Suburbs, but now electric": https://www.ibtimes.com/how-suburban-sprawl-killing-environment-1552536
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2/24/2020 |
David |
Citron |
Pennsylvania Citizen and Veteran |
Martinsburg |
Pennsylvania |
It is critically important that we address climate change now. Transportation is the major source of air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles is crucial. Air pollution contributes to... read more It is critically important that we address climate change now. Transportation is the major source of air pollution. The transition to electric vehicles is crucial. Air pollution contributes to disease including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes and death.
My family does our part -- we drive electric cars powered by renewable energy.
We support the Transportation and Climate Initiative. |
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2/24/2020 |
Barbara |
Silbert |
Voter |
Glenside |
Pennsylvania |
I used public transportation (regional rail) while I worked in Philadelphia for 30 years. I want to use regional rail now but the train doesn’t run frequently enough for non-rush hour activities... read more I used public transportation (regional rail) while I worked in Philadelphia for 30 years. I want to use regional rail now but the train doesn’t run frequently enough for non-rush hour activities. I can drive but WHY? I care about the air and climate I leave for my grandchildren and my fellow Americans and the world. It’s not that hard to do if you have a collective will to be forward thinking. |
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2/24/2020 |
Daniel |
Dayton |
Rider |
Bensalem |
Pennsylvania |
The t c initiative would help reduce pollution, expand local and regional transport options, allow for more and cleaner options in transport, and choosing aggressive greenhouse options would... read more The t c initiative would help reduce pollution, expand local and regional transport options, allow for more and cleaner options in transport, and choosing aggressive greenhouse options would significantly help address climate deterioration. |
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2/24/2020 |
Mary Ann |
Leitch |
individual |
Philadelphia |
Pennsylvania |
It is appalling that fouled diesel trucks AND school buses drive & idle everywhere in the city of Philadelphia. A recent study published by BBC revealed that there are more toxins then... read more It is appalling that fouled diesel trucks AND school buses drive & idle everywhere in the city of Philadelphia. A recent study published by BBC revealed that there are more toxins then previously thought from vehicle emissions and the closer you are (our school children & people's living in the center city areas or interstates/expressways are right there) looking at extreme health/asthma/death issues. Now clean this up now!
Reducing pollution from transportation is a key component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions - public transit investments could be made with TCI proceeds + would be valuable
I ask that leaders choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science tells us we need. I urge that policy prioritizes clean investments in areas overburdened by pollution and/or for those who don’t have access to transportation choices.
Too many of our public buses and trains run on dirty energy and contribute to air pollution and climate change. Many trains, buses, and stations haven’t been retrofitted in decades.
By making polluters pay and creating a dedicated source of funding through TCI, we’ll finally be able to move our state to a 21st-century regional transportation system that is cleaner, more reliable, more accessible, and more affordable. We’ll see less traffic, thousands of new jobs, and less dangerous air pollution. All communities — whether urban, suburban, or rural — will benefit.
Our air is making too many of us sick — and if history is a guide, it’s not going to get better on its own. We need to take bold and concerted action to reduce the carbon impact of our transportation system, and TCI’s combination of using pricing policies that discourage polluters and modernizing our public transportation system will do exactly that. |
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2/24/2020 |
Christopher |
Kayes |
Terran Associates |
East Dover |
Vermont |
There are several problems with this initiative as proposed:
1. Overall there is no mention made of how these initiatives this will affect global warming.
2. Because there is no Cost... read more There are several problems with this initiative as proposed:
1. Overall there is no mention made of how these initiatives this will affect global warming.
2. Because there is no Cost Benefit Analysis, there is no way to measure whether any of the policies will have any affect on the goals.
3. For example, how does the TCI proposal impact global temperatures as discussed by Dr. Bjorn Lomborg, who found implementing the Paris accord would reduce global temperatures by 0.05°C in 2100? See https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1758-5899.12295
It is not even possible to measure a change this small, given current technology.
Wouldn't it be prudent to wait and see what is actually happening? Is there any reason at all to formalize something which will certainly have no affect whatsoever on the climate, yet incur great costs on the low and middle income population?
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2/24/2020 |
Phil |
Cartier |
Democropolis |
Hummelstown |
Pennsylvania |
Carbon cap/trade and all the proposals I've seen here cannot work without actual, less polluting forms of energy for transportation. So far. the only viable substitute fuel for... read more Carbon cap/trade and all the proposals I've seen here cannot work without actual, less polluting forms of energy for transportation. So far. the only viable substitute fuel for transportation is natural gas. No other source, except nuclear power, has the ability to transport what needs to be transported economically. There are no "renewable" resources that are less polluting. They simply export or move the pollution around.
It would be a very good idea to remove the "carbon" appellation from the discussion. It hides the true nature of the problem which many perceive to be carbon dioxide emissions. The more research that is done the more it appears that carbon dioxide has more benefits than detriments. Each round of reports from the IPCC has reduced the amount of projected temperature increases and shown more off-setting benefits from somewhat higher temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide. It is, after all, the source of all our food.
Ethanol produces more actual pollution from production on the farm to delivery of ethanol to the transportation system than simply using fossil fuels directly.
Solar panels and windmills can only produce electricity sporadically, usually when it isn't needed and not when it is. Both would require collosal investments in huge batteries, concrete, rare metals and other highly polluting mining in third world countries, not to mention the removal and recovery of all the materials after they break/wear out. Recycling will probably cost nearly as much as the original production. Electric trucks would double down on the costs involved. The most potentially viable truck system would likely be dedicated electric truck driving lanes and overhead electricity, similar to electric trains. Powered by modern nuclear reactors this approach could reduce the amount of truck pollution greatly, but is only viable in dense urban areas. It took a century to get reliable electricity to rural America. An electric trucking system might only require 50 years.
Electric cars produce more dangerous pollution from raw materials production and simply move the pollution to poor countries. The cars themselves are only modestly more efficient overall than diesel or direct ignition Atkisson cycle gasoline engines. Electric cars require very significant subsidies to offset the negatives for anything but short work commutes(~20 miles) and all the daily accommodations needed for convenient use of the vehicle. To actually be functional the electricity has to come from hydropower or nuclear power. Solar and wind simply cannot supply enough power, even if every acre in the country had a windmill and a large solar array, with batteries.
So, rather than piling on loads of costs one everyone(including the people running this program) it would be much better policy to directly invest in speeding up the development and adoption of modern, 4th and 5th generation nuclear reactors. There are many design possibilities for nuclear reactors that are modular, scalable, safer, much more efficient, and much less liable to nuclear weapons proliferation than the current machines. Most are literally failsafe- if the reactor overheats it simply shuts down due to how they are designed. |
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