TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

This initiative can't wait, but it needs to be carefully assessed. While individuals driving in gas-powered vehicles is a luxury we can't afford, we must be sure that the carbon footprint of creating more sustainably powered vehicles is not exacerbating the problem. This is a very complex problem in a rural state where people have to travel fair distances for work, shopping and recreation. Hopefully, technological innovation will come up with vehicles with reasonable range that are affordable and don't pollute. We're not there yet, but we need to get started and tackle this issue with a sense of urgency.

For the purpose of keeping the air cleaner it becomes the responsibility of us all to do what needs to be done to reach this simple and attainable goal.

Though retired I still drive, use buses and trains, bike, and care about my community. The TCI should improve all of the above. For climate change I would prioritize electrification of our region's commuter rail, connecting the bike paths to the urban core, and changing car fees so more polluting cars pay higher fees.

Dear Governor,
I have written before, but feel compelled to let you know, again, how much I hope you take a bold stand this legislative session to support TCI and the Global Warming Solutions Act. We need action as soon as possible to set us on the right track. I also understand that if some of VT's fossil fuel suppliers are in State that join TCI then Vermont will feel that burden of extra cost without any of the gain of being part of the initiative. That would really be a shame.

I am sure there is a way to relieve low income households from the extra burden of paying more for fuels. My experience with gas pricing is that it is all over the map anyway, but has anyone talked about issuing gas cards to low income drivers? That would be one way to relieve elevated costs of gasoline. There are already rebate systems in place for other costs, so I am sure there is a solution for this possible inequity. I do not consider the costs to low income Vermonters to be a real stumbling block to moving forward. We really can not wait. Thank you for your work and your consideration of my view point. .

Elisabeth McLane
Strafford Resident
Consulting Forester and Forest Ecologist

We need regional transportation systems that are cleaner, more reliable, more accessible, and more affordable. I ask that leaders choose the aggressive greenhouse gas reduction target that the most recent climate science indicates that is needed. Reducing pollution from transportation is a very important component to reducing Pennsylvania's emissions. The policy should prioritize clean investments in areas that are overburdened by pollution and in areas that don’t have access to transportation choices. Reducing carbon emissions can improve the health of our citizens and the environment.

Hopefully, you'll consider supporting improvements to public transportation systems to improve travel and reducing emissions.

It is vital that emission standards are not degraded within this region and across the nation. Europe has long held higher standards and the impact on air quality is well documented. The fossil fuel industry should not hold power over rational and safe standards for emission not should they remain the primary decision makers for investment in clean rapid transit. Forward looking measures in both of these areas will foster clean development and provide the basis for job growth in this Northeast region.

I support TCI because New England desperately needs investment in the transportation sector. Electric vehicle infrastructure will save consumers money, reduce local air pollution, and reduce climate-warming emissions. Investment in public transit will help reduce congestion and expand mobility for all, while fighting climate change. We need this!

POLICY STATEMENT
Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI)
The Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI) is a regional collaboration of 12 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions that’s intended purpose is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the transportation sector. Specifically, the goal of TCI is to create a “regional, low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels.” Maryland announced participation in the coalition in December 2018, and since that time there have been a number of regional stakeholder meetings seeking input on overall regional transportation priorities, potential emissions reductions goals, and policy proposals to meet those targets.
As this process continues to move forward, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) urges that the following principles be taken into account as Maryland and policymakers work toward a regional transportation policy proposal:
1) Transparency. An open and public process is critical to the formation of sound public policy. The MDCC urges that any proposals brought forward to achieve the goals laid out by TCI be subject to rigorous analysis that recognizes both the benefits and costs to the public and the business community. As well, proposals should be subject to a thorough and public vetting process while being considered as potential pathways to meeting TCI’s targets.

2) Market-Based. Market-based solutions have proven to be successful in providing the level of flexibility needed to meet environmental goals cost-effectively. The MDCC believes that any proposal put forward should be market-based, as these types of policies are most cost-effective and spur the innovation necessary to achieve positive outcomes.

3) Dedicated Revenue. Many market-based policies have the potential of generating revenue. The MDCC advocates that any revenue generated from TCI be dedicated to programs and initiatives that contribute to cost-effective energy and environmental solutions rather than returned to the General Fund or used for other purposes.