TCI Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Submissions

We can't dilly dally about climate change. It is the overwhelming issue of the day--health care reform, education etc will be irrelevant if we fail.

To disregard the potential dangers of climate change by those with the responsibility and authority to take reasonable precautions to mitigate these dangers is nothing short of a crime against humanity. Certainly, the detrimental effects of clogging our air and water and earth with greenhouse gasses, particulate matter, various chemical byproducts, many of which are toxic not only to humans but other organism in the ecosystem upon which humans rely for their own health, welfare, and even survival, are already reshaping life on the planet. However, it is all too easy to disregard climate change since the effects seem so small and distant in terms of either time or geography (ie a mere 2˚C, or effects which tend to occur in poor regions, or effects that will not substantially impact most people's lives for decades to come). But as moral and ethical creatures, we have an imperative to leave the planet in as at least as good a condition as we first inherited it. It would be breathtakingly selfish, inhumane, and ignorant for us not to act and act swiftly to protect the lives of every single living creature that will ever exist. Yes, that is unarguably what is at stake. The health and wellbeing of every single organism and conscious creature that will ever exist. The number of human beings yet to be born and live on this planet FAR outweighs the number currently living or even the total number that has ever lived. Any hardship or sacrifice we must make, which we should think of as an investment in the health and welfare of our children, our grandchildren, and indeed all of our descendants for as long as our race shall continue to exist, will yield dividends that will dwarf any sacrifice we must make to ensure a safe and habitable future for our species.

As far as how any of this relates to the TCI regional pliocy now under consideration, there are so many steps that can be taken to improve public transportation infrastructure which don't even really require great sacrifice, but will actually improve our current economy and quality of life, which simultaneously benefit the environment and address all of the overriding concerns stated above. For example, rail transportation is much more efficient per passenger mile than car, bus, or air travel. If we made a commitment to using only renewable energy (such as solar or wind generated electricity to power these systems), then we would be expanding the economy to develop new technology, addressing wealth inequality by providing a more comprehensive public transportation system, reducing wasted human hours in inconvenient and inefficient existing transportation systems), and make an enormous contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. There are countless examples of efficiencies to be found. Another example is that the more people utilize public transportation, the more we can reduce real estate devoted to roads and parking and create bike paths and greenspace which in turn contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The examples are endless. It is a no brainer. Of course it is a big investment, but it will pay dividends for countless generations to come and most of us will see the benefits within our own lives both in terms of improvements to the environment (air quality in particular), and economic benefits. Please work towards making the most comprehensive, efficient, cost effective, evidence based system that you have the power to make. You have a responsibility not only to your constituency, but to humanity.

Transportation is the number one source of climate pollution in the United States. That means it's time to totally reimagine the way that we transport people and goods.
this transportation plan is bold enough to cut harmful transportation pollution at the scale needed to avert the climate crisis. We need a plan that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:

More public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
Expansion of commuter rail, electric vehicles, and streets in the suburbs that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
Sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities

We need to take action to turn this climate emergency around now. I hope that it takes place responsibly and that we purchase batteries for electric vehicles from companies who purchase minerals such lithium via fair trade so that countries such as Bolivia and the continent of Africa do not get exploited in the process.

The proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative is absolutely critical to the future quality of life of all Pennsylvanians. Based on proven science and more than ten years of experience with a policy that has helped many eastern states cut power plant pollution and invest in clean energy, the TCI lays out a plan to rebuild and modernize Pennsylvania's transportation systems while reducing emissions of deadly greenhouse gases. The TCI calls for improved public transportation in rural, suburban and urban areas by developing a modern and more resilient transportation structure that would enable Pennsylvania citizens to get around safely and efficiently. Tens of thousands of good jobs would be created, helping to fuel strong, 21st century economic growth. Carbon pollution should be reduced by 25% over the next 12 years. Medical research indicates that public health benefits by 2032 would include reduced asthma attacks, 1,000 fewer premature deaths per year, and $10 billion savings annually in reduced medical bills and other public health benefits. Tragically, fossil fuel proponents have launched a major campaign to oppose this enormously important initiative. Please resist this effort to keep Pennsylvanians mired in dirty air, rising temperatures, bad transportation systems and poor health for decades to come.

I own a hybrid electric car and plan to also have an electric car in the near future. I am very eager to see more charging stations appear in all parts of VA for my to travel on family trips. Combining charging stations with ski resorts, parks, or at restaurants would ease our ability to get around while giving these organizations additional income sources. We need to build out the electric grid to allow small businesses to generate power from renewable sources like solar and offer charging stations for more customers with electric cars. This will help us all to reduce our carbon output with innovative transport options and increase small business growth.

It's time to TAKE ACTION and restore our planet. I'm all in for taking and moving forward to reverse the harmful policies and actions this CHEATOR IN CHARGE has done !

I work to live a sustainable lifestyle, especially in regards to my transportation choices. I use my bicycle as my primary mode of transportation. I also walk and take the light rail whenever feasible. I try to avoid driving whenever possible. However, getting around via bicycle, foot, and transit where I live (in Cockeysville) can be frustrating.

I subscribe to service alerts for light rail and I don't think a 48 hour (maybe even 24 hour) period goes by without the MTA sending out some sort of alert for a delay. Recently, I've seen multiple alerts each day. Given that the light rail only has one north-south line, that seems pretty ridiculous. Whether the delays are caused by staffing, equipment, technology, or infrastructure issues, the situation needs to improve.

Most of the crosswalks along York Road north of Towson are incomplete, meaning they are only 3-sided. Some examples include the intersections with Warren Road, Cranbrook Road, Galloway Road, Ridgely Road, etc. When I have asked MDOT why, their basic answer has been that they optimize for the flow of automobile traffic at the expense of pedestrians. Making driving more convenient than walking is at odds with improving the walkability of neighborhoods.

I bike along York Road (between Hunt Valley and Towson) multiple times each week, primarily to run errands. In other words, my biking is functional, not recreational. I do this despite "share the road" signs being the only "infrastructure" put in place to support cycling. As such, "normal" people would be hard-pressed to follow my lead. More investments are needed to improve the bikeability of neighborhoods.

I believe we need more public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas. I think that the expansion of commuter rail, and electric vehicles is critically important. We need streets in the suburbs that are safe for all, and that are safe for people who walk, and bike. Most importantly, we must provide sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities.

I support the design of "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.”