In December, Vermont joined other New England and mid-Atlantic states, along with Washington, D.C., in issuing a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Transportation & Climate Initiative (TCI).
TCI is a regional program that would establish a cap on global warming pollution from transportation fuels, which are Vermont and the region’s largest source of carbon pollution. TCI would then help states invest in cleaner transportation options like public transit, electric buses and cars, park-and-rides, sidewalks and bike infrastructure, and more.
The public comment period for TCI will close on February 28, 2020. That’s this Friday! If you haven’t submitted a comment, please do so, as your input is vital. Here’s how to do it:
- Access the TCI stakeholder input form by clicking here. Start filling out the basic fields.
- Consult VNRC’s template for filling out the TCI comment form, including a full list of TCI talking points.
- Once you have submitted your comment through the TCI portal, please share it with Governor Phil Scott. It will ultimately be his decision whether or not Vermont will actually participate in TCI. You can email the Governor’s office at: https://governor.vermont.gov/contact-us/message.
TCI is an important step forward. It outlines a plan to make long overdue progress in transforming our current, fossil fuel-powered transportation system into something that serves all Vermonters well — especially low-income and rural Vermonters.
This is a crucial moment to make your voice heard. While the benefits of TCI are immense — including climate, public health, equity and job-creation — there are significant political obstacles that states must overcome. Be sure to offer your thoughts through the online portal and let Governor Phil Scott know how important this is.
To guide your comments and emails, you are welcome to refer to our TCI talking points and comment template, which can be found here.
Thank you for your help! Your input is absolutely critical to let leadership know that TCI is something most Vermonters support. (See graph below; it’s data from a poll whose results you can find here.)
