Dear John,

It’s no secret that Maine’s transportation system has challenges. We rely on driving, often long distances, which contributes to more than half of Maine’s climate-changing pollution. When we can’t drive—if we’re too young or too old, when the weather’s too bad or the car’s in the shop—limited transit options can leave us stuck. 

Maine people deserve safe, clean, modern transportation solutions that are affordable, reliable, and reduce air pollution. 

That’s why Maine leaders are working with states across our region to develop transportation solutions that deliver real economic, environmental, and community benefits. This effort, known as the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI), has gained widespread momentum over the past few months. But opponents tied to the fossil fuel industry and former Governor Paul LePage are flooding TCI with negative comments.

We need to show support for this important, and potentially historic climate policy. Will you send a personal comment today showing your support for clean transportation to help us fight back?

Tell the Transportation and Climate Initiative: I support clean transportation! Click here to add your public comment. 

Here are some starting point ideas for communicating your support. Feel free to copy these into your message. The more personalized it is, the more effective:

• Our outdated transportation system is Maine’s largest source of climate pollution—and it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people.
• Maine people deserve clean, modern, affordable transportation options that deliver economic, health, and climate benefits to local communities.
• It makes sense for Maine to work with neighboring states through TCI’s bipartisan, proven policy model.

TCI will be in development for many months, but the core idea is based on the tremendously successful Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Through RGGI, Northeastern states dramatically reduced power plant pollution and generated revenue Maine has used to support energy efficiency and weatherization investments through Efficiency Maine. Applying the same “cap and invest” approach to transportation would help Maine redirect some of the $5 billion a year we send out of state to fossil fuel companies into our local communities and sustainable transportation solutions.

TCI is only accepting public comments until Nov. 5, so we must act now to advance this critical initiative. Click here to let policymakers know that Mainers support bipartisan, science-based, regional solutions to our big transportation and climate challenges. 

Thank you for speaking out.

-Kathleen