Lots of new stuff being discussed here that didn't go through public review. For example, below are some interesting recommendations from the Low Income Group, a group that Global Warming Task Force Co-Chairs Roy Thilly and Tia Nelson created last November to explore the impact and determine if the impact could be mitigated:
Recommendations of the Low Income Group: State policy should ensure that low income communities are well served by affordable and comprehensive transit systems, both within and between communities. Within larger communities, a true workforce transit system (one that allows frequent and easy access to home, work, childcare, school, shopping, etc.) must be available to reduce the cost of transportation for low income households. Care must be taken to invest both in the expansion of transit systems to unserved areas (to encourage those populations to shift modes) and in the improvement of existing systems, which are more likely to serve low income communities. Fares must remain affordable. Attention must be paid to the source of transit funding, and its impact on low income communities. For example, the sales tax is a regressive tax with a disproportionate impact on low income families. An income tax, on the other hand, is more progressive. Any efforts around transportation demand management and land use planning should specifically recognize the needs of low income workers and communities. Serious examination needs to be made of how to feasibly expand mass transit systems and strategies into rural areas. Strong consideration should be given to funding at increased levels for existing models, of growing popularity, which help low income households purchase dependable cars for getting to work, etc. At a minimum, financial incentives should be provided to these programs to make more feasible the purchase of the most efficient vehicles, hybrids and other future green models. It is critical that the State provide resources and implement an allocation system which will provide additional funding to low income houses to offset the increased prices in transportation-related commodities, such as food and clothing. This can best be done by linking increased funding to increased prices, as identified by the CPI or some other measurement, and distributing funds through already existing distribution systems, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Electronic Benefit System. Anticipating increased food security burdens as a result of transportation-related increases in the price of food, the State should invest additional resources in food pantries and school meal programs. SOURCE: Governors Task Force on Global Warming: Low Income Group Report http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/documents/AHLI_final_report.pd f Of course they didn't even bother to mention the alternative proposal that the state should provide financial incentives for people who drive less (such as low income families), rather than continuing to spend billion of public dollars every year on something that's bad for just about everyone -- expanded highways and more bridges in the state. But you can still read it at the Yahoogroup websites listed below [you have to go to the website and click on "Files" in the left hand column of the home page]. Mike Neuman Madison Conserve Now - Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Other Environmental Costs by Offering Financial Incentives that Reward Less Driving, Flying and Home Energy Use http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sustaindane/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Preserveourclimate/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClimateArchive/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/greens/files/ ----------- Forwarded Message ------------- From: "Sayen, Nick W - DNR" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:05:40 -0600 Subject: Task Force Meeting - February 5, 2008 Global Warming Task Force Listserv Members- This is a reminder that our next overall Task Force meeting will be Tuesday, February 5, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This month's meeting is scheduled to take place in the Main Conference Room at Wisconsin Public Power, Inc., 1425 Corporate Center Drive, Sun Prairie. For directions to WPPI, please view the directions page on their web site: http://www.wppisys.org/contact_us/default.asp?CategoryID=30. The agenda includes: discussion of the Reference Case, discussion of a draft interim report and updates from ad-hoc and work groups. A draft version of the agenda is available on the 'Meeting Dates & Materials' webpage (http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/meetings.html). For more information, or if you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact Nick Sayen, DNR, at (608) 267-2466 or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please continue to visit the Task Force website (http://dnr.wi.gov/environmentprotect/gtfgw/) as we update Task Force documents, Work Group meetings results and reference documents. P Nick Sayen Bureau of Air Management Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (() phone: (608) 267-2466 (+) e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
