STATE REP RACE: Alec DiFruscia Submits Comment To Transportation & Climate Initiative Docket

Below is a press release from the campaign of 19th Middlesex State Representative candidate Alec DiFruscia (R-Tewksbury):

TEWKSBURY, MA — Alec DiFruscia, Republican Candidate for State Representative in the 19th Middlesex District, today submitted the following comment to the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) Regional Policy Design Stakeholder Input Form:

“I oppose Massachusetts participating in the Transportation Climate Initiative.

The TCI will be paid for by working families and small businesses across Massachusetts in the form of a gas tax. The current proposal could see an additional five to 17 cents per gallon, and these costs will be passed down to consumers in more ways than one. Not only will it cost more to fill the gas tank, run errands, and pick up the kids from school, businesses will be forced to raise the prices of goods to cover the cost of this proposal.

In addition, living in a part of Massachusetts close to New Hampshire, consumers will take their money across the border. Instead of buying their gas in Massachusetts, consumers will go to New Hampshire (who has already opted out of this proposal) to buy gas, as well as other goods like groceries and lottery tickets, that they would usually buy in Massachusetts.

Despite its good intentions, the TCI’s effect on reducing carbon emissions will be marginal. Carbon emissions are already expected to fall in the next decade by at most 19%. The TCI will only see a reduction in carbon emissions between 1-6%.

Before imposing this new tax, the proposal should come for a vote before the legislature. Unilaterally levying a gas tax is not just bad practice, it’s bad policy. Massachusetts needs to take a hard look at the TCI before saddling Massachusetts families and businesses with new taxes.”

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