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星期五, 4月 23, 2021

網協創新挑戰大賽訂6月決賽 第3場迷你簡報祈培、許恒源等講評

 

網協創新挑戰特別簡報的評審和報告人。上右起,許恒源,祈培,Tim Tim Lindenman,中右起,Han Su,
Sharon Liang,James Heffernan,Meng Yang。

             














網協會長戴晨方。
              (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 紐英崙中華資訊網路協會(NECINA)創新挑戰大賽日前舉辦第三場特別簡報,預告525日舉行半決賽,10組入圍團隊訂625日決賽,前三名將獲不等額現金獎。

               紐英崙中華資訊網路協會今年首度推出創新挑戰,從去年11月開始,接受只有創意的個人,或已組成團隊的準企業報名參加,迄今已有25隊報名,

網協會長戴晨方在會議開場時重申,該會是科技導向,完全由義工經營,促進相關專業人士聯誼的組織,主要活動為科技會議,由於新冠疫情,去年以來,所有活動都已轉於網上舉行。今年新辦的這創新挑戰大賽,將取代該會已辦理了67年的創業項目,希望能幫助有心創業者充分利用該會資源。

網協創新挑戰大賽主任王黎平。
 創新挑戰大賽主任王黎平表示,515日是各隊繳交完整計畫的截止日期,525日時,將通知10組團隊入選半決賽,待625日決賽,最後選出前三名優勝隊伍。

網協創新挑戰大賽的第三場特別簡報,邀有4名評審為3組新創團隊講評,並請來企業法律師,深入論述開設企業時應該考慮事項。

這次特別簡報的四名評審分別為曾任網協會長的腦機械資本(Brain Robotics Capital)執行合夥人祈培,Dimensional Insight的資深主管Tim LindenmanEGI資本創投合夥人,也是系列創業家的許恒源,以及當晚擔任主講人的Navem合夥公司併購及法律組主管James Heffernan

參加特別簡報的有3組團隊,分別為以個人雲端計算來解決數據所有權問題的Privoce,把許多夏令營資訊集結一處,方便家長挑選,彼此互相交流,並和不同夏令營承辦單位聯繫的手機移動程式CampVan,協助珍珠奶茶類店家以完全自動化,做無接觸,數據導向的方式經營,和客戶更輕鬆的無縫銜接。

也在波士頓大學兼任教職的James Heffernan,演講主題為創業。他指出,創業時首先要決定以那種企業形式在政府登記立案,主要考慮依據有五項,包括責任保護,稅務待遇,成立及維持是否容易,募資能量,對社會及環境可有正面影響等。

至於企業形式,分別有獨資經營(Sole Proprietor),普通合夥(General Partnership),有限責任合夥(Limited Liability Partnership),有限合夥制(Limited Partnership),普通股份公司(Regular Corporation),有限責任公司(Limited Liability Corporation)。其中普通股份公司又分小型企業公司(S Corporation)和封閉型企業(Close Corporation)等。

James Heffernan也進一步解釋了各種企業形式的利弊,繼而指出,對初創企業來說,最多人選擇的是約佔所有企業總數18%的普通股份公司,或是有限責任公司。其中又以並不公開交易股票,股東人數通常不超過35人的C-Corporation佔絕大多數。

至於LLC這有限責任公司則是最有彈性,幾乎可用來成立任何形式的公司。

至於該到哪兒登記立案,也有很多不同考量。一般來說,企業法每州不同,大部分的公司都選擇在經營地點登記,如果會在多州營運,就多半選擇對企業友善的德拉瓦州(Delaware)

James Heffernan還解說了開辦公司需要準備哪些文件,股票證券的涵義,成立公司的手續辦妥後,還需有企業組織幹部,章程,法定人數多寡等問題須解決,以及公司該如何結束,管理層的職責,股東的權力等。

網協在423日晚和24日早上,將舉辦第7屆職業展覽會。

波士頓市長青年委員會即日起至7月18日接受申請

              (Boston Orange)波士頓市長Kim Janey的青年參與及就業局(Department of Youth Engagement and Employment)(23)日宣佈,即日起至718日止,接受912年級住在波士頓的高中學生申請成為市長青年委員會的鄰里代表。

               波士頓市長青年委員會由85名委員組成,致力改善社區,賦能青少年。有意申請者可上網boston.gov。所有申請者將參加集體面試。

               波士頓市長青年委員會將以議題分成小組。該會去年致力的議題包括公共和平,參與公共事務,教育,藝術及文化,氣候正義,經濟及人力發展,公共健康,並持續領導青年領導改變(Youth Lead the Change)”資本項目。獲選進波士頓市長青年委員會的學生還有機會經由同儕推選,擔任該會連絡員,做為該會和地方社區之間的大使,確保室內青少年都能獲取市府資源及服務。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN TO APPLY FOR 2021-2022 MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL

 

BOSTON - Friday, April 23, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment today announced that applications are now open for Boston teens to apply for the 2021-2022 Mayor’s Youth Council. The Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) is a model of youth inclusion in government and civic engagement that has inspired cities across the nation, and even internationally, to examine how they include youth in local government. Applications are being accepted until Sunday, July 18, 2021.

“Creating opportunities for Boston’s youth is an important part of our efforts in engaging young people in the work of city government,” said Mayor Janey. “I look forward to working with the incoming 2021-2022 Mayor’s Youth Council to learn from their experiences and understand their priorities for the City of Boston.”

The Mayor’s Youth Council is a group of 85 high school-aged youth who are committed to improving their communities and empowering young people in the City of Boston. The number of youth representing neighborhoods is based on census data that indicates where young people live. MYC provides a platform for youth voice to be represented in the city with the goals of: 

·     Connecting youth to city government

·     Building a network with youth leaders from across the City

·     Educating youth about the civic process

·     Encouraging youth to prioritize social change and justice in their own communities

To apply to be a neighborhood representative on the Mayor's Youth Council, students must be Boston residents and entering grades 9-12 (or of comparable age). All applicants will participate in a group interview.

MYC representatives form issue-centric subcommittees based on Mayor Janey’s cabinet structure. In the past year, members of the MYC have worked on a variety of issues, including public peace, civic engagement, education, arts and culture, climate justice, economic and workforce development, public health, as well as continued to oversee the implementation of the Youth Lead the Change capital projects voted on by youth last year. In addition, students on the Council can serve as MYC Liaisons, positions appointed by their peers. Liaisons serve as neighborhood and community ambassadors, helping to ensure that youth around the city have access to resources, programs and services. 

Due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 Mayor's Youth Council was fully remote for the entire program. The MYC Youth Ambassadors connected with each other through virtual meetings, learned about critical initiatives across the city from department leaders, and focused on ways to engage their peers through the planning of impact projects. 

“The Mayor’s Youth Council is an amazing opportunity to get involved in ways you would've never imagined yourself doing. The connections and experiences allow youth to connect, collaborate and create change in their community,” said Salma Murphy, a 16-year-old Youth Ambassador on the Civic Engagement Committee. “I've never felt more immersed in my community and MYC has enabled me to further my critical thinking and advocacy skills and begin my journey into government.”

In the past year, members of the MYC have met with numerous city departments such as the Mayor's Office Immigration Advancement, Civic Engagement, Financial Empowerment, Recovery Services, Arts & Culture, Food Access, Emergency Management, as well as elected officials, to serve as a voice for youth in government. Members commit to creating impact projects through their committees, such as partnering with the Office of Financial Empowerment to host virtual financial literacy workshops for youth all over Boston. The workshops this spring focused on college affordability, building credit, and helping educate young people on how they can start to plan for their financial futures. All engagement opportunities allow MYC members to gain a deeper understanding of Boston residents and communities. 

The MYC is overseen by the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment and partners with longtime sponsor, Northeastern University, to support the Mayor's Youth Council. To learn more and to apply online, visit youth.boston.gov. 

星期四, 4月 22, 2021

亞裔社區組織結盟持續討論如何因應族群所面對挑戰

LEADING ORGANIZATIONS FROM DIVERSE COMMUNITIES UNITE AND CALL FOR ACTION TO END ANTI-ASIAN HATE

Coalition of Organizations to Have Ongoing Dialogue to Help Address Challenges Affecting the AAPI Community


New York, NY (April 22, 2021) — In response to the historic increases in anti-Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hatred, violence, and xenophobia, today leading organizations from diverse communities across the United States are calling for action and change.

Like many Americans, the AAPI community has faced increased unemployment, food and housing insecurity, shuttering of local small businesses, and safety risks to frontline and healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hate and violence, fueled by fear and misinformation, have made an already difficult period even harder. In the past year alone, more than 3,800 incidents of violence and hatred have been reported against the AAPI community.

Today’s call for action is being organized by Committee of 100, a nonprofit organization that works to ensure the full inclusion and participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life.

"We at the Committee of 100 are extremely saddened by the increased attacks against Chinese Americans and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Chinese Americans are Americans. Period. The violence and rhetoric now targeting our communities across the U.S. is horrific, sad, and unacceptable,” said Gary Locke, Chairman-Elect of Committee of 100. “For centuries now, the Chinese American and AAPI community continue to be seen as perpetual foreigners, strangers in our own homeland – America. We are extremely thankful to all of the AAPI and non-AAPI organizations for standing with us as we collectively work towards concrete actions that will address the roots of the violence and xenophobia directed at the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. Hate has no place in our society.”

The rise in anti-Asian hate and violence is horrific and unacceptable. Each day another incident devastates America. In January, President Biden issued a presidential memorandum condemning racism, xenophobia, and intolerance against the 21 million AAPIs in the U.S. But we need action. United in the same spirit and mission, the 1990 Institute, American Jewish Committee (AJC), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs (APAPA), Committee of 100, Council of Korean Americans, NAACP, National Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE), National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund, National Urban League, and Partnership With Native Americans are calling for concrete action. The organizations all share common concerns and experiences around racism, violence, discrimination, and marginalization.

We, the undersigned organizations call for law enforcement, elected officials, and government agencies to ensure a holistic response to the Anti-Asian hate problem, and recognize the urgent need to consider and act upon the following recommendations:

  1. We call on all elected officials – including governors, mayors, and members of Congress – to forcefully denounce all acts of anti-Asian American racism and bigotry.
  2. We call on the new U.S. Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Justice to set up a task force to specifically investigate and combat increased violence directed towards the AAPI community.
  3. We call on the Department of Justice to revisit its China Initiative and examine whether the program has caused the spike in increased prosecution of innocent Chinese American scientists.
  4. We call for the federal government to provide funding to state and local law enforcement agencies for education, training, and community outreach on bias incidents and crimes.
  5. We call on the federal government to combat misinformation and online extremism which has led to the increase in AAPI hate.
  6. We call on all law enforcement agencies to prioritize their response to criminal acts of bigotry, racism, and hate inflicted on the AAPI community as well as other communities of color, whether verbal, physical, or psychological.
  7. We call on all elected officials and lawmakers to ensure survivors of hate crimes have access to support services in languages used by their local communities.
  8. We call for the investigation and removal if warranted, of any public official, government employee, or law enforcement officer found to be stoking hate or discriminating against people of AAPI descent.
  9. We call on senior executives and those in leadership positions to ensure that the AAPI community has a voice at the table, including in the boardroom.
  10. We call on all concerned groups across all ethnicities to unite, explore concrete partnerships, and collaborate to bring forth a safer, better, and more ideal America.

The undersigned organizations have also agreed to meet on a quarterly basis to continue discussions via joint programs, activities, and advocacy to combat anti-AAPI hate.

Calling for Action
“We call on everyone to join our vision for a positive environment for Asians in America and for U.S. relations with China,” said Dan Chao, Chairman of the Board, 1990 Institute. “The 1990 Institute provides information that affects the lives of Asian Americans, and indeed all Americans, to provoke thought on topical issues, including how the perceptions of China and the contributions of Asian Americans affect all Americans. Education leads to understanding and understanding leads to change. The 1990 Institute stands in solidarity with everyone standing up for our country's unity and humanity.”

“The scourge of assaults on Asian Americans is horrific,” said David Harris, CEO, American Jewish Committee (AJC). “As American Jews who also have painfully experienced the fear and tragedy of hate, we join with our partners in the Asian American community to call on leaders to take concrete measures to address the violence. Silence is unacceptable. Unity in combating hate is absolutely imperative.”

“There’s great strength in numbers, which is why it is so important for all Americans to join together with the AAPI community in speaking out against this scourge of hatred, and prejudice,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “Today, we issue a challenge to our elected, law enforcement, and civic leaders to do more. Only through coordinated action can we prevent further acts of bias-motivated violence and hurtful scapegoating.”
 
“APAPA strongly supports Committee of 100’s initiative to form a coalition across all communities in an effort to help address the challenges in the AAPI community,” said Ken Fong, Chair, APAPA. “The United States is at our greatest when we value every citizen regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. If we are to lead the world, we must cherish people from all over the world!” 

“As a proud American organization dedicated to the advancement and inclusion of 5 million Chinese Americans across all aspects of American life, Committee of 100 has spoken out against discrimination and racism for more than 30 years,” said Zheng Yu Huang, President of Committee of 100. “This coalition across communities showcases the strength and impact we together possess. We thank all of the AAPI and non-AAPI organizations for joining with Committee of 100 to address racism, discrimination, and violence against the AAPI community. Collectively, we can work to put these horrific incidents in the past and move forward as one nation.”
 
“Racism, xenophobia, and discrimination impact all of our minority communities and are issues we must band together to defeat. We are proud to stand with our fellow national organizations representing AAPI, Black, Jewish, Latinx, and other communities to fight for the protection and respect of all Americans,” said Abraham Kim, Ph.D., Executive Director, Council of Korean Americans. “In light of the horrific rise in hate incidents and violence against the AAPI community, we challenge our government officials, law enforcement agencies, business executives, and civic leaders to act immediately, with courage and conviction, to ensure the safety and security of this community.” 

"We all have a responsibility to wake up each day and denounce hate in all forms and all communities," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "As a human race, we do not exist in a vacuum and we cannot allow our normalcy to be that of violent attacks. We are committed to working together to push back against those that seek to harm." 
 
“During these difficult times, anti-Asian racism and violence are further damaging the small business community amidst this global pandemic. Now more than ever, we all have to be united, speaking out and standing together,” said Chiling Tong, Chief Executive Officer & President of the National Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE). “We seek the support, allyship, and advocacy of other national organizations and large corporations to take action by addressing all forms of bias and racism that disproportionately and negatively impact our diverse communities. AAPI small businesses are not able to operate safely and need assistance now. National ACE calls on its partners to join in responding to the ongoing violence against the AAPI small business community by helping to educate employees, customers, and the public to intervene to halt these deplorable acts. We are proud and are #AAPISTRONG.”
 
“After four years of policy and rhetoric that fanned the flames of bigotry and inspired acts of violence against communities of color, the pandemic exposed America’s racial fault lines and forced the nation to confront its legacy of white supremacy,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League. “The National Urban League stands in solidarity with our Asian-American brothers and sisters and urges the nation to seize the opportunity to create lasting change by emerging from this crisis a stronger nation.”

“As our nation continues to reckon with the legacy and present-day manifestations of systemic racism, we must work together to advance justice and foster a society that promotes equality, opportunity, and freedom from racial hate and violence,” stated Arturo Vargas, CEO, NALEO Educational Fund. “The rise in violence and discrimination targeting the AAPI community that we are witnessing are horrifying and antithetical to the ideals we espouse as a nation that proclaims to value liberty, diversity, and inclusion. We must take a stand against this kind of hatred and xenophobia and adopt common-sense standards of anti-racism that promote equal justice and freedom from discrimination of any kind.”

“PWNA respects and honors the diverse culture, history, and concerns of all communities in America. As a Native American-serving organization, we know firsthand how U.S. systems and policies have created social injustice and disenfranchisement for those most vulnerable,” said Christina Kazhe, Chairman of the Board, Partnership With Native Americans. “As a nation, we’ve seen an overwhelming rise in hate crimes directed at Asian Americans since the onset of COVID-19. PWNA denounces all forms of racism against all populations who endure inequities on account of their race or ethnicity. We commend all those who are speaking up and championing hope for a brighter future.”

Stay Connected & Engaged
Chinese Americans and the broader AAPI community have made tremendous contributions to the fabric of American life for centuries. In February, the Economist Intelligence Unit released a report, commissioned by Committee of 100 and sponsored in part by Citi Private Bank, that looked at 175-years of Chinese American contributions. “From Foundations to Frontiers” can be downloaded for free at https://bit.ly/chineseamericanstories.   
 
Committee of 100 recently launched a bi-monthly newsletter called Combatting AAPI Hate, with the goal to highlight what AAPI organizations across the country are doing to combat the xenophobia, violence, and hate being cast upon the AAPI community. By having all information in one location, it will allow organizations to more effectively collaborate and plan their responses and efforts and to receive better support and awareness. If you have news you want to be considered for the next issue, email aapinewsletter@committee100.org and sign up for free at bit.ly/combattingAAPIhate.     

About Committee of 100
Committee of 100 is a non-profit U.S. leadership organization of prominent Chinese Americans in business, government, academia, healthcare, and the arts focused on public policy engagement, civic engagement, and philanthropy. For over 30 years, Committee of 100 has served as a preeminent organization committed to the dual missions of promoting the full participation of Chinese Americans in all aspects of American life and constructive relations between the United States and Greater China. Visit https://www.committee100.org/ or follow Committee of 100 on LinkedInTwitter, and Facebook for more information.

警員Rose調查該公佈多少內容 三名市長候選人意見分歧

吳弭要求獨立調查,完全透明。(檔案照片)
             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯)波士頓警察Patrick Rose的警局內部調查報告,到底該怎麼處理,三名黑人或非洲裔波士頓市長候選人,各有意見。波士頓環球報稱波士頓市長選舉瞬間多了一個中心議題。

             波士頓警察Patrick Rose被控於1995年性侵12歲兒童的警察局內部調查報告長105頁,接任波士頓代市長後也宣佈參選市長職位的Kim Janey,二天前以代市長身分處理此事,揚言為保護受害者身分,只公佈其中的13頁。

          波士頓市長候選人吳弭(Michelle Wu)表示,波士頓市府今天公佈的14頁警察局內部調查報告,帶給人的疑問遠多於答案。波士頓必須以最大程度的承諾透明及改變,來因應這可派的信任破壞。吳弭說,我們需要完全獨立的調查,我們也需要徹底翻轉那一次又一次被揭露的秘密文化

巴洛斯(John Barros)離職參選波士頓市長。(檔案照片)

             波士頓市長候選人,之前擔任波士頓市經濟發展長的巴洛斯(John Barros)(22)日表示,這案件讓人對波士頓警察局內系統性的是否負責任問題,有了更嚴重顧慮。他要求波士頓代市長就過去30年來被控性侵警員的內部調查件數,提出一份報告,而且這報告應該包括有多少警員被控告,有多少轉交檢控,有多少這些警員至今還在任職。

Andrea Campbell 也要求公佈完整內部調查。
(檔案照片)
             巴洛斯表示公眾應該知道,關於Rose警員被控事件這長達幾十年的掩蓋,是一次性的錯失,還是對那些可信的被控令人髮指罪刑警員豁免責任模式的一部分。

             根據去年8月針對Rose警員的控訴,由於1995年事件之後,他繼續留任,逾是得以又性侵了5名兒童。

             之前擔任波士頓巡警工會會長的Rose報稱無罪,他的律師也說他維持自己無辜的說法。

             1995年時,檢察官放棄了褻瀆及毆打14歲以下兒童的控訴,據說是因為Rose向受害者施壓,撤銷控訴。這是年輕受虐者面對虐待者要求時,很常見的現象。但是內部事務調查,以及社會服務所做的調查,卻決定有虐待的證據。Rose2018年退休了。

             另一名市長候選人,波士頓市議員Andrea Campbell呼籲波士頓代市長Kim Janey徵招美國檢察官辦公室來調查波士頓警察局是如何處理Rose案件的。她也催促公佈完整的內部調查報告,聲稱有很多問題還沒答案。

             Andrea Campbell說,在Rose案件上,波士頓人應該享有透明化(的了解),不是在星期二,大家最期待的全國關注新聞,Derek Chauvin謀殺George Floyd案的判刑公佈後20分,我們得到的,大幅度重新編輯,而且不完整的內部調查報告。她也認為波士頓市即將新成立的警察問責辦公室還在組成當中,不如美國檢察官辦公室有更強的挖掘真相實力。

Kim Janey正以代理身分執行波士頓市長職務,同時
競選成為正式市長。(檔案照片)


             也在競選波士頓市長的波士頓代市長Kim Janey今天下午在市政府大樓舉行的記者會中再次強調,沒有甚麼比確保這種事不再發生更重要

             Kim Janey表示,她已要求即將上任波士頓市新設警察責任及透明辦公室(OPAT)主任的Stephanie Everett調查這案件的後續流程,並在她53日上任後的45天內,提出審核,甚至可能改革警察局內部事務調查程序的計畫。

             Kim Janey重申她對Everett有信心。她說我知道她在領導這件事上會做得非常好,波士頓市已經公佈了關於這案件能夠公佈的內容,有法律部門決定哪些需要保留。Janey強調,她會繼續保護性侵受害者的身分。

             她說,我們不會讓倖存者再受傷害”Everett的計畫會包括警察局的所有內部調查

(更新版)

Governor Baker Signs Executive Order to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions at State Facilities

 Governor Baker Signs Executive Order to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions at State Facilities

Administration Also Meets Commitment to Spending $1 Billion Addressing Climate Change

FRAMINGHAM – As part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s celebration of Earth Week in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker today joined state and local officials at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) bunker to sign a new Executive Order building on the Administration’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across state facilities. The Order, Leading by Example: Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State Government, sets goals and requirements to accelerate the state’s decarbonization efforts in state agencies and public institutions of higher education, prioritizing electrification of buildings and transportation. The Order builds on the Commonwealth’s national leadership on climate change, including an announcement by Governor Baker that the Administration has met its commitment to invest $1 billion in climate spending by 2022, surpassing that benchmark in April 2021.

“Addressing climate change requires bold, urgent action, which is why I am proud that our Administration has achieved an ambitious goal of investing $1 billion in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, an accomplishment we will continue to build on through this Executive Order,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Leading by Example Executive Order will boost the state’s adoption of innovative clean energy strategies, and I’m grateful for the efforts of our state agencies and institutions to help us take on the challenge of climate change.”

“The Leading by Example Program empowers state government entities to continue leading and innovating on clean energy and energy efficiency,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This Executive Order will support these continued efforts, reduce emissions, and lead to cost savings for many of our public universities and buildings.”

The Executive Order reinforces Massachusetts as a leader in emissions reduction efforts through a variety of strategies. To reduce emissions and increase energy resilience, the Order underscores the need for significant energy efficiency measures across the state portfolio, as well as the deployment of renewable energy and energy storage at multiple facilities. Additionally, the Order:

  • Requires all new construction at state agencies and campuses to meet stringent energy performance standards, install high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and meet DOER's new Specialized Stretch Energy Code when it is promulgated.
  • Requires all state fleets to buy zero emission vehicles starting next year.
  • Requires the doubling of electric vehicle charging stations installed at state facilities by 2030.
  • Establishes specific and measurable emission reduction targets associated with building and vehicle fossil fuels consumed by state entities.
  • Requires agencies to incorporate emissions reduction strategies into all budgetary and planning efforts.
  • And requires state agencies to appoint Leading by Example coordinators in support of the Executive Order’s goals.

Governor Baker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Patrick Woodcock, and Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) Commissioner Carol Gladstone. The MEMA bunker features a comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy project completed in 2020, overseen by DCAMM and partially funded by DOER’s Leading by Example Program.

“Thanks to the commitment of our public servants and state agencies, the Commonwealth continues to lead by example on clean energy and climate action, helping us to achieve our ambitious emissions reduction goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The executive order signed by Governor Baker will make our state government more sustainable, resilient, and lead to environmental benefits in cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.”

“DOER is proud to support our state partners as they make meaningful transitions in heating their buildings, powering their vehicles, and other innovative clean energy strategies,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Patrick Woodcock. “Electrification of our buildings and transportation will be at the forefront of strategies to meet the executive order’s emissions targets and meet our greenhouse gas mitigation requirements.”

Through the Leading by Example Program, state entities have collectively reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 35% from a 2004 baseline, reduced heating oil use by 85%, eliminating more than 18 million gallons of fuel oil, and reduced energy use per square foot by 14%. Since 2015, state entities have installed 184 electric vehicle charging stations, deployed more than 20 MW of solar, created 42 new pollinator-friendly habitats, and completed 57 LEED Certified buildings, 35 of which achieved a Gold or Platinum rating. 

“DCAMM is committed to supporting clean energy and climate initiatives throughout state government and this executive order helps the Commonwealth move toward achieving its long-term resiliency and sustainability goals,” said DCAMM Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “We look forward to continuing to work with our partner agencies to meet these emissions targets and address the impacts of climate change in communities across Massachusetts.”

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with DOER and DCAMM on this project to bring the solar canopy, new generators, and improvements in heating, ventilation, lighting, and other systems to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA),” said MEMA Director Samantha Phillips. “MEMA’s headquarters, home to the State Emergency Operations Center, is a critical infrastructure facility and these improvements will enhance operational capabilities, reduce energy and water usage, and save money.”

The MEMA bunker is the site of a comprehensive energy efficiency and renewable energy project, which includes a state-owned 275 kW parking lot solar canopy. The project will generate 376,000 kWh of renewable electricity annually and result in an estimated $100,000 in annual benefits to the site from electricity cost savings, Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program incentive payments, and demand charge savings. Over 20 years, the project is estimated to provide the site with roughly $2 million in total cost savings and generated revenue. The project received a $453,750 DOER Leading By Example grant, which reduced the construction cost by approximately 27%, reducing the project’s payback period by four years. 

During this year’s Earth Week in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration is highlighting its commitment to supporting the Commonwealth’s Environmental Justice communities, and ensuring that all residents are protected from environmental pollution and can enjoy a clean and healthy environment. During Earth Week, the Administration is holding events throughout the Commonwealth spotlighting important initiatives, including the expansion of tree planting through the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, increasing access to healthy, nutritious food by supporting urban farms, and ensuring clean water by providing grant funding to local municipalities.

On March 26, 2021, Governor Baker signed comprehensive climate change legislation that includes nation-leading provisions related to Environmental Justice. Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on Environmental Justice communities overburdened by poor air quality and disproportionately high levels of pollution, the legislation statutorily defines Environmental Justice and environmental burdens, including climate change as an environmental burden. The legislation also expands Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) review to require an Environmental Impact Report for all projects that impact air quality within one mile of an Environmental Justice Neighborhood, and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to conduct a stakeholder process to develop a cumulative impact analysis as a condition of permitting certain projects. This change would, for the first time, require the agency to evaluate not just individual project impacts but also historic environmental pollution throughout the community through the permit process.

In December of 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration released two reports  the Massachusetts 2050 Decarbonization Roadmap Report and an interim 2030 Clean Energy and Climate Plan (CECP) – ​that detailed policies and strategies to reduce emissions and combat climate change, including an interim 2030 statewide emissions limit of 45% below 1990 levels. The roadmap outlined the need to enhance energy efficiency measures and decarbonize existing buildings, which would include most municipal and town buildings like schools, police departments, and water facilities

誌記地球日 吳弭呼籲2030年學校巴士全面電動化

吳弭呼籲利用即將於2023年重新討論學校巴士合約的機會,
加強力度,推動2030年學校巴士電動化。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)波士頓公立學校系統有700輛校巴,每天上路3100趟,佔了60%的波士頓市府柴油用量。波士頓市長候選人吳弭(Michelle Wu)在地球日這天呼籲,波士頓市校巴2030年全面電動化。

             吳弭指出波士頓市約有24000名學童搭乘校巴上學,有研究調查指這些柴油車經過地區的空氣汙染程度比鄰近地區高510倍,對學童的學習,發展及健康,造成了難以衡量的影響。

             甚至還有證據認為,來自柴油的汙染,不但導致氣喘,其他呼吸性疾病,心臟病,癌症,更直接影響了兒童的英語及數學分數。

吳弭和支持者呼籲校巴電動化。(周菊子攝)
             波士頓的黑人,拉丁裔及亞裔居民也不成比例的暴露於轎車,卡車,巴士等造成的顆粒物汙染。吳弭說她曾和學者,專家一起站在波士頓昆士中學臨時校舍的籃球場上,聆聽也見證波士頓居民,學童受高速公路所帶來空氣汙染的影響,染患氣喘病比例比其他地區高得多。

             吳弭表示她的這些呼籲,要求,都在爭取環境正義。在麻州有Beverly市已經開始車隊電動化,拜登(Biden)總統的基礎建設計畫也包括提供獎勵,補助波士頓等地方市鎮校巴電動化,建造汽車充電站這樣的背景下,波士頓市沒有理由不朝這個方向努力。

Mela Bush-Miles(前)指出她所居住社區民眾的壽命比其他地區短,
就是因為這些空氣汙染。(周菊子攝)
   
         
吳弭說,做為市長,我會竭盡所能的保護居民的健康,在綠色經濟中抓住機會。而那就從我們的孩子,從清潔,可持續的學校交通開始,直到為我們的子女,教育者把波士頓公校樓宇重建成健康,能源使用有效率,具啟發精神的地方

          2021年世界地球日的主題是修復我們的地球(Restore our earth)”。吳弭今(22)天特地和ACE交通導向的發展主任Mela Bush-Miles,波士頓日出(Sunrise Boston)Micheal Huguet為樹說話(Speak for the Trees)”共同創辦人David Meshoulam等幾名環境保護支持者,聚集在華盛頓街2000號的波士頓公校巴士停泊站之一,闡述「波士頓新綠色政策」中改革波士頓公校的交通服務部分,呼籲波士頓市到2030年時讓學校巴士全面電動化。

             Mela Bush-Miles指出,MBTA的巴士也用柴油,他們正在推動法案,尋求改變,也呼籲波士頓市執行早前已通過的降低柴油排放廢氣條例,好讓他們能夠呼吸。