Baker-Polito Administration Announces $12 Million for Electric Vehicle Rebates

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $12 Million for

Electric Vehicle Rebates

Renews Commitment to Reducing Emissions and Fuel Usage with MOR-EV Incentives

BOSTON – December 9, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $12 million in funding for the Commonwealth’s electric vehicle rebate program, Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV). The announcement builds upon the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) $2 million commitment in January and represents more than double the rebate funding over the lifetime of the MOR-EV program. Consumers can qualify for rebates ranging from $750-$2,500 on the purchase or lease of more than 25 qualifying new electric vehicles, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and fuel cell electric vehicles.

“The adoption of electric vehicles is an important component of the Commonwealth’s plan for reducing emissions and meeting our Global Warming Solutions Acts goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With the continued growth and consumer choice for electric vehicles, our administration is committed to working with all stakeholders to promote the host of positive benefits electric vehicles offer.”

“This investment in electric vehicles through the MOR-EV program will help continue our positive progress as we continue to build towards a clean transportation future,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Through DOER’s Green Communities Program, Massachusetts’ municipalities have taken a leading role in adopting electric and fuel-efficient vehicles, once again setting an example for the rest of the Commonwealth to follow.”

Since June 2014, the MOR-EV program has issued or reserved over $6 million for 2,931 vehicles, cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions output by an estimated 8,123 short tons annually. The Commonwealth recently adopted a fuel efficiency standard for the purchase of new state vehicles, requiring minimum fuel efficiency on newly purchased state vehicles. As part of DOER’s Green Communities Program application process, cities and towns must pledge to only purchase fuel-efficient vehicles. DOER is also in the process of developing an additional rebate program to promote electric vehicle adoption for low-income consumers. 

“The intense interest in the MOR-EV rebate program is a testament to the progress the Commonwealth has made towards incorporating clean energy technologies into everyday life,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration continues to demonstrate our commitment to reducing emissions and providing a clean, healthier environment for all Massachusetts’ residents through the integration of fuel-efficient and zero emissions vehicles.”

“Thousands of consumers have taken an important step towards reducing emissions across Massachusetts by embracing zero emission and fuel-efficient vehicles,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “By doubling the historic funding of the MOR-EV program, the Baker-Polito Administration is ensuring that the Commonwealth is poised to secure our clean transportation future as options for electric and fuel-efficient vehicle consumers continue to grow.”

In May, DOER awarded four grants for the purchase of electric school buses and chargers to Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, Amherst Public Schools, Cambridge Public Schools and Concord Public Schools. The grants were awarded through the Department of Energy Resources’ (DOER) new Vehicle-to-Grid Electric School Bus pilot program, which aims to reduce schools’ petroleum use and test the benefits of electric school bus technology.

“The MOR-EV program is a great incentive that anyone interested in purchasing an electric vehicle should consider,” said State Senator Don Humason (R-Westfield). “This significant investment into the successful program will contribute to the Baker Administration’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy in the Commonwealth.”

“Increasing the use of zero emissions vehicles would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and I’m happy to hear that the administration is offering more rebates for such cars,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “I was happy to work with my Senate colleagues to pass a bill earlier this month that creates new incentives for people to buy zero emissions vehicles, and I wish to thank Secretary Beaton for his support of ZEVs through the rebates program. These initiatives will help the state achieve its stated goal of 300,000 zero emissions vehicles registered in Massachusetts by 2025, and are an important part of protecting our environment.”

“I commend the Baker-Polito Administration for its strong commitment to electric vehicles and the MOR-EV rebate program,” said State Representative Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). “Widespread use of electric vehicles is critical to meeting the Commonwealth's emission reduction laws. Through MOR-EV and private and public efforts to expand charging infrastructure, electric vehicles are quickly becoming an affordable, practical choice for Massachusetts residents.”

“The MOR-EV rebate program has been an invaluable addition to our Commonwealth, and I am incredibly thankful for the Baker-Polito Administration’s continued support and funding toward such an important environmental initiative,” said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich).

MOR-EV is administered on DOER’s behalf by the Center for Sustainable Energy. The funding is financed by Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds, and aims to help reduce reliance on foreign oil and meet Massachusetts’ goals under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector 7.6 percent by 2020.

For complete rebate program information and other details, go to www.MOR-EV.org.

Drought Conditions Remain Unchanged Throughout Commonwealth

Drought Conditions Remain Unchanged Throughout Commonwealth

Monitoring of Water Resources to Continue, Indoor Water Conservation by Public Necessary

BOSTON – December 9, 2016 – Although many areas of the state experienced some precipitation in November, large portions of the state continue to experience a water deficit. As a result, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for the Connecticut River Valley, Western, Central, Northeast, and Southeast Massachusetts, unchanged from the month of November; and a Drought Advisory for the Cape and Islands, unchanged from the month of November. The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state, federal and local officials, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.

“It is incredibly important that as the Commonwealth transitions from fall to the winter months that we all focus on indoor water conservation methods, now that the outdoor watering season has come to an end,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration urges the public to reduce indoor water usage, fix any indoor leaks, and conduct water audits.”

“While the state has received beneficial rainfall over the last few weeks, totals for the month of November were below normal and serious drought conditions remain across the state,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “The public is urged to continue conserving water in order to reduce the overall demand on our water sources.”  

A Drought Warning, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, indicates over six consecutive months of groundwater and stream flow levels being below normal, and larger reservoirs at below normal levels. This initiates a much more concerted set of government responses including instating water restrictions, and more intensified monitoring and coordination between the agencies. Areas within the Drought Warning regions are currently experiencing precipitation levels below normal for six out of seven consecutive months. The declaration of a Drought Advisory indicates a level of dry conditions that warrants closer tracking by government agencies. 

The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the state asks the public to be mindful of the amount of water they are using, and to reduce indoor water use, address leaks as soon as possible, and for larger buildings and businesses to conduct water audits to ensure they identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation. All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water and fire protection are being met, habitats have enough water to recover, and to stretch our water supplies into the spring.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) permits exempt certain water uses from mandatory restrictions, including: for health or safety reasons; the production of food and fiber; the maintenance of livestock; and to meet the core functions of a business. MassDEP continues to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies, as well as assisting towns on how to request a declaration of drought emergency.

“Despite recent rain events, the Commonwealth is still in a significant drought, so people should continue to use water wisely,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Residents should all look to efforts within the home to conserve water. Fixing leaky faucets, toilets and showerheads is a great way to conserve water and save money.”

To aid farmers and other small businesses, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the Massachusetts Drought Emergency Loan Fund, and continues to work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Farm Service Agency. As a result of USDA primary agricultural disaster designations due to losses caused by drought, all Massachusetts counties are now eligible for federal emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency to help recover from crop losses. Additionally, all Massachusetts counties are eligible for federal emergency loans as a result of a USDA primary agricultural disaster designation due to crop losses of tree fruits like peaches that were caused by frost and freeze occurring between February and May.

“As year-end approaches, farmers are pleased with the more frequent recent precipitation, but need much more of the same prior to the 2017 growing season,” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux.  “We encourage everyone to continue to support our farmers by buying locally grown Christmas trees and greens, as well as delicious food products at our winter farmers’ markets.”

Task Force officials noted that although reservoir levels are recovering during this natural recharge period, most as still below normal. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.

“While the Quabbin Reservoir dipped into the below normal range during the month of November, mandatory restrictions are not yet necessary for our service area,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “As drought conditions continue across the state, it is important that residents and businesses in our member communities conserve water whenever possible.”

The declaration of a Drought Warning and Drought Advisory requires the Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future. The Task Force will next meet in January. For further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page, and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.

昆士醫院舊址賣了給 Fox Rock Properties

(Boston Orange)昆士市12月8日傳出，丟空兩年的昆士醫院舊址，賣了。買主是狐岩物業(FoxRock Properties)。

這是筆三方交易，包括買主狐岩物業，賣主史都華醫療護理( Steward Health Care )，以及持有取回權(Reverter)的昆士市政府。

史都華醫療護理二年前突然宣布關閉這有124年歷史，196張急診病床的醫院，只留下一個急診室，使得昆士市成為麻州第一個境內沒有醫院的大城市。

擁有狐岩物業，以及北昆士花崗岩電信(Granite Telecommunications的 Rob Hale在12月8日宣佈，以1200萬元從史都華護理買下了佔地15英畝的Whitwell街114號。

該公司一方面和想要在這昆士醫院舊址保留醫療用途的昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch)談條件，一方面想要在昆士是中心的重新發展計畫中，爭取重要腳色。

買賣的條件之一是狐岩物業必須和史都華護理簽署租約，以在2021年12月之前，原址都能保留急診室營運。另外還有權展延租約5年。

狐岩物業是家在南岸擁有50萬平方呎醫療辦公室，工業空間的公司。包括在Norwell的南岸醫療中心，長水地(Longwater Place)，在普利茅斯(Plymouth)的普利茅斯醫療及專業中心(Plymouth Medical and Professional Center)，在Weymouth的90 Libbey Parkway，以及Columbian Wellness & Professional Park。

狐岩物業買下的物業包括4棟樓宇，以及626,000平方呎土地，買價不到史都華護理在2011年以2950萬元從破產法庭買來時的一半。和物業稅的價值4210萬元來比，更是不到三分之一。

昆士市長柯奇和狐岩物業達成，還待昆市議會批准的五年協議是，如果狐岩物業付給昆市府420萬元，或者辦理一項或多項租約，在至少7年內，總共有15萬平方呎面積會作醫療用途，昆市府就願意放棄取回權(Reverter)。

昆市長辦公室表示，如果在五年到期前，狐岩物業都還沒付給昆市府420萬元，或者都還沒簽醫療用途租約，昆市府就重新獲得記載在昆士醫院地契上的取回權。

在此同時，柯奇已指派狐岩物業為昆市府在昆士中心所擁地塊的羅斯(Ross)停車場的發展商，預期著狐岩物業會在那建造新的，包括醫療設施用途的商用樓宇。

協議的一部分條件包括狐岩物業必須在兩年內花150萬元，作吸引醫療用途的市場行銷及發展前期作業。

昆士市長及其他市府官員表示，由於昆士市鄰近波士頓市的醫院，Weymouth的南岸醫院，米爾頓的貝斯以色列醫院，要在醫院舊址重開一家急診醫院，可能性很低。

狐岩物業已同意和醫院附近的鄰居開會，討論適當用途。現在要說在那塊地上做甚麼樣的發展還太早。

CAPAC Chair’s Statement on Passage of FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act

CAPAC Chair’s Statement on Passage of FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate voted 92-7 to pass the Conference Report on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017. The U.S. House of Representatives previously passed the Conference Report by a vote of 375-34 on December 2, 2016, and it now heads to President Obama’s desk. The final Conference Report, which was negotiated between House and Senate conferees, authorizes approximately $611.2 billion in funding for the Department of Defense (DOD) and other related agencies, programs, and operations for the Fiscal Year 2017. It also includes provisions authored by Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) that will benefit the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, such as language to address military hazing in our ranks and provisions to provide reparations for Guam residents who suffered harm during World War II and to conduct a review of AAPI veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam War who may be eligible for the Medal of Honor. CAPAC Chair Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following the statement:

“Despite budget gimmicks that jeopardize this critical funding bill, I am pleased that this annual defense authorization bill includes important provisions that help the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, including my language on military hazing. The inclusion of language on military hazing is historic—it requires, for the first time, annual reports from the Department of Defense on anti-hazing policies and progress on its implementation. This provision provides for the greater transparency we need around this important issue, which will help save lives and ensure a stronger military.

“I am also pleased to see other critical provisions included in final Conference Report, such as recognizing the residents of Guam that suffered great harm during World War II, as well as authorizing the review of certain AAPI veterans who may be eligible to receive the Medal of Honor.

“These provisions are important wins for the AAPI community and demonstrate that our demands to address the needs of our diverse constituencies are being heard.”

BACKGROUND

Military Hazing

In 2011, Rep. Chu’s nephew, Lance Corporal Harry Lew, committed suicide while stationed in Afghanistan after extreme and prolonged hazing by his fellow Marines. Since his death, Rep. Chu has fought to eradicate hazing in the military. During the 112thCongress, Rep. Chu introduced the Harry Lew Military Hazing Accountability and Prevention Act, which would require DOD to develop a comprehensive plan to address hazing within the ranks. In the FY2013 NDAA, Rep. Chu secured language that required reports from each branch of the military to report on hazing policies and incident data to Congress. Finding that these results were inconsistent and indicated substandard tracking results in unreliable data, Rep. Chu successfully amended the FY 2015 NDAA to require GAO to provide an objective analysis about the current status of hazing in the military. In March 2016, Rep. Chu testified before the House Armed Services Committee to urge the adoption of the GAO’s recommendations in the FY 2017 NDAA. 

Rep. Chu’s amendment, which was offered during the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of NDAA in April, would do the following:

·         Require DOD to submit an annual report to Congress to ensure anti-hazing policies are implemented consistently.

·         Require DOD to improve existing training to help servicemembers better identify and respond to hazing at all command levels.

·         Mandate that DOD issue a department-wide guidance on a comprehensive and consistent data collection system that includes information on protected classes such as race and religion.

·         Evaluate the prevalence of hazing through department-wide surveys.

Recognizing Harm Suffered by Guam Residents During World War II

This provision, led by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), authorizes claims for living survivors of the occupation of Guam or the descendants of those who died in the occupation during World War II. It recognizes the sacrifice of the people of Guam and establishes a special claims fund to compensate eligible Guam survivors or descendants. In addition to these reparations, this provision also establishes a grant program for research, educational, and media activities to highlight and uplift the stories of the occupation of Guam during World War II.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Medal of Honor Review

Congressmembers Madeleine Bordallo (GU), Ranking Member Adam Smith (WA-09), and the late Congressman Mark Takai (HI-01) pushed for a provision to authorize a review of service records for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) who served during the Korean War and Vietnam War and earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross, to see if they are eligible for the Medal of Honor. This follows the FY02 NDAA that authorized a similar review for Jewish American and Hispanic American war veterans, and ensures that AAPIs are included in the review process.  

波士頓市長宣佈波士頓為氣候變化做好準備了 (圖片)

麻州長，副州長闡述麻州優良項目 (圖片)

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)。(周菊子攝)

麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華公所本年度最後一次董事大會展望未來(圖片)

張斯麗 12/10 到 BCNC 談新書 " Under the Red Moon"

Join local author Amy Kwei (張斯麗) for lunch as she reads her new book “Under the Red Moon”

Set in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York, the novel takes readers on a journey from the Nanking Massacre and Korean War to the Great Leap Forward, British colonial rule in Hong Kong and immigration to America. The stories of the sisters are interwoven and culminate during the Cultural Revolution.  This is the third book by Amy Kwei.

Three sisters of the Huang clan disperse during World War II.  Golden Ball attends Syracuse University in New York, Silver Bell attends a nearby American high school and Coral Bell, the youngest, remains in Shanghai along with her mother, a concubine.  Set in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York, the novel takes readers on a journey from the Nanking Massacre and Korean War to the Great Leap Forward, British colonial rule in Hong Kong and immigration to America.   The stories of the sisters are interwoven and culminate during the Cultural Revolution. 

Under the Red Moon by Amy Kwei
Saturday, December 10 | 12:00-2:00 PM
BCNC | 38 Ash Street | Boston, MA 02111

A $25 ticket purchase includes lunch and a signed book. Proceeds will benefit BCNC's family-centered programs for children, youth, and adults. 

*** Your donation will be matched by a $40,000 challenge grant from the Amelia Peabody Foundation to support BCNC Quincy Youth Programs. Double the impact of your gift! ***

For additional questions, please contact Jean Quintal at jean.quintal@bcnc.netor 617-635-2540