星期六, 10月 16, 2021

Commonwealth Returns to Normal Conditions After Above Average Rainfall Totals

 Commonwealth Returns to Normal Conditions After Above Average Rainfall Totals

 

 

BOSTON — With the Commonwealth continuing to experience above average rainfall totals during the month of September, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides has declared all regions in the state at Level 0-Normal Conditions, including the Cape Cod region, which was previously declared at a Level 1-Mild Drought. Due to the declaration, the Commonwealth’s Drought Management Task Force has been deactivated until the state experiences another drought.

 

“It is significant news that the state of Massachusetts is now under normal conditions, and we thank those who implemented water conservation practices to enable resources to fully rebound,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Importantly, due to the ongoing impacts of climate change causing more frequent extreme weather events, we must remain diligent in our efforts to protect our state’s vital water systems in order to prepare for future dry conditions.”

 

Prior to today’s declaration, the Cape Cod region was at a Level 1-Mild Drought; however, since August, the region’s Groundwater and Lakes/Impoundments have fully recovered on a region-wide scale. Additionally, while water systems within the elbow of the Cape Cod Region have not fully rebounded, it is showing an upward trend.

 

“While we are fortunate that drought conditions have ended for now, we should all continue to make indoor and outdoor water conservation part of our regular activities, not just during a drought. This will help us preserve this critical resource and mitigate the effects of future droughts,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Samantha Phillips.

 

To further protect water resources, residents and businesses are urged to ensure indoor toilets, faucets, showers, and other infrastructure are WaterSense efficient. Additional water conservation tips include:

  • Continue to exercise outdoor water conservation;
  • Plant non-lawn/non-grass landscapes;
  • Increase plantings of drought tolerant species and to shift to non-lawn/non-grass landscapes; and,
  • Install rain collection systems to help with watering of outdoor plants and vegetable gardens.

 

By taking proactive measures now, the state will decrease stress on water systems during extended periods of dry conditions. For more information on water conservation and what residents and communities can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ droughtwater conservation, and indoor and outdoor water use pages. Furthermore, in an effort to support municipalities, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides technical assistance regarding managing systems, which includes assistance on the use of emergency connections and water supplies.

 

“It is nice to have conditions back to normal across the state as we head into the period of the year when outdoor watering stops and conditions would ordinarily improve,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “We urge residents to continue to follow water use directions from their local water supplier and continue to conserve water in order to preserve future supplies.”

 

While water supplies are currently operating within suitable conditions, everyone is encouraged to also follow any supplementary watering requirements outlined by their community’s Public Water Supplier. Moreover, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.

 

During ongoing drought conditions, the Commonwealth’s Drought Management Task Force, which is composed of state and federal officials, and other entities, provides Secretary Theoharides with drought status recommendations for her review. The task force will meet again if/when a region in the state is experiencing ongoing drought conditions.

TECO處長孫儉元投書波士頓環球報 籲理念相同國家支持台灣

           (波士頓經文處訊))新英格蘭地區第一大報「波士頓環球報」1014日於紙本及網路版(https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/14/opinion/like-minded-democracies-send-strong-message-by-uniting-behind-taiwan/?p1=BGSearch_Advanced_Results)同步刊登孫儉元處長投書,標題為「理念相近民主國家共同支持台灣可向中國發出強烈訊息」(Like-minded democracies send strong message by uniting behind Taiwan)

                    孫處長的投書是呼應「波士頓環球報」於106日所發表支持台灣民主自由的社論 (A democracy under siege as China harasses Taiwan )https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/06/opinion/chinese-harassment-taiwan-risks-tragic-miscalculation/?p1=BGSearch_Overlay_Results)

                 孫處長於文中指出:(一)中國從未放棄武力犯台。其軍機每日入侵台灣防空識別區,已破壞台海及印太地區的和平與穩定。中國不負責任的行為充分證明其魯莽,且無視國際規範;(二)國際對台灣的支持不斷強化。四方安全對話,美日高峰會,美韓高峰會,歐盟日本高峰會,七大工業國集團外長會議,日澳二加二外交國防部長諮商,七大工業國領袖峰會,歐盟美國高峰會,法澳二加二部長諮商及美澳部長級諮商的會後聲明均明確表達對中國意圖破壞區域安全的憂慮,並強調維持台海和平穩定的重要性;(三)作為負責任的利害關係者,台灣對在對等、無預設前提的基礎上進行兩岸對話抱持開放態度。同時,亦決心捍衛得來不易的民主與自由。理念相近民主國家共同支持台灣,將可向中國發出強烈訊息,要求其停止在印太地區的侵擾及破壞行為,此舉亦將有助增進區域和平及穩定。

AG HEALEY JOINS BIPARTISAN, MULTISTATE EFFORT SUPPORTING LOCAL JOURNALISM

 AG HEALEY JOINS BIPARTISAN, MULTISTATE EFFORT SUPPORTING

LOCAL JOURNALISM

Legislation Offers Tax Credits to Subscribers, Businesses, and News Organizations

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey joined a bipartisan coalition of 15 attorneys general calling on Congress to pass legislation that supports local journalism by providing tax credits for newspapers, digital publications, television, and radio. Among other benefits, this bill will provide a payroll credit for compensation of local journalists and establish tax credits to incentivize advertising in local news outlets.

 

“Local journalism performs an integral role in our society by keeping our communities informed and holding every level of government accountable – but it’s no secret they are struggling,” said AG Healey. “I am proud to join my colleagues in support of this legislation that will help give local news organizations in Massachusetts the financial boost they need to survive and thrive.”

 

The letter calls on congressional leaders to pass the Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 (H.R. 3940 and S. 2434). The act provides:

  • Up to $250 in tax credits to local newspaper subscribers to offset subscription fees;
  • Up to $5,000 in tax credits for some local businesses who buy ads in local newspapers, television, and radio; and
  • Up to $25,000 for local news organizations to hire journalists.

 

“Local newspapers are responsible for half of our country’s original reporting, although they only account for one-quarter of media outlets. In many rural communities, local news organizations provide the only information and updates about issues impacting the community,” the letter states.

 

It also addresses the importance of journalism in multicultural communities. “Regional journalism is critical, as is journalism by and for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, including ethnic media organizations. These organizations are best positioned to identify, investigate, and report on issues of concern to their respective communities, and Congress should take action to support and strengthen them.”

 

Joining AG Healey in the letter are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, the District of Columbia and Guam.