波士頓僑務簡訊 一月份第二期

      

	僑 務 簡 訊
	波士頓華僑文教服務中心

Culture Center of TECO in Boston

90 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 02461

Tel: 617-965-8801 Fax: 617-965-8815

中華民國106年1月第2期

   ◎波士頓地區揮毫迎新春聯歡會

波士頓華僑文教服務中心訂於1月21日（星期六）下午1時舉辦揮毫迎新春聯歡會，將邀請紐英崙藝術學會、波士頓中華書法會、北美藝術家協會等書法名家於現場揮毫，歡迎各界人士踴躍參加。地點:波士頓華僑文教服務中心:90 Lincoln St. Newton Highlands, MA 02461

   ◎波士頓中華書法會慶祝農曆新年聯合揮毫活動

波士頓中華書法會訂於1月22日（星期日）上午10時30分在紐英崙中華公所舉辦慶祝農曆新年聯合揮毫活動，將邀請紐英崙書法名家於現場揮毫，歡迎各界人士踴躍參加。地點:紐英崙中華公所:90 Tyler St. Boston , MA 02111

   ◎駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處招募雇員公告

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處擬招募雇員乙名，負責行政庶務工作，並協辦領務櫃台服務。應徵者需具美國籍或永久居留權、具麻州駕照、通曉中、英文，電腦軟硬體技能，並具備大專（含）以上學歷。意者請備700字以內中英文自傳、履歷，於2017年元月24日前電郵本處：johnchu@tecoboston.org 。合格者將另通知面談。

   ◎宏觀周報紙本停刊,將以宏觀電子報繼續服務    

      感謝全球僑胞36年來對「宏觀周報」的支持與鼓勵，「宏觀周報」將自

      2017年元月起停止發行紙本，改由「宏觀電子報」(macroview.com.tw)

      繼續為每位讀者服務。

   ◎僑務委員會2017年僑臺商連鎖加盟創業觀摩團開始招生

僑務委員會為落實輔導華僑經濟事業發展，鼓勵僑胞回國交流商機及配合政府「新南向政策」，邀請有意創業展業及瞭解國內連鎖加盟業現況之海外僑臺商增進相關專業知能，擴大海內外連鎖加盟商機，媒合臺灣優質連鎖企業至海外展業，將於106年3月13日至18日舉辦「2017年僑臺商連鎖加盟創業觀摩團」。歡迎25歲以上具媒促國內連鎖加盟產業拓展國際經驗及有意於僑居地開創連鎖加盟事業之僑臺商，請於106年1月25日前向波士頓華僑文教服務中心提出報名申請，並可至全球僑商服務網（https://www.ocbn.org.tw/interview/activityinfo/812）下載活動行程摘要表及報名表。

如有任何詢問事項，請洽波士頓僑教中心：司君凱先生，電話：617-965-8801，電子郵件：ocacbostonlib@gmail.com

   ◎「2017年海外僑商烘焙暨設備觀摩研習班」開始招生

      為應海外僑胞以烘焙創業及觀摩國內業者建立交流管道之需求，並配合

     「2017年臺北國際烘焙暨設備展」，邀請有意瞭解國內烘焙業者發展現況

      及在海外創業的僑胞返國觀展，藉由本活動增進相關專業技能，以拓展新

      商機利基，提升事業競爭力。活動詳情及報名表請至網址

      (https://www.ocbn.org.tw/interview/activityinfo/811)下載。

      如有意願者請在1月27日前將報名表寄至波士頓華僑文教服務中心

      (地址: 90 Lincoln St. Newton Highlands, MA 02461 U.S.A)。

   ◎「2017年海外華裔青年英語服務營」開放   線上註冊

「2017年海外華裔青年英語服務營」歡迎就讀11年級以上且於2017年11月30日前年滿17足歲，但未滿25足歲之華裔青年報名參加。網路註冊將自2017年1月20日開放線上註冊(www.aidsummer.net)，全套報名文件另須在2月1日至2 月28日間遞交或郵寄至波士頓華僑文教服務中心，報名文件必須在3月1日之前寄達，逾期不受理。

 

   ◎106學年度海外僑生來臺就讀大學校院簡章修訂重點事項

   海外聯合招生委員會106學年度僑生來臺就讀大學校院簡章修訂重點事項

   如下：

      (一)「聯合分發」同分參酌規定另增採「中學學業成績總平均」。

   (二)「個人申請」志願數調增為4個，並試辦1年。

   (三)於各式學士班適用簡章中，增列採計「國際文憑預科課程考試 IBDP成

      績」之相關規定。

   (四) 106學年度「個人申請」報名及放榜期程提前2週辦理。

       106學年度海各地區適用簡章及報名表已於去年10月27日於海外聯合

       招生委員會網頁(www.overseas.ncnu.edu.tw)公布，歡迎上網參考，並利

       用網路填寫報名資料方式申請。

 

 ◎海外僑胞返國自費體驗優質安心醫療服務

      臺灣醫療擁有下列六大優勢---高品質、合理價格、高科技、感動服務、完

      整專科服務、專業團隊，歡迎僑界組團或自行來臺進行自費醫療（健康檢

      查、醫學美容），凡取得合法入境文件之陸僑、港澳僑或外籍人士亦非常歡

      迎!!網站資訊：臺灣國際醫療全球資訊網（內含各醫療院所介紹、數位影

      音、動態及臺旅遊等資訊）（http://www.medicaltravel.org.tw）。如有洽詢事

      項，請逕洽國際醫療管理工作小組陳怡伶經理（電話：02-2885-1528 ext.12，

      email:nhca14@gmail.com），可獲得即時、專業之解答，另亦可洽僑務委員

      會黃馨瑩小姐代為詢問(電話:02-2327-2856,email:jany@ocac.gov.tw)。

   ◎2017臺北世界大學運動會場館陸續完工。

      2017臺北世界大學運動會將在今年8月19日至30日舉辦，為期12天的賽

      會活動，估計有來自150個國家、1萬2千名之選手參與，所需場館多達

      60座之多；其中有53座係既有場館整建，分屬五縣市、14所國私立大學

      及中央部會等。目前 (除臺北市以外之)四縣市及國私立大學之場館整修工

      程皆委由各縣市政府及國私立大學代辦執行，截至去年(2016年)12月底已

      有22座場館完工，預計今年1月底可再完工16座，所有整建場館除新竹

      縣立第二運動場外，均將於今年4月底前完工。在臺北體育館完工記者會，

      臺北市政府特別邀請世大運培訓選手白馭珀、吳玓蓉及林家翾一同參與，

      並和柯市長文哲親自下場體驗整修後的場館設施設備，期許在2017臺北世

      大運能夠得到好成績。欲了解更多世大運內容及最新動態請洽官網

      (http://www.taipei2017.com.tw)。

   ◎「106年客家貢獻獎」徵選活動即將熱烈展開

為表彰積極參與客家事務，對推動客家文化發展有卓越貢獻、足為表率者，客家委員會自即日起至106年1月23日止，受理「106年客家貢獻獎」徵選，歡迎各界報名或推薦對客家領域持續努力奉獻之個人或團體參選。活動詳情及報名表請至網址 (http://www.hakka.gov.tw/Content/Content?NodeID=34&PageID=37999)下載運用。

  迴響與戶動

1.  如果您的親友願意收到本中心發行之「僑務簡訊」，請電郵告知(ocacbostonlib@gmail.com)。

2.  倘您想進一步瞭解僑委會相關僑務資訊，歡迎逕參閱僑務委員會官網(http://www.ocac.gov.tw/)。

3.  您如果想瞭解本地相關僑團活動動態，請上網點選本中心網頁(僑務委員會官網/僑民僑團聯繫服務/本會駐外僑務據點/北美洲地區/波士頓華僑文教服務中心/僑社采風)

4.  您如果想知道波士頓僑教中心最新動態及新聞，請至僑教中心Face Book網頁(https://www.facebook.com/bostonocac)。

Malden announce 11 members of open space and recreation committee

Open Space and Recreation Committee

Friday, January 13, 2017

Mayor Gary Christenson has announced an 11 member committee to assist the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) in updating the City of Malden Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) which was last updated in 2009 and covered the period of 2009-2016. The task of the group will be to determine the City’s park and recreational assets and gather feedback to help guide the City in its future actions regarding open space and recreation planning. The Committee consists of residents, City departments responsible for overseeing and maintaining parks, and representatives of organizations and community groups. 

The members are Prisco Tammaro (resident), Nick Pernice (Malden Redevelopment Authority), Bob Knox (Director of Public Works), Brian Creamer (Walkability Committee), Steve Winslow (Bike to the Sea), Bob Rotondi (Little League), Joe Levine (Recreation Coordinator), Michelle Romero (City Planner), City Councillor Barbara Murphy (Ward 5), Marie Shea (Challenger League) and Brian Delacey (resident).

The City needs an open space and recreation plan in order to continue to qualify for grant money and programs. The plan, which will cover a seven-year period, serves as a blueprint for ensuring that current and future residents have ample opportunities for recreation and access to open space. MAPC's work will include an inventory of conservation and recreation spaces, the development of goals and objectives, and a community visioning process. The project is being administered by the Malden Redevelopment Authority. The first meeting of the OSRP Committee will be Monday, January 23rd, at 5:30 PM at the Senior Center, 7 Washington Street, Malden.

Released by the Office of Mayor Gary Christenson

Boston Public Schools participates in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events

Boston Public Schools participates in Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service events

Hundreds of students, staff involved in civic engagement across Boston

BOSTON - January 13, 2017 - On Monday, hundreds of Boston Public Schools (BPS) students and staff will embark upon civic engagement activities and discussions across the city for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in observance of the civil rights leader's birthday.   At the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang will begin the day by attending the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts' annual MLK Breakfast.   Then, at Boston Latin School, Mayor Walsh and Superintendent Chang will kick off a day of service with Boston Cares and more than 650 volunteers - including many BPS students - who will put together robotic and engineering kits, math games and other materials to donate to BPS classrooms. Fox 25 News anchor Vanessa Welch will emcee the event; and AMP 103.3 FM will provide music throughout the day.   At Boston Renaissance Charter School, the #IAM Day of Service event will feature Superintendent Chang along with fellow school, city, civic, and community leaders for panel discussions about racism, homophobia, and personal identity. The event will include recognition of three BPS educators who have addressed these issues in their work; as well as a student dance performance by the OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center.   At the headquarters of City Year Boston, a valued BPS partner, several volunteers will pack school supply kits and hygiene kits, create fleece blankets and hats, and paint artwork to benefit local community centers as well as the Higginson-Lewis K-8 School and the Hale Elementary School.

AG Healey announces 30million in debt relief for students

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES $30 MILLION IN DEBT RELIEF FOR THOUSANDS OF MASSACHUSETTS STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED AMERICAN CAREER INSTITUTE

Former For-Profit School Admitted to Lying and Violating Massachusetts Law; U.S. Department of Education Takes Unprecedented Action to Cancel Student Loans

BOSTON – Nearly 4,500 students victimized by the now-defunct American Career Institute (ACI) in Massachusetts will have their federal student loans forgiven by the U.S. Department of Education, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. The announcement marks the first time the Department has granted a state attorney general’s application to cancel loans for a group of defrauded students.

According to the Department, students who attended any of ACI’s five career training schools in Massachusetts – Braintree, Cambridge, Framingham, Springfield, and Woburn – will have their loans discharged based on deceptive and illegal practices uncovered by the AG’s investigation into the former for-profit school. In addition to federal loan discharges, former ACI students will also be entitled to refunds of any payments made on their federal loans.  The combined borrower loan discharges for ACI students announced today will total roughly $30 million.

In July, AG Healey submitted an application to the Department, calling for the immediate cancellation of loans based on the unprecedented consent judgment  that the AG’s Office obtained against ACI, in which the school admitted to widespread violations of the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act. 

“ACI was a predatory, for-profit school that admitted to breaking Massachusetts law and lying to its students. Today, these students are finally getting the relief they deserve,” AG Healey said. “I thank Secretary King and the Department for utilizing its authority to grant immediate group relief to our students, and the dedicated lawyers and investigators in my office for building the case against ACI. Our office will continue to help students struggling with unaffordable debt and hold predatory schools accountable for their illegal conduct.”

            “Today’s announcement means 4,500 Massachusetts students who were cheated by this predatory for-profit school will finally see their student debt nightmare come to an end,” Senator Elizabeth Warren said. “AG Healey and I worked hard to secure discharges for these students based on the evidence of illegal fraud her office uncovered, and we’re going to keep fighting for loan cancellations for other defrauded students in Massachusetts and across the country.”

“Before it closed without warning, American Career Institute targeted low-income and vulnerable populations, enrolling students for the sole purpose of extracting federal student loan money,” said Toby Merrill, Director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending at The Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School. “Without Attorney General Healey’s years-long legal battle with ACI, her hard-won judgment against ACI for lying to and cheating students, and the Department of Education’s recognition that these borrowers cannot be held liable for fraudulently incurred loans, former ACI students would face a lifetime of unpayable debts incurred for a sham education. We are especially pleased that borrowers will get the borrower defense relief they deserve without the unnecessary hurdle of individual applications.”

According to the Department, student loan borrowers who used federal loans to attend ACI programs in Massachusetts will begin receiving emails on Jan. 17 from Federal Student Aid informing them that any existing federal loans incurred will be automatically discharged. Of the roughly 4,500 students who attended ACI, 650 have already received closed school discharges, because they were enrolled at the time the school closed or withdrew in the four months prior to ACI’s closure. The remaining students will receive automatic borrower defense discharges.

In 2013, the AG’s Office sued ACI for falsely promising meaningful vocational training and opportunities to its students and then failing to deliver, as well as other widespread misconduct. AG Healey’s judgment against ACI is believed to be the first time a for-profit school has admitted, in court, its predatory wrongdoing in violation of state law. The Court found that ACI knowingly overstated the employment prospects for its graduates; falsified student signatures, enrollment records, attendance records, and grades; used unlicensed and unqualified instructors; and provided valueless externships and no meaningful career placement services.

The federal loans affected by the Department’s borrower defense relief belong to nearly 4,500 students who attended ACI from January 2010 through the school’s closure in January 2013. ACI had offered various certificate programs, such as information technology and medical assisting programs, with tuition and fees that cost up to $23,000.

AG Healey has been a national leader against predatory for-profit schools and continues to work to secure relief for students. In November 2016, the AG’s Office secured $2.4 million from national loan servicer ACS for failing to properly process applications for federal repayment plans and engaging in harassing debt collection practices. AG Healey has also announced enforcement actions against student debt relief companies, sued Corinthian and secured relief for its former students, and filed lawsuits against ITT Tech and an unlicensed for-profit nursing school for alleged unfair and deceptive practices. The AG’s Office also has reached settlements worth more than $6 million with Kaplan Career Institute, Lincoln Tech, Sullivan & Cogliano, and Salter College. Last year, the Attorney General’s Office served on the rulemaking committee that drafted the Department’s updated loan discharge regulations.

Students looking for more information or assistance should visit the AG’s Student Lending Assistance page or call the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorney General Justin J. Lowe and Paralegal Gabrielle Crossnoe of Attorney General Healey’s Consumer Protection Division with assistance from Assistant Attorneys General Dan Krockmalnic, Jared Rinehimer, Mychii Snape, and Paralegal Lois Martin, all of AG Healey’s Consumer Protection Division, Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Walker of AG Healey’s False Claims Division, Arwen Thoman and Erica Harmon of AG Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division, staff from AG Healey’s Student Loan Assistance Unit, Investigators David Bolcome and Kristen Salera from AG Healey’s Civil Investigations Division, and AG Healey’s Chief of Staff Mike Firestone.

Massachusetts Selected to Partner in Innovative Robotics Manufacturing Initiative

Massachusetts Selected to Partner in Innovative Robotics Manufacturing Initiative

Private-public partnership will produce new technologies and opportunities for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, and promote the national defense

BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to announce that Massachusetts will be a partner in the nation’s first manufacturing innovation institute in manufacturing robotics. This is the seventh Manufacturing USA manufacturing innovation institute secured under the Baker-Polito Administration.

The $250 million robotics institute is a national public-private partnership, awarded through Manufacturing USA, a federally-authorized network of manufacturing innovation institutes. Federal matching funds for the manufacturing innovation institute will be provided by the US Department of Defense. Carnegie Mellon University convened this national Manufacturing USA team.

Massachusetts will anchor the northeastern node for the robotics manufacturing project, which will be known as the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute (ARM). The ARM Institute will be led regionally by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), Northeastern University, UMass Lowell, Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), and the independent, nonprofit robotics innovation hub MassRobotics.

The Commonwealth is supporting ARM’s collaborative research and development work with $5 million in matching funds. The Commonwealth’s matching contribution leverages $80 million in federal funds, awarded to the national project, and additional matching funds from private sector participants.

“Massachusetts’s strong participation in the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute further cements the Commonwealth’s national leadership in the development and commercialization of new advanced manufacturing technologies,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committing significant matching funds to manufacturing innovation institutes, harnessing new technologies to build the nation’s strongest, most diverse advanced manufacturing sector. Through this work, and the partnership of Massachusetts research institutions and employers, we will build a prosperous, highly skilled manufacturing workforce, and create jobs across Massachusetts.”

“The Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute will make Massachusetts manufacturers more competitive, by helping small- and medium-sized manufacturers adopt and deploy innovative new robotics technologies,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The grit and intellect of the Massachusetts workforce is unparalleled. By adopting innovative new robotics technologies, we will advance the reshoring of American manufacturing jobs, and strengthen the Massachusetts economy.”

The Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute seeks to promote the national defense and advance the competitiveness of American manufacturing by developing and deploying smart, collaborative robotics technologies in manufacturing settings.

The ARM Institute will focus on robots capable of interacting with humans on manufacturing floors, and learning new manufacturing processes. The work of the manufacturing innovation institute will make these robots easier to program and deploy, while building more flexible capabilities into manufacturing robotics. Research conducted under the ARM Institute will develop technologies enabling human-to-robot and robot-to-robot collaboration, and will help establish common standards and testing protocols for integrating varied robotics technologies.

“MassRobotics is one of the largest robotics innovation hubs in the US, with a mission to help grow the next generation of robotics and smart connected device companies,” said Thomas Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics. “Utilizing our region's experience in developing robotics and intelligent technologies for manufacturing, we are excited to partner with the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute to help commercialize and transition collaborative robots to small and mid-sized manufacturers.”

“MIT has a strong history of innovation in robotics design, controls, and prototyping. From startup companies to partnerships with major industrial users to collaborative platforms like Rethink Robotics, MIT has helped catalyze the impressive robotics cluster in our region,” said Krystyn J. Van Vliet, Director of Manufacturing Innovation, MIT Innovation Initiative. “Partnership in this national Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute will continue to build a network that connects these innovative technologies with industry needs for both the people and the robots that are changing how the world manufactures products.”

“Northeastern is leading the next-generation research in robotics and other autonomous technologies that advance the human experience,” said Dr. Nadine Aubry, Dean of the College of Engineering and University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University. “Through our participation in the ARM Institute, we look forward to working closely with institutions in the US and across the world to make a tangible impact in this area.”

“UMass Lowell is the home of one of the most advanced robotics-testing centers in the nation, as well as Valkyrie, one of only three NASA humanoid robots of its kind in the world. We are proud to bring these resources and expertise, along with our excellence in advanced manufacturing research, to the nation’s first manufacturing innovation institute focused on robotics,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. “This field holds tremendous promise for the economy and the creation of jobs for skilled workers in the Commonwealth and beyond.”

“Since becoming the first university in the nation to offer a bachelor’s degree in robotics engineering 10 years ago, Worcester Polytechnic Institute has made a significant global impact in robotics research and education,” said WPI President Laurie Leshin. “We are looking forward to combining our strengths in robotics with our tradition in manufacturing engineering to help propel the Advanced Robotics Manufacturing Institute and play a transformative role in the manufacturing innovation of the 21st century.”

Manufacturing USA, formerly known as the National Network for Manufacturing Institutes, is a network of competitively awarded public-private innovation institutes. Manufacturing USA seeks to spur research into cutting-edge technologies that can be applied to advanced manufacturing processes. Bidders frequently form teams of universities across different states, with regional nodes supporting the lead bidder. The federal awards are leveraged several times over through a series of state and industry matches.

The Baker-Polito Administration’s Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) provides a vehicle for matching federal Manufacturing USA awards, and helping Massachusetts manufacturers adopt innovative new technologies. Under M2I2, Massachusetts is convening a national effort to developrevolutionary fibers and textiles, and the state is a participant in regional manufacturing innovation institute nodes in photonics, flexible hybrid electronics, biopharma manufacturing, smart manufacturing, and rapid process intensification.

Governor Baker Signs Electric Vehicle Promotion Legislation

Governor Baker Signs Electric Vehicle Promotion Legislation

Bill Encourages the Purchase and Use of Zero Emission Vehicles in the Commonwealth

BOSTON – Today, in a bipartisan effort to promote the sale and use of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the Commonwealth, Governor Charlie Baker signed Senate Bill 2505, An Act Promoting Zero Emission Vehicle Adoption. The legislation works to increase access to ZEV charging stations for the general public by prohibiting owners of public charging stations from charging users a subscription or membership fee and requiring the use of payment options available to the general public. Further, the legislation allows municipalities and private businesses to restrict parking spaces specifically for ZEV use, and builds upon the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing commitment to adopting emerging clean energy technologies as the Commonwealth continues to add renewable energy generation into the Massachusetts’ diverse energy portfolio.

“Adopting clean technology and promoting additional zero emission vehicles is a critical piece of meeting our emissions reductions goals,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s zero emission vehicle legislation makes major strides towards providing consumers with confidence that charging stations will be available to them, whether on a long trip or at work, a commonly cited hurdle in transitioning from traditional to zero emission vehicles.”

“Our administration is committed to improving the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure and this legislation will give electric vehicle owners the confidence they need to travel our state roadways with access to charging stations,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with our state and municipal partners to find increased opportunities to integrate more electric and fuel efficient vehicles into their fleets to save taxpayer dollars and reduce emissions.”

In 2016 the Baker-Polito Administration committed $14 million to the Commonwealth’s electric vehicle rebate program, Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV), more than doubling the historic funding of the MOR-EV program. Massachusetts automotive 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. Since June 2014, the MOR-EV program has issued or reserved over $7 million for 3,355 vehicles, cutting the state’s greenhouse gas emissions output by an estimated 9,255 short tons annually.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to promoting clean transportation as one of the most direct and cost-effective ways to reduce emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “As the Commonwealth continues to make impressive strides towards increased electric vehicle adoption, this legislation gives our municipal, business and state partners the tools they need to build upon that growth.”

“The increased adoption of electric vehicles is a key component of our mission to create a clean and resilient energy future for the Commonwealth,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “This legislation, paired with our nation leading MOR-EV rebate program, positions Massachusetts to further reduce emissions and meet our targets under the Global Warming Solutions Act.”

The legislation tasks DOER and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to study state fleet electrification opportunities and file a report with the Legislature by October 1, 2017 and for MassDOT and EEA to study the feasibility of levying surcharges on ZEVs to offset gas tax revenue losses byDecember 1, 2017.

Senate Bill 2505 authorizes the Board of Building Regulations and Standards (BBRS) to work with the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to promulgate regulations around ZEV charging stations for residential and commercial buildings. It also allows electric distribution companies to submit proposals to the Department of Public Utilities for approval of cost recovery to construct, own, and operate publicly available electric vehicle charging infrastructure while tasking DOER with adopting interoperability billing standards for charging stations (effective January 1, 2018).

“Massachusetts is a leader in promoting clean technology and jobs,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “Encouraging the use of zero emission vehicles is another example of our commitment to a greener economy and culture.”

“Increasing access to charging stations for electric vehicles is critically important to shifting away from our reliance on fossil fuels,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “This bill moves the Commonwealth in the right direction to encourage the development and success of an important technology to help address climate change while also promoting alternative transportation technologies.”

“Under the Baker-Polito Administration, Massachusetts continues to position itself as a national leader taking innovative approaches to energy diversification,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading).  “Today’s bill signing represents another important step forward in the state’s ongoing efforts to promote the expanded use of environmentally-friendly zero emission vehicles.”

“Tailpipe emissions from vehicles represent a large portion of the generated carbon monoxide and greenhouse gases that are generated each day,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Taking affirmative action to reduce our environmental impacts while advancing the technologies of zero emissions vehicles will move us towards reaching our global warming benchmarks.”

“This legislation is a great step forward in reducing our state’s transportation emissions and helping fulfill our goal to have 300,000 zero emission vehicles on the road by 2025,” said Chairman Frank I. Smizik (D-Brookline).  “Ensuring our state has reliable and accessible charging infrastructure will allow residents to make environmentally conscious decisions and move Massachusetts towards a sustainable future.”

“With this law, Massachusetts is taking a major step toward making EVs the new norm for driving in our state,” said State Representative Jonathan Hecht (D-Watertown). “With predictable, convenient access to charging, consumers will find it easy to use the great new EVs manufacturers are bringing to market.  Consumers will enjoy the low ‘fuel’ and maintenance costs of EVs and we will all benefit from the cleaner air and reduced GHG emissions.”

“Increasing the use of zero emissions vehicles would help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and I’m very pleased to have worked with my Senate and House colleagues to pass environmental legislation that will further help us reach the greenhouse gas reduction goals set by the Global Warming Solutions Act,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “We have taken significant steps this year to protect our environment, and I wish to thank Senate President Rosenberg, Chairwoman Spilka, and their staffs for their work on this legislation, as well as the Baker-Polito Administration and Secretary Beaton for their overall support of Zero Emissions Vehicles.”

In December, state energy officials announced that Massachusetts, along with Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont, will share a portion of a $500,000 federal Department of Energy grant to assist in further collaboration between the Commonwealth and Plug In America to accelerate the deployment of ZEVs through the Mass Drive Clean initiative.

“Massachusetts is a leader in reducing carbon pollution from power plants and buildings. This bill shows we are serious about tackling the transportation sector, which now comprises 40% of our greenhouse gas emissions,” said Massachusetts Sierra Club Chapter Director Emily Norton. “A huge thanks to Governor Baker and our legislative leaders in the House and Senate.”

Begun in 2015, Mass Drive Clean is a highly successful pilot program that has resulted in over 1,000 drivers and passengers test driving one or more electric vehicles at employer sponsored and public events to date. The drives are a way for interested drivers to get behind the wheel of multiple makes and models of these clean vehicles.  Each driver is surveyed before and after driving, with 83% saying that their overall opinion of a ZEV is better than before their test drive and 68% said that were more likely to purchase one now that they had experienced the performance of the cars. Plug In America has shown in California that about 10% of ride and drive participants will purchase a ZEV within six months.

Tri-Caucus Leadership Commits to Protecting Diversity in Nation’s Parks and Monuments

Tri-Caucus Leadership Commits to Protecting Diversity in Nation’s Parks and Monuments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Congressional Tri-Caucus – which is composed of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) – sent a letter to President Barack Obama, thanking him for growing the diversity of the nation’s parks and public lands through the Antiquities Act. The Tri-Caucus Chairs also emphasized their commitment to defending those achievements so that the country’s parks and monuments can continue to reflect America’s diverse history. 

“I want to thank President Obama for his commitment to promoting diversity in our national parks and public lands, including the recent designation of national monuments to honor the important history of our civil rights movement. In order to truly showcase our full American story, we must have a national parks system that reflects the diversity of our nation. This includes dark chapters in our nation’s history, such as Japanese American internment during World War II, that we must never repeat nor forget. I will work with my Tri-Caucus colleagues to protect President Obama’s legacy and to ensure that our parks and monuments continue to celebrate an inclusive vision of our shared history,”­­­ said CAPAC Chairwoman Judy Chu (CA-27).

“I am pleased to see President Obama use the Antiquities Act to create a more inclusive network of national parks and monuments that will benefit future generations and honor America’s rich history.  While we expect some to try to roll back the progress the president has made, we are committed to promoting diversity in our parks and monuments. Preserving America’s rich history requires that we celebrate the diverse communities that have helped shape it,” said CHC Chairwoman Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01).

“I applaud President Obama for recognizing the role these places played in the struggle for equality. His efforts to highlight these sites will serve to educate the American public about the diverse contributions made by various communities that have been making significant contributions to the American experience, often without proper recognition,” said CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (LA-02).

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The full text of the letter is below:

January 13, 2017

President Barack Obama

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama,

As the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – composed of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus – we write to express our gratitude to you for protecting additional historic places through the Antiquities Act that better reflect the rich diversity of our Nation. 

Your designation of the Birmingham Civil Rights, Freedom Riders, and Reconstruction Era National Monuments is another great example of the steps you have taken to promote diversity in our national parks and other public lands—in this case, shining a light on American history from the Civil War to the civil rights movement. We are appreciative that through your use of the Antiquities Act, you have built a more diverse and inclusive system of parks and monuments that seek to tell our full American story, protecting places like the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad, Cesar E. Chavez, Pullman, Honouliuli, Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality, Stonewall, Papahanaumokuakea and most recently Bears Ears National Monuments.

Unfortunately, there are already efforts underway to undermine the Antiquities Act and possibly these designations as well.  In response to these threats, we will redouble our efforts to protect these specific places and the tool that has made this progress possible. Over the past one hundred years, the Antiquities Act has been used by 16 Presidents – 8 of each party – to protect iconic areas like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, President Lincoln’s Cottage at the Soldiers’ Home, and other important historic and cultural sites.  We know that continuing the fight for equality in America includes better preserving and celebrating our country’s full culture and history.  That is why we stand ready to defend the Antiquities Act, and view any attempt to curtail it as an attack on that shared history.

Throughout your Presidency, your use of the Antiquities Act has been in response to years of tireless efforts from local communities and a diverse range of stakeholders, including Tribes, businesses, local elected officials, ranchers, faith groups, community groups, civil rights groups, and congressional members such as ourselves.  And it is these same stakeholders—including the members of the CBC, CAPAC and CHC—who will stand up and defend the Antiquities Act, to ensure that these monuments, as well as future areas, are protected.

Thank you again for your leadership on this issue.

Sincerely,

CEDRIC RICHMOND Member of Congress Chair, Congressional Black Caucus

JUDY CHU Member of Congress Chair, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus

MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM Member of Congress Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus