Daily Update 8/12: Commitment to Clean Energy
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Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Today: Wednesday, August 12, 2009
- This afternoon, Governor Patrick highlights successful public-private partnerships for wind energy.
- Later this afternoon, Governor Patrick swears in Ann Hartstein as Secretary of Elder Affairs.
In the Press:
Governor Patrick speaks at the Deer Island wastewater treatment facility.
- Commitment to Clean Energy – Governor Patrick traveled to Winthrop yesterday where, joined by Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senator Anthony Petruccelli, he celebrated the installation of two large wind turbines at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's Deer Island wastewater treatment facility. The installation means the facility now uses self-generated, renewable energy for over a quarter of its power, making it a shining example of Executive Order 484, "Leading By Example - Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings," issued by the Governor Patrick in 2007. Learn more here and watch coverage on NECN.
Governor Patrick engages with Pittsfield residents at a town hall meeting.
- Governor of the Whole Commonwealth – Continuing his town hall meeting tour, Governor Patrick met with residents of Pittsfield last night, engaging community members in a lively discussion ranging from zebra mussels and wind turbines to the state of the economy.
- Read more in the Berkshire Eagle, on iBerkshires.com, and watch coverage from WWLP and Fox 23.
- Commitment to Transportation Reform – To give the independent, top-to-bottom review of the MBTA time to be completed, Governor Patrick yesterday suspended the remaining public hearings on a proposed MBTA fare hike. The Governor has been very clear that we will not allow a fare increase of any kind to come before the Board until an extensive top to bottom review is completed of the T finances and operations, and we can be confident that each and every cost saving and efficiency has been exhausted -- we do not think that is yet the case. Our priority is to focus on the real issues facing the MBTA and its riders: safety, customer service and affordability. Transportation Secretary James Aloisi has announced that he will postpone moving forward on fare hikes until the independent review is delivered on November 1st. The review is being headed by former John Hancock chief executive David F. D’Alessandro and will make a thorough examination of the MBTA’s finances.
- Read more in the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald.
- Economic Recovery – Associated Industries of Massachusetts has announced that its business confidence index rose for the fourth time in the last five months, marking the highest level since November. The announcement coincided with a similar one by Mass Insight Corp., announced that its consumer confidence index is the highest it has been in nearly a year. Combined with the recent uptick in home and car sales, as well as the high ratings earned by the Commonwealth in both job growth and as a home for businesses, Massachusetts is clearly showing hopeful, early signs of economic recovery. Read more in the Boston Globe.
- Asian Longhorn Beetle Awareness Month – Governor Patrick has declared August the Asian Longhorn Beetle Awareness Month. This invasive species has caused havoc throughout the state, and was first spotted a year ago by a Worcester resident. It is important to notice these pests in order to prevent more of our trees from being killed.
- Read more in the Boston Herald and the Telegram and Gazette.
This Week:
- On Monday, Governor Patrick made an announcement in Boston relative to summer jobs for youth
- Tuesday morning, Governor Patrick took part in a clean energy event at MWRA’s Deer Island Waste Water Treatment Plant.
- Tuesday afternoon, Governor Patrick attended the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting Annual Meeting.
- Last night, Governor Patrick held a town hall meeting in Pittsfield.