23 november holiday

New Massachusetts solid waste rules encouraging composting operations and organics-to-energy facilities took effect on November 23. The new rules are part of the Commonwealth’s larger effort to promote clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and remove organics from the waste stream.Massachusetts Efforts to Redirect Organic Waste for Energy ProductionIn addition to the new rules, the Commonwealth already updated its energy regulations to make anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities eligible for net metering and the Alternative Portfolio Standard and it plans to issue a commercial and industrial food waste ban in 2014.Wayne Davis, the Vice President of Government Affairs at Harvest Power, a Waltham-based developer and operator of organics-to-energy plants and compost production facilities, stated that “by simultaneously addressing environmental permitting, landfill diversion, and energy pricing, Massachusetts policy towards AD has emerged as the most coherent and … [Read more...] about A New Fate for Holiday Leftovers?

For the first time in a couple of years, the Christmas plans of Congress and their staff (except for the Appropriations Committee) are safe, as the Senate wrapped up its business last week, including the passing of the Murray-Ryan budget agreement by a 64 to 36 vote. Then on the heels of better than expected employment numbers and a revised analysis stating that there was actually 4.1 percent growth in the third quarter, the Federal Reserve finally announced that it would taper its quantitative easing by $10 billion dollars so that it would now only be pumping $75 billion per month into the economy.  Contrary to rumors that the taper would be detrimental to the economy, following the announcement, the dollar rose to a two week high against the euro, and the Dow jumped more than 290 points.However, all was not good news for the Fed last week, as Chairman apparent Janet Yellen’s confirmation was delayed until after New Years, and more … [Read more...] about Financial Services Legislative and Regulatory Update – December 23, 2013

HMB Tip of the Month:  While some roadblocks may slow down the incentive negotiation process, such as the temporary ban in Illinois on certain incentive programs, taxpayers need to remain diligent and patient when navigating these roadblocks.  Taxpayers who are otherwise eligible for these incentive programs, may need to put its expansion or other plans on hold and be willing to compromise with the state's economic development authorities in order to take advantage of these programs.  Interesting UpdatesAll- The practice of states offering tax incentives to companies has expanded since the end of the last century according to the Council for Community & Economic Research's November 13 report entitled "State of State Business Incentives." The report stated that in 1999, there were 940 state incentive programs targeted to businesses. By 2015, the number had more than doubled to 1,934 programs.In between those years, the report noted, was the Great Recession, which it … [Read more...] about November 2015 Tax Credits and Incentives Update

ENERGY AND CLIMATE DEBATEDespite the House being in recess for the Veterans Day holiday, bicameral negotiations on an omnibus appropriations package continue this week. Congress must come to an agreement on the 12 spending bills by December 11, and though appropriators are trying to get the package ready as soon as possible, sorting out specific allocations and negotiating riders, as well as taking into account the Thanksgiving holiday recess, means that finalization of the $80 billion omnibus is not truly expected until the week of December 7. The Senate has a number of other issues on its agenda this week, including long-term highway funding (H.R. 22), for which it is naming conferees to negotiate differences in the first multi-year highway authorization law since 2012, defense authorization, nominations, and several hearings. Among other energy provisions from House energy legislation (H.R. 8), the House adopted an amendment from Representative Fred Upton (R-MI) to the Highway Bill … [Read more...] about Energy & Environment Update for November 10, 2015

Labour will press ahead with plans to introduce new national holidays to mark the patron saints of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, if it wins the next general election, party leader Jeremy Corbyn is to announce. He will tell a union conference on Monday - St George's Day - that after eight years of "damaging Tory austerity", Britain's workers deserve a day off.Labour will ask for the support of the governments of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland so that the same four holidays can be enjoyed across the United Kingdom.Under Labour's proposals, UK-wide public holidays will be held on St David's Day (March 1), St Patrick's Day (March 17), St George's Day (April 23) and St Andrew's Day (November 30).With eight public holidays, the UK has the fewest of any G20 or EU country, Mr Corbyn will tell the annual conference of the Communication Workers Union in Bournemouth.He will say: "If we win the next election, St George's Day will become a national holiday for Britain's workers. It … [Read more...] about Labour to press ahead with new public holiday plans