Governor Hochul Announces $8 Million Now Available for New Climate Smart Community Projects

 

Grant Funding Helps Municipalities Adopt Green Infrastructure, Greenhouse Gas Reduction, and Storm Resiliency Initiatives

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $8 million is now available for the Climate Smart Communities Grant program to help municipalities take action to address climate change. Funding is available for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the ongoing impacts of climate change. Eligible projects can include reducing flood risk, increasing natural resiliency, relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure, and climate change planning and assessment projects as part of Climate Smart Communities certification.

"As we continue to see the effects of climate change and extreme weather events, this significant funding through New York's Climate Smart Communities Program is critical to supporting local efforts that protect residents and strengthens infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. "These grants will help empower locally-driven, bold action to help meet New York's ambitious climate goals, while creating resilient communities that set an example for other municipalities to follow."

Established in 2016, the State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Climate Smart Communities Grant Program is a 50/50 matching program. It supports municipalities seeking to become certified Climate Smart Communities and implement projects that advance the State's climate change goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating flood risk, and helping to prepare for extreme weather. The program supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which requires New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Since the program's inception, DEC awarded more than $60 million to municipalities in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects. More information about this grant program and the 2023 Request for Applications are available on the DEC website.

Up to $7 million is available for grants of between $50,000 and $2 million for implementation of projects that could include:

• Reducing vehicle miles traveled;
• Reducing food waste;
• Reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions from refrigeration and other cooling equipment;
• Increasing natural resiliency through restoration or preservation of wetlands and floodplains;
• Reducing future flood risk, including by relocating or retrofitting critical infrastructure;
• Preparing for extreme weather events, and
• Renewable energy projects in municipally-owned low-income housing.

In addition, up to $1 million is available for certification grants of between $10,000 and $200,000 for planning, inventory, and assessment projects that are aligned with 19 specific Climate Smart Communities Certification actions in the areas of greenhouse gas mitigation, climate adaptation, and land use.

Applications are due by 3 p.m. on July 28, 2023. To apply for this latest round of grants, visit the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA), which is available online: apps.cio.ny.gov/apps/cfa.

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) requires that New York's disadvantaged communities receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of spending on clean energy and energy efficiency programs, with a goal of 40 percent. The Climate Justice Working Group recently finalized criteria to identify disadvantaged communities to ensure that frontline and otherwise underserved communities benefit from the state's historic transition to cleaner sources of energy, reduced pollution and cleaner air, and economic opportunities. Given this important objective of the Climate Act, implementation projects occurring in disadvantaged communities and certification projects occurring in municipalities with disadvantaged communities will receive additional points in the scoring criteria for applications for Climate Smart Communities grants.

These grants are part of a larger program to support community engagement in local climate action. There are currently 381 registered Climate Smart Communities, representing more than 9.4 million New Yorkers. To be designated a registered community, municipalities make a commitment to act on climate change by passing a formal resolution that includes a 10-point pledge. Since 2014, 118 municipalities completed the rigorous review process to be designated as certified Climate Smart Communities. These certified communities have gone beyond the pledge to complete and document a suite of actions that mitigate and adapt to climate change at the local level. More information about the certification program is available online: climatesmart.ny.gov.

The Climate Smart Communities funding programs are supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). New York's EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects our water sources, advances conservation efforts, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers. In the FY 2024 State Budget, Governor Hochul maintained EPF funding at $400 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history. The EPF also provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

NYSERDA's Clean Energy Communities program supports the Climate Smart Communities program, offering additional strategies and funding opportunities to assist New York State municipalities that implement clean energy projects and initiatives. A regional coordinator network provides support to municipalities for both programs. Learn more online.

The Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program is an interagency initiative of New York State and several other state entities in sponsor the program, including DEC, the Department of Public Service, Department of State, Department of Transportation, Department of Health, NYSERDA, New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the New York State Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda calls for an orderly and just transition that creates family-sustaining jobs, continues fostering a green economy across all sectors and ensures that at least 35 percent, with a goal of 40 percent, of the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency investments are directed to disadvantaged communities. Guided by some of the nation's most aggressive climate and clean energy initiatives, New York is on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. A cornerstone of this transition is New York's unprecedented clean energy investments, including more than $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.8 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 165,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2021 and a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, New York also adopted zero-emission vehicle regulations, including requiring all new passenger cars and light-duty trucks sold in the State be zero emission by 2035. Partnerships are continuing to advance New York's climate action with nearly 400 registered and 100 certified Climate Smart Communities, nearly 500 Clean Energy Communities, and the State's largest community air monitoring initiative in 10 disadvantaged communities across the state to help target air pollution and combat climate change.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Safety Tips to Follow When Using Gas or Charcoal Grills

 

Following Safety Procedures When Grilling Can Reduce Injury and Save Lives

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

For this week’s Tuesday’s Tips, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing safety tips to follow when using gas or charcoal grills. This Memorial Day on May 29 will mark the beginning of summer for many New Yorkers, and with it, the start of the grilling season. Following proper safety procedures when grilling can help reduce injury and save lives. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“Memorial Day is just around the corner, marking the beginning of summer when New Yorkers all across the State begin to gather, grill and enjoy the warmer weather with their friends and families,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “But cookout fun can quickly turn dangerous if you don’t follow the proper safety procedures when grilling. Simple steps such as a frequent cleaning of the grill and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby can help ensure your gatherings remain safe and memorable all summer long.”

“The beginning of summer is a time when family and friends gather to enjoy beautiful weather and delicious foods on the grill,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Taking simple precautions such as cleaning the grill and keeping a fire extinguisher in close proximity will keep everyone safe which in turn will make the summer relaxing, memorable, and fun.”

According to statistics from fire departments around the United States, there are about 10,600 home grill fires reported annually, including around 4,900 fires per year in or on structures. Approximately 100 deaths due to grill fire injuries are reported annually, and about $135 million in direct property damage is reported per year. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s U.S. Fire Administration statistics also reflect that almost half of home grill fires happen between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the majority of home grill fires happen between May and August, the summer months when grills are used more often. Additionally, 79% of all grill fires are from gas grills.

Gas and charcoal grills also present a risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning that could result in injury or death. Of the thousands of grill-related injuries reported in hospital emergency departments each year, many are related to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Tips for Using Your Grill Safely:

Before lighting the grill do a safety check.

• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and easily accessible in case of a fire.
• Inspect the hoses on a gas grill for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hose or tubing and that all connections are secure. Replace if necessary.
• Check for propane gas leaks. Open the gas supply valve fully and apply a soapy solution with a brush at the connection point. If bubbles appear, there is a leak. Try tightening the tank connection. If that does not stop the leak, close the gas valve and have the grill repaired by a qualified professional.
• Make sure the grill is clean. Regularly cleaning the grill, as described in the owner’s manual, and cleaning the grease trap, will reduce the risk of flare-ups and grease fires.
• Make sure the grill is stable and on a level, flat surface. Be sure it doesn’t rock or tip when you open and close the lid. If your grill isn’t set on concrete or pavers, consider investing in a grill mat.
• Always start a gas grill with the lid open. Keeping the lip open while starting the grill allows excess gas to escape. If the lid is closed, the gas can pool under the lid and, when opened, combust suddenly creating a fireball.
• Light charcoal in a charcoal chimney. A charcoal chimney is a safer way of starting a charcoal grill since it doesn’t involve the use of accelerants like lighter fluid.
• Only use grills outside in a well-ventilated area. Never use a grill indoors, in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, next to your home or under a surface that will burn.

Pay close attention once the grill is lit.

• Never leave a grill unattended. If a flare-up occurs, turn off the gas or spread out the coals to lower the temperature.
• Watch for grease fires. If a grease fire occurs, turn off the gas and use baking soda and/or a fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
• Keep children away from the grill area. The outside surface of a grill can get hot and cause severe burns.

Store your grill and fuel tanks safely.

• Leave charcoal grills outside. Since charcoal produces CO fumes until the charcoal is completely extinguished, do not store a grill indoors with freshly used coals.
• Use caution when storing liquid propane (LP) gas containers. Always keep containers upright. Never store a spare gas container under or near the grill. Never store a full container indoors.
• Transport LP gas containers carefully. Consumers should transport the container in a secure, upright position and never keep a filled container in a hot car or trunk. Heat may increase the gas pressure, causing the relief valve to open and allowing gas to escape.

Keep food safety in mind.

• Marinate foods in the refrigerator — never on the kitchen counter or outdoors. If you plan to use some of the marinade as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion separately before adding raw meat, poultry or seafood. Don’t reuse marinade.
• Meat must be cooked to the proper temperature. Germs, such as E. coli and salmonella, can be present in undercooked meats, such as hamburger and chicken. Always check the temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Don’t reuse platters or utensils. Using the same platter or utensils that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood allows bacteria from the raw food to spread to the cooked food. Instead, have a clean platter and utensils ready at grill-side to serve your food.
• Keep cold food cold and hot food hot. Keep meat, poultry, seafood, salads and other cold foods refrigerated until they’re about to be cooked or served. If grilled food is finished cooking but won’t be served right away, keep it hot until served. To prevent bacteria growth, cold food should be kept at 40 °F or below, and hot food should be kept at 140 °F or higher.
• Refrigerate any leftovers immediately! Never leave food at room temperature for more than two hours, or only one hour if the temperature is above 90 °F.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF FORMER COUNCIL MEMBER AND STATE SENATOR BILL PERKINS

 

"Bill Perkins was a force in New York politics and a champion in and of the Harlem community he served. Throughout the city and up to Albany, his impact and example have helped to shape New York and inspire many, in the footprint of a legacy that stretches across three decades. He shepherded new leaders that will carry on that legacy, one of ensuring the Black community’s voices are heard and heeded in government.

"For more than thirty years in elected office, he boldly pushed for progress on issues that the next generation now carries forward. It was a privilege to work alongside him in the City Council, to learn from him and see his commitment to his community reflected in the trust and support of the people he represented. I pray for peace, comfort, and strength for all of his loved ones and the Harlem neighbors he cherished, in the wake of this loss."

Statement from Speaker Adams on the Passing of Former Council Member and State Senator Bill Perkins

 

“I am saddened by the loss of my former colleague, Council Member and State Senator Bill Perkins. A native son of Harlem, Bill served his community for decades as a dedicated and hard-working public servant. He fought tirelessly to improve the health of our communities by tackling lead poisoning, advocated for more equitable education funding, and championed equal rights for all New Yorkers. I admired Bill for always fighting for his beliefs and never wavering from his convictions—a quality that we can all look up to. I had the honor of serving with Bill when we arrived in the Council together last term, and I will always cherish the memories we shared. My thoughts are with Bill’s family, loved ones, and the Harlem community that he loved so deeply. May he rest in peace.”

Chinese National Charged For Conspiring To Provide Materials For The Production Of Ballistic Missiles To Iran In Violation Of U.S. Sanctions

 

Xiangjiang Qiao, an Employee of a Chinese Company Sanctioned for Its Role in the Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Conspired to Provide Isostatic Graphite, a Material Used in the Production of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, to Iran

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Matthew S. Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement of the Commerce Department, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging XIANGJIANG QIAO, a/k/a “Joe Hansen,” with sanctions evasion, money laundering, and bank fraud offenses based on QIAO’s alleged participation in a scheme to use a sanctioned Chinese company to provide materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction (“WMDs”) to Iran, in exchange for payments made through the U.S. financial system.  QIAO is at large in China.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen said: “These charges demonstrate the Justice Department’s commitment to preventing sensitive technology from falling into the hands of foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran.  We will not tolerate those who would violate U.S. laws to allow authoritarian regimes and other hostile nations to use advanced technology to threaten U.S. national security and undermine democratic values around the world.”

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “Qiao, as alleged, participated in a yearslong scheme that directly violated United States sanctions by seeking to provide components used in manufacturing Weapons of Mass Destruction to Iran.  Evasions of sanctions designed to deter hostile foreign nations from producing dangerous weapons is a threat to the national security of the United States and our allies.  The FBI will be aggressive in its pursuit of any individual willing to deliberately violate imposed sanctions.”

Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod said: “Protecting sensitive American technology – like source code for ‘smart’ automotive manufacturing equipment or items used to develop quantum cryptography – from being illegally acquired by our adversaries is why we stood up the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.  The Strike Force actions announced today reflect the core mission of our Export Enforcement team – keeping our country’s most sensitive technologies out of the world’s most dangerous hands.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

XIANGJIANG QIAO, a/k/a “Joe Hansen,” is a national of the People’s Republic of China (“China”) and an employee of the China-based company Sinotech Dalian Carbon and Graphite Manufacturing Corporation (“Sinotech Dalian”).  Sinotech Dalian is part of a network of Chinese companies involved in the proliferation of WMDs and that, in particular, provide assistance in the procurement of materials for Iran’s ballistic missile program.  In 2014, the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctioned Sinotech Dalian, adding the company to OFAC’s List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (the “SDN List”), explaining that Sinotech Dalian is part of a network of China-based entities used to proliferate WMDs and, specifically, to aid Iranian ballistic missile procurement.  Sinotech Dalian’s inclusion on the SDN List prohibits it from using the U.S. financial system to conduct transactions without authorization from OFAC.  QIAO is an associate of Li Fangwei, a/k/a “Karl Lee,” who managed the Sinotech Dalian network of companies and was charged in 2014 in the Southern District of New York with sanctions evasion and other offenses based on his alleged illicit activities as a principal contributor to Iran’s ballistic missile program through China-based entities that have been sanctioned by the U.S. Government.  See United States v. Li Fangwei, 14 Cr. 144 (S.D.N.Y.).

In willful violation of U.S. sanctions on Iran and Sinotech Dalian, between at least March 2019 and September 2022, QIAO participated in a scheme to use Sinotech Dalian, including through transactions involving the U.S. financial system, to supply isostatic graphite to Iran for the production of WMDs.  Isostatic graphite is a type of graphite with an ultra-fine grain that is used in the manufacture of WMDs.  In particular, isostatic graphite is used in the manufacture of rocket nozzles and reentry vehicle nose tips in intercontinental ballistic missiles.  QIAO further took steps to conceal Sinotech Dalian’s involvement in the transaction by creating a bank account in the name of a front company to receive two transfers from a U.S. bank totaling over $15,000 as part of his efforts to facilitate the supply of isostatic graphite to Iran.

QIAO, 39, a Chinese national, is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran and Sinotech Dalian, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of violating the IEEPA, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; two counts of attempted bank fraud, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and two counts of money laundering, which each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and its New York Field Office, Counterintelligence Division.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, for their assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gillian S. Grossman and Nicholas S. Bradley are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney S. Derek Shugert of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

Today’s actions were coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.  Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws. 

The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces $82 Million in Funding Opportunities to Enhance New York State Arts and Culture

 

Application Guidelines for FY 2024 Council on the Arts Grants Now Available

Builds on Last Year’s Historic Funding to Support Arts and Culture Organizations

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $82 million in New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) grants are now available for nonprofit arts and culture organizations and individual artists across New York State. The launch of these grants will provide flexible funding to support a wide range of organizations and artistic pursuits, including helping individual artists create new works, sustaining new and existing programming at community organizations, increasing access to affordable rehearsal and studio space, and expanding opportunities for performing arts residencies. Application guidelines are available now at arts.ny.gov.

“Arts and culture have long been a key part of New York’s identity, and a critical component of our state’s success as a rich and vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” Governor Hochul said. “These vital funding opportunities will strengthen our creative sector by supporting a wide range of diverse and innovative projects, and will allow our arts and cultural organizations to further develop and grow, while making it more accessible for New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

A kick-off webinar for the NYSCA FY 2024 Opportunities will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 11 a.m. Registration is available here.

Guidelines for the following opportunities are available to download on the NYSCA website:

• Support for Organizations
  • Provides flexible operating and programmatic funding for qualified arts and culture organizations. Awards range from $10,000 to $49,500.

• Support for Artists
  • Funds creative commissions to individual artists across the state. The commission areas include Choreography, Composer, Film, Media, and New Technology, Folk and Traditional Arts, Interdisciplinary, Literature, Theater Commissions, and Visual arts. Award amount is $10,000.

• Support for Targeted Opportunities
  • Rehearsal and Studio Space for the Performing Arts: This funding is intended to support creative rehearsal time and organizations that provide viable and affordable space for non-profit arts groups and artists.  Awards range from $15,000 to $35,000.
  • Folk and Traditional Arts Apprenticeships: This funding provides individuals experienced in a folk art with opportunities to study with master folk artists from their own community. Award amount is $10,000.
  • Performing Arts Residencies. This opportunity supports a minimum 3-consecutive-week residency by New York-based performing arts groups in a targeted area in New York State outside of the applicant's home county and outside New York City. Awards range from $15,000 to $35,000.

• Support for Regrants and Services
  • Supports funding to State Community Regrant sites – a network of regional arts and culture organizations located across the state – that leverage their local expertise to extend the impact of NYSCA’s grantmaking to artists and nonprofits in all 62 counties as well as funding to organizations for services to the field. This opportunity is by invite only.

The application portal will open on Thursday, June 1. The deadline to apply is Thursday, July 13, at 4 p.m. All applicants must complete the prequalification process through NYS Grants Gateway before applying for a grant. NYSCA urges applicants to begin the prequalification process as soon as possible. Opportunities for Capital Project Grants will be announced in the Fall.

These historic opportunities for the arts and culture sector continue last year’s historic levels of arts funding, including unprecedented support for capital projects. In FY 2023, NYSCA awarded $90 million in support grants to 426 artists and over 1,200 organizations.

About the New York State Council on the Arts

NYSCA preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, NYSCA is awarding $127 million in FY 2024, providing support across the full breadth of the arts.

NYSCA further advances New York's creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA's Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES EIGHT JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced eight judicial appointments to New York State Family Court, New York State Criminal Court, and New York State Civil Court. Specifically, Mayor Adams appointed three Family Court judges, three Criminal Court judges, and two interim Civil Court judges.

 

“A just and safe city depends on a well-functioning criminal justice system,” said Mayor Adams. “This slate of judges represents the best and brightest our legal system has to offer, and we are grateful for their service to our city.”

 

“The city’s judiciary is more crucial than ever to keeping New York City the safest big city in America,” said Chief Counsel to City Hall Brendan McGuire. “Mayor Adams is committed to appointing the strongest available candidates to the bench who reflect the diversity of the city. We are confident that these new judges will help deliver fair and efficient justice in both the criminal and family courts. We are grateful for their service.”

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Family Court:

 

Judge Maura A. Keating began her legal career as a staff attorney with The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice before joining the Manhattan practice of the Center for Family Representation, initially as a litigation supervisor, then also as co-director. Prior to her appointment to the bench, she served as the director of litigation at the Center for Family Representation.

 

Judge Robert A. Markoff has served the New York State Unified Court System for over two decades. He first served as a court attorney in Supreme Court, Kings County before becoming a senior court attorney serving in Civil Court, Kings County. He then briefly worked as an associate at a private firm before returning to the court system, where he resumed his service as a principal law clerk in Supreme Court, Kings County. Most recently, he served as a senior principal law clerk in the Appellate Division, Second Department.

 

Judge Jessica Sin joined the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an agency attorney shortly after graduating from law school, before establishing her solo practice where she concentrated on matrimonial and family law. She then joined the New York State Unified Court System as a principal law clerk in Supreme Court, Queens County, then as a court attorney in Family Court, Queens County. She went on to become a support magistrate in the Family Courts of Bronx, New York, and Queens counties prior to her appointment to the bench.

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

 

Judge Pamela A. Goldsmith began her legal career at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, where she started as an assistant district attorney in the Criminal Court Bureau. While there, she was also assigned to the Grand Jury Bureau and, finally, Trial Bureau 30. She then joined the New York State Unified Court System as a court attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County and in Criminal Court, New York County. Prior to her appointment, she was a principal court attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County, Criminal Term.

 

Judge John N. McPadden began his legal career as a criminal defense attorney in a private firm. Since 2006, he has been serving with the New York State Office of Court Administration. He has held several titles, including associate court attorney and principal law secretary to several Supreme Court justices. Prior to his appointment, he served as the supervising court attorney to the supervising judge of New York County Criminal Court.

 

Judge Jung Park began her legal career with the New York County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney, where she has been for over 20 years serving in the Appeals Bureau and Trial Bureau 80, eventually becoming deputy bureau chief of Trial Bureau 80. Prior to her appointment she served as the bureau chief of Trial Bureau 80.

 

Mayor Adams appointed the following judges to Interim Civil Court:

 

Judge Grace Oboma-Layat began her legal career in public service at The Legal Aid Society, Juvenile Rights Practice, and has served there for close to two decades. Prior to her appointment, she served as a staff attorney in child protection, termination of parental rights, and custody and visitation proceedings.

 

Judge Marjorie R. Steinberg started her legal career with a private firm as an associate attorney focusing on custody, visitation, domestic violence, matrimonial, guardianship, and neglect litigation. She then joined The Children’s Law Center, first as a staff attorney, then as deputy director. She later joined the New York State Unified Court System as a court attorney in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part, then as principal court attorney in the All Purpose Matrimonial Part in Richmond County, Supreme Court. Prior to her appointment, she served as a support magistrate presiding in Richmond County, Family Court.

 

Massachusetts Man Indicted for Acting as an Illegal Agent of the People’s Republic of China

 

Liang Allegedly Reported to PRC Officials on Pro-Democracy Protesters and Founded U.S. Advocacy Group to Covertly Advance the PRC’s Agenda in Boston and Surrounding Areas

 A Massachusetts man was arrested on May 9 for allegedly acting as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General.

Litang Liang, 63, of Brighton, was indicted on one count of acting as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General and one count of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General.

“We will not tolerate the PRC’s efforts to interfere with public discourse and threaten civic participation in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This case demonstrates, once again, the lengths that the PRC government, including its Ministry of Public Security, will go to target people in the U.S. who exercise their rights to speak out against the PRC.”

“The Department of Justice will protect these individual rights and protect our country against those who seek to unlawfully act on behalf of foreign governments while within our borders,” said U.S. Attorney Rachael S. Rollins for the District of Massachusetts. “We allege that Mr. Liang engaged in a series of acts on behalf of the PRC government including providing information on Boston-area residents, organizations and dissidents to PRC government officials – potentially placing people at risk here in Massachusetts and abroad. Attempts to repress constitutionally protected rights here in the United States will never be tolerated. Anyone who infringes upon those rights on American soil will be identified and held to account.”

“The United States requires agents of foreign countries to register with our government, and for good reason – in such cases, those agents often act against the interests of the United States,” said Assistant Director Suzanne Turner of the FBI Counterintelligence Division. “The FBI is not going to stand by and allow undeclared agents of the People’s Republic of China to operate in our country unchecked. We will continue to steadfastly enforce the law of the land, uncovering these efforts and holding accountable all those who work with foreign governments to violate our laws.”

According to the charging documents, from in or around 2018 through at least 2022, Liang acted within the United States as an agent of the PRC government by allegedly providing PRC government officials with information on Boston-area individuals and organizations; organizing a counter-protest against pro-democracy dissidents; providing photographs of and information about dissidents to PRC government officials; and providing the names of potential recruits to the PRC’s Ministry of Public Security. At no point did Liang notify the U.S. Attorney General that he was acting as a PRC government agent.

Specifically, beginning in or around 2018, Liang allegedly provided information about Chinese individuals and organizations in the Boston area to PRC government officials – including PRC officials formerly in the United States, the Ministry of Public Security, and the United Front Work Department, an entity which reports directly to the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and works to further the CCP’s goals.

It is alleged that Liang provided PRC government officials with information regarding members and leaders of Boston-area, Chinese family associations and community organizations with pro-Taiwan leanings. Additionally, it is alleged that Liang sent information regarding anti-PRC dissidents to PRC officials including: identification of an individual he accused of having “sabotaged” PRC flags in Boston’s Chinatown in October 2018; video of a dissident attending the “Boston Stands with Hong Kong” march in August 2019; and photographs of anti-PRC dissidents in front of the Boston Public Library in September 2019.

The charge of acting as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to act as an agent of a foreign government without providing notification to the U.S. Attorney General provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy H. Kistner for the District of Massachusetts is prosecuting the case. Valuable assistance was provided by Trial Attorney Elizabeth Abraham of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.