SAVE THE DATE:  April 21  NH Network  program on food systems in our changing climate

WHAT: Like much of the world, New Hampshire depends on a complex, fragile

network of supply chains to provide one of our most basic needs – the food we eat!  Only about 3% of the food consumed in NH is produced in-state. Can we do better than this?  This webinar will explain the 2025 Strategic Plan for sustainable agriculture in the state.   REGISTRATION LINK COMING SOON.

Repeat Requests/Opportunities

-CCL in a meeting with Maggie Goodlander's Chief of Staff, learned that the Representative is collecting stories from people who have been impacted—or concerned they may be impacted—by a change in federal policy.  If you would like to share your story then visit this link on Maggie's website https://goodlander.house.gov or access the Google form directly https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEXc7rgd4Y1q6-n2K1sHsS3rcab3K-QPHRKZBJi6KCdTTOzw/viewform 

-Board Opportunity:   Volunteer and unpaid position.  No financial contribution.  Monthly meetings (4 per year required) to decide important matters, each 1-2 hours. 

My name is Dan Roy, President of Granite Advancement Project, a 501(c)3 New Hampshire charitable organization.  We recently received our IRS determination letter for Tax Exempt status. Our registration number is 93-2404503nwith the NH SOS.

We are focused on solar, in particular solar energy that benefits Low-Moderate Income households.  I work as a solar site finder and work with 2 solar companies to install those systems that I find.  I already have 15 MW in process and I now have another 35 projects that I am trying to secure sites.  I expect to have a $20M business in the next year.  I have submitted proposals on the herox.com platform under Community power Accelerator and completed the UNH program to develop new solar developers.  I work using the UNH pro forma tool and use the SUNDA project\ to estimate actual build costs for an array.  I use the Eversource Grid Twin tool to assess sites. I have 100% access to all of the data to make valid assessments on projects.

This is the issue I am dealing with.  In order to submit my 990 to the IRS, I have to update my registration with the NH SOS, certifying I have  a minimum of 5 members on the Board.  Through last August, we did, but one of our members decided she could not work with us any longer.  So, I need at least 1 more member to submit my required filings.  I am actually looking for 4 new members for our board.  Please direct any interested members to me, Daniel dor, at droy8661@gmail.com or 603-793-8022..  Katrin Kasper of CleanEnergyNH.com recommended I contact you.  We are located in Raymond, NH

-Please write to the governor and the executive council (without mentioning ANY specific names) that, as appointments to the PUC and DOE expire, please ensure the new appointees are not ideological, that they adhere to facts of economics, science and will conduct work in a transparent and timely fashion.  The net-metering case that has been going on for two years, with vast person-hours of testimony, research, deliberation, and redundancy, has just been dropped by the PUC. This case is docket 22-060, and ideally would extend net metering guarantees beyond 2040 which is critical for encouraging solar development.  The action and then inaction of the PUC results in lost progress on moving forward long term surety and allowances for solar energy. In essence, a waste of taxpayers’ time.  Instead, let’s support individuals who are seeking the best energy outcomes for New Hampshire.     

GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

https://www.council.nh.gov/    

Dist 1: Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov  

Dist 2:  karen.liothill@nh.gov 

Dist 3: Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

Dist 4: John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

Dist 5:  David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

Department of Environmental Services:  asst director  michael.fitzgerald@des.nh.gov

DES Commissioner robert.scott@des.nh.gov

Department of Energy:  commissioner  JARED.S.CHICOINE@ENERGY.NH.GOV

Dept of Transportation:  commissioner WILLIAM.J.CASS@DOT.NH.GOV

BILLS THIS WEEK

Legislation has moved on since last week's Network request to contact the House Finance Committee for retaining funds within the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) be spent as intended – on renewable energy projects.   These funds have been “moved” by HB 1.   NOW, it is time to contact your senators to have them oppose HB 219 and HB 224 which raid and eventually phase out this important initiative.   Contact your senator or the governor to retain these funds as originally intended.

Monday, April 14th

SB 106  The House Science, Technology and Energy Cmte will now hear this bill – which was successful in the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Cmte.  SB106 would extend the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 tariff for 20 years, taking away the uncertainty of financing for renewable energy projects. Participants can build a renewable energy system with certainty about the tariff for the next 20 years. Additionally, large customer-generators participating in net energy metering will be required to consume at least 20% of their own generation. Please contact your representative.   SUPPORT 

Tuesday, April 15th

HB 171  Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9am  establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills. This year’s most important landfill bill.  Senator David Watters is critical for the vote, so folks in Barrington, Dover, Rollinsford & Somersworth please give Sen Watters a phone call!  SUPPORT

Talking Points:

• The Governor and House have been clear that they are worried about the current landfill siting requirements and plethora of out-of-state waste. Now is the time to take a pause and make sure we get it right. 

• A 3 year moratorium will give ample time for the Governor's landfill site evaluation committee to be formed, create its duties and be prepared to hear any applications. 

• DES Solid Waste report from 2022 that stated the state has ample capacity though 2034. This number will increase with any expansions of current landfills and/or  if the state meets, or partially meets, its requirement (RSA 149:M-2) to reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfills by 25% by the year 2030.

• New Hampshire is at a critical juncture in managing its solid waste. While landfills are one component of waste disposal, they also present significant environmental challenges, including threats to groundwater, ecosystems, and public health. By instituting this moratorium, the state can focus on developing robust, science-based policies that prioritize waste reduction, recycling, and innovative solutions over new landfill construction.

HB707    Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9: 15 am .This bipartisan bill mandates a site-specific setback distance for new landfills in NH to protect the state's water bodies from contamination. The setback distance would be based on maximum seepage velocity of groundwater, ensuring contaminated groundwater does not reach any perennial river, lake, or coastal water within five years. The bill includes stricter regulations regarding the history of applicants, disallowing permits for those with past violations of environmental laws.   SUPPORT

Wednesday, April 16th

SB 299 House Resources, Recreation and Development 11: 30 am

It closes a loophole in the Shoreland Protection Act by ensuring contractors who violate shoreland regulations can be held accountable. This bill imposes penalties on contractors who supervise or perform work in violation of the Act.  SUPPORT

Talking points:

• It helps protect the health of our lakes and protect property owners from inadvertently hiring contractors who break the law.

• Under current law, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) can only impose a penalty if a violation of the Shoreland Protection Act is not restored within a year after notification. This creates an unfair situation where property owners bear the burden of correcting violations, while contractors face no penalties if the owner complies with restoration orders.

• This bill allows NHDES to take enforcement action against contractors who violate the Act, even if the property owner complies with restoration.

• The Shoreland Protection Act regulates land use and development within 250 feet of public waters to protect water quality, preserve natural shorelines, and manage aquatic habitat. 

Executive Session Bills

If inclined, you will need to contact committee members directly as public comment has already been heard. 

Committee member email addresses for the house and senate.

Write the full committee. Copy/paste the list of email addresses for all the members of a House committee from this spreadsheet of legislators (including email addresses) sorted by committee.

Senate committees:   gc.nh.gov/senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

SB233-FN establishing an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force.  Executive Session: 04/14/2025 11:00 am LOB 302-304 Science, Technology & Energy  CENH: This bill establishes an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force to develop market-based solutions and programs for electric system reliability using energy storage.   By focusing on enhancing electric system reliability through energy storage, the bill addresses the challenge of grid stability, especially as more intermittent renewable energy sources (like solar and wind) are integrated into the grid. Energy storage can smooth out fluctuations in renewable generation and improve the grid’s ability to handle both peak demand and supply disruptions. This could also lower electricity prices during peak times and make the energy market more cost-effective for consumers.   Support

SB65-FN relative to stormwater management for solar arrays. Executive Session: Science, Technology & Energy  4/14/2025 11:00 am LOB 302-304 This bill exempts solar arrays from additional requirements not applicable to other types of development, requires a permit only if over 100,000 square feet of earthmoving or timber harvesting is involved, and renders unenforceable any contradictory administrative rules. This would mean solar arrays would no longer be treated like impenetrable parking lots when they are going through the permitting process. This change would simplify the regulatory framework surrounding solar energy projects, thus encouraging their development.  Support

SB232 clarifying certain net metering terms and conditions. Executive Session: 04/14/2025 11:00 am LOB 302-304 This bill protects customer-generators that are already net metering by ensuring that the Public Utilities Commission cannot change their net metering compensation retroactively, removing regulatory business risks for businesses that have made investments in their facilities. Support

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is April 17th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, April 20th.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  April 23rd

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is April 23rd and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on May 6th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09. 

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES 

Wednesday, April 16 4:30 to 6 pm

Solar Start to Finish: Understanding Solar Development for Conservation Groups

Clean Energy NH invites local conservation commissions and environmental organizations to a special workshop: "Solar Start to Finish", happening Wednesday, April 16 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Hotel Concord

This in-person session is designed to help conservation groups better understand the full solar development process—from siting and permitting to installation, incentives, and how solar projects can align with community values and land use goals.

Whether you're reviewing solar proposals, advising your municipality, or just looking to build your knowledge, this workshop will offer valuable context and expert insight.

Learn More and Register: https://cenh-solar-start2finish.eventbrite.com 

Week of April 14  

NH Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) - A chance to learn and to help create a NH roadmap for emissions reductions, with the Dept of Environmental Services. 

All the links for registration and information are at https://carsey.unh.edu/new-hampshire-listens/engage-ccap-process

Commercial & Residential Buildings

Electricity Generation and Supply

Natural Lands, Forestry, and Agriculture

Transportation

Industry, Waste, and Materials Management  (April 17 will focus on Plastics, with input from Network members)

City of Concord, NH Earth Day Community Conversation

Monday, April 21st, 2025   6 to 8 pm NE Earth Day Community Conversation

City Wide Community Center  14 Canterbury Road Concord

RSVP: Concord Earth Day Community Conversation - April 21st, 2025

 The City of Concord, NH will host an Earth Day Community Conversation on Monday, April 21st to celebrate our natural environment and sustainability.  The event is sponsored by the Concord Environment and Energy Advisory Committee (CEEAC),

Special Guests

-Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, keynote remarks

-Mayor Concord Byron Champlin

Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, from 10 am to 2pm  . 

Come visit your neighbors at 24 homes, 1 school, and 1 church in the Upper Valley Earth Week Open House to see and discuss the earth-friendly strategies they're using. Visitors will be welcomed both Register to attend before 9 p.m. on April 25 to receive an email giving access to the pdf guide to the Open House sites.

       Ask your questions about solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps for heating and cooling, insulation, induction stoves, water heaters, electric bikes and lawn care tools, earth-friendly gardens, and much more!       

       Here is where people can register to get access to the pdf guide to our 26 sites in the free Earth Week Open House:  https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=4637

Why do we ask people to register? So that we have a way to reach them if there are important last-minute alerts. 

Saturday, April 26th  

Hone your organizing skills!  Please join Community Action Works and North Country Alliance for Balanced Change for a free, day-long Grassroots Environmental Organizing Summit.   Community leaders, volunteers, grassroots organizations, students and experts—anyone interested in community action!— is invited to the University of Massachusetts Boston on  Come to share your experiences, meet other community activists, attend issue briefings and tune up organizing skills for your own community work. While the day will be rich with ideas for everyone’s civic engagement, featured topics will include Oceans, Toxics and the harms of Data Centers and Crypto-mines. Early application deadline is Saturday April 12! 

Register to attend here. And please share this invitation with others.  It will be an inspiring day with practical advice, question and answer opportunities to address your own challenges, and the uplift and encouragement of coming together as we all work for a healthy environment and vibrant communities.

Questions: contact Max at max@communityactionworks.org. 

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FAIRS AROUND THE STATE

Nashua, April 26 11:00 am–2:00 pm, Nashua Liberty Plaza  

Merrimack EV and Solar Fair, April 26  10:00 am-2:00pm, at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 515 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054

Monadnock Region Earth Fest and Drive E,  April 26 12:00 - 4:00 pm, taking place adjacent to the Co-Op, 34 Cypress St, and at Whitney Brothers, 93 Railroad Street, Keene, NH 03431

Upper Valley Earth Week Open House,  April 26-27 10:00 am-2:00 pm,  Lebanon and Upper Valley of NH and VT, https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=4637

Peterborough UU, Our Interconnected Web of Social Justice, May 3 12:00-3:00 pm, panel discussion and networking with groups from around the state, 25 Main Street, Peterborough 

Laconia earth fest, May 10, details to come

TAKE ACTION

Calling on volunteers!  

We have been invited to table at this UU Social Justice event in Peterborough on May 3.  Please consider attending this event, and tabling on behalf of NH Network.  (You will not be alone at the NH Network table.  Interested?  Email newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com)

Please continue to spread the word on this petition to reduce plastic bag consumption.  We are expecting to work with the Solid Waste Working Group on legislation and hope to show public support with the signatures we get on this petition.  https://bit.ly/noPLASTICbags 

-Carbon tax and Dividend legislation:  

In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

-How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students.

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

SAVE THE DATE:  April 21  NH Network program on food systems in our changing climate

WHAT: Like much of the world, New Hampshire depends on a complex, fragile network of supply chains to provide one of our most basic needs – the food we eat!  Only about 3% of the food consumed in NH is produced in-state. Can we do better than this?  This webinar will explain the 2025 Strategic Plan for sustainable agriculture in the state.   

REGISTRATION LINK.

GOOD NEWS

• HB 399, signed into law by the governor, creates easier financing for energy-efficient construction.  HB 696, which exempts electricity generators from the utility tax - is on its way to the Senate.

• SB 106 passed the senate unanimously and expands net metering options up to 5 megawatts.  There is pushback in the House, and  Network members are encouraged to contact your local house republican to support this bill.  BIA supports it.

• SB 65 passed the senate which eases permitting for 5 mg infrastructure.  SB 106 will need your help on April 14th in the STE Committee.  Contact your reps, particularly if they are on STE.

A series of bad bills were tabled or killed include banning off shore infrastructure (HB 575), prohibiting EV cars parking in public lots (HB 182), eliminating the independent Office of the Consumer Advocate (HB 610).

DOE denial by dormancy Casella permit to site a landfill at Forest Lake.  https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/04/03/casella-solid-waste-application-for-dalton-landfill-denied-des-cites-dormancy/

OPPORTUNITY:   CCL in a meeting with Maggie Goodlander's Chief of Staff, learned that the Representative is collecting stories from people who have been impacted—or concerned they may be impacted—by a change in federal policy.  If you would like to share your story then visit this link on Maggie's website https://goodlander.house.gov or access the Google form directly https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEXc7rgd4Y1q6-n2K1sHsS3rcab3K-QPHRKZBJi6KCdTTOzw/viewform 

Board Opportunity:   Volunteer and unpaid position.  No financial contribution.  Monthly meetings (4 per year required) to decide important matters, each 1-2 hours. 

My name is Dan Roy, President of Granite Advancement Project, a 501(c)3 New Hampshire charitable organization.  We recently received our IRS determination letter for Tax Exempt status. Our registration number is 93-2404503nwith the NH SOS.

We are focused on  solar, in particular solar energy that benefits Low-Moderate Income households.  I work as a solar site finder and work with 2 solar companies to install those systems that I find.  I already have 15 MW in process and I now have another 35 projects that I am trying to secure sites.  I expect to have a $20M business in the next year.  I have submitted proposals on the herox.com platform under Community power Accelerator and completed the UNH program to develop new solar developers.  I work using the UNH pro forma tool and use the SUNDA project\ to estimate actual build costs for an array.  I use the Eversource Grid Twin tool to assess sites. I have 100% access to all of the data to make valid assessments on projects.

This is the issue I am dealing with.  In order to submit my 990 to the IRS, I have to update my registration with the NH SOS, certifying I have a minimum of 5 members on the Board.  Through last August, we did, but one of our members decided she could not work with us any longer.  So, I need at least 1 more member to submit my required filings.  I am actually looking for 4 new members for our board.  Please direct any interested members to me, Daniel Roy, at droy8661@gmail.com or 603-793-8022..  Katrin Kasper of CleanEnergyNH.com recommended I contact you.  We are located in Raymond, NH

Municipal Energy WG recording:  Working with your town to buy an electric vehicle Review of some resources Discussion of where and how we move forward with Community power

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy

Repeat Request: Please write to the governor and the executive council (without mentioning ANY specific names) that, as appointments to the PUC and DOE expire, please ensure the new appointees are not ideological, that they adhere to facts of economics, science and will conduct work in a transparent and timely fashion.  The net-metering case that has been going on for two years, with vast person-hours of testimony, research, deliberation, and redundancy, has just been dropped by the PUC. This case is docket 22-060, and ideally would extend net metering guarantees beyond 2040 which is critical for encouraging solar development.  The action and then inaction of the PUC results in lost progress on moving forward long-term surety and allowances for solar energy. In essence, a waste of taxpayers’ time.  Instead, let’s support individuals who are seeking the best energy outcomes for New Hampshire.     

GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

https://www.council.nh.gov/    

Dist 1: Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov  

Dist 2:  karen.liothill@nh.gov 

Dist 3: Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

Dist 4: John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

Dist 5:  David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

Department of Environmental Services:  asst director  michael.fitzgerald@des.nh.gov

DES Commissioner robert.scott@des.nh.gov

Department of Energy:  commissioner  JARED.S.CHICOINE@ENERGY.NH.GOV

Dept of Transportation:  commissioner WILLIAM.J.CASS@DOT.NH.GOV

BILLS THIS WEEK

Legislation has moved on since last week's Network request to contact the House Finance Committee for retaining funds within the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) be spent as intended – on renewable energy projects.   NOW, it is time to contact your senators to have them oppose HB 219 and HB 224 which raid and eventually phase out this important initiative.  We will keep you posted on action dates.

The House Finance Division I is proposing to sweep $15 million out of the REF this year, and another $5 million would be pulled out next year. The five-year dedicated funds report shows that there's $20 million in the account now, with about $8 million worth of expenses and commitments, possibly canceling out projects that already were awarded funds.  The REF funds will simply be rolled into HB2, the general state budget.   In other words, it may be totally empty and defacto eliminated. 

Monday,  April 7th

Each of these bills is being heard in the STE Committee (Science, Tech and Envir.)

SB 65 FN  This bill exempts solar arrays from additional requirements not applicable to other types of development, requires a permit only if over 100,000 square feet of earthmoving or timber harvesting is involved, and renders unenforceable any contradictory administrative rules.

This would mean solar arrays would no longer be treated like impenetrable parking lots when they are going through the permitting process.  SUPPORT

SB 232  This bill would ensure stability and consistency for generators that are currently enrolled in net metering, by clarifying that such arrangements cannot be retroactively modified by regulators. This encompasses both metering and interconnection configurations as well as compensation structures. This bill protects customer-generators that are already net metering by ensuring that the Public Utilities Commission cannot change their net metering compensation retroactively,  SUPPORT

SB 233-FN  This bill establishes an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force to develop market-based solutions and programs for electric system reliability using energy storage.   This could also lower electricity prices during peak times and make the energy market more cost-effective for consumers.  SUPPORT

Tuesday, April 8th

HB 416 Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee will hold a public hearing on a bill that would make dumping yard waste into our lakes illegal. This lake-friendly bill passed the New Hampshire House of Representatives a few weeks ago, and our lakes need YOU to help get it through the Senate.   Added nutrients in the lake from yard waste can accelerate plant, algal, and cyanobacteria growth, contribute to mucky bottom conditions, and smother sensitive habitats in shallow areas.  SUPPORT

HB 690-FN Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee - HB 690 asks the department of energy to consider withdrawing New Hampshire from ISO-New England.  ISO-NE is responsible for overseeing the operation of the electricity grid in New England. It ensures that electricity generation and distribution are balanced and that supply meets demand in real time. Pulling out could disrupt this coordination, leading to potential power outages, grid instability, or inefficiencies in managing the power supply. ISO-New England also helps to manage the overall cost of electricity in the region by pooling resources and optimizing energy dispatch. New Hampshire will remain part of New England whether or not we remain a part of ISO New England, and withdrawing would mean that we would likely face higher energy costs. (CENH)  OPPOSE

Monday, April 14th

SB 106  The House Science, Technology and Energy Cmte will now hear this bill – which was successful in the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Cmte.  SB106 would extend the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 tariff for 20 years, taking away the uncertainty of financing for renewable energy projects. Participants can build a renewable energy system with certainty about the tariff for the next 20 years. Additionally, large customer-generators participating in net energy metering will be required to consume at least 20% of their own generation.  SUPPORT 

Committee member email addresses for the House and Senate.

Write the full committee. Copy/paste the list of email addresses for all the members of a House committee from this spreadsheet of legislators (including email addresses) sorted by committee.

Senate committees:   gc.nh.gov/senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is April 17th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, April 20th.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  April 23rd

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is April 23rd and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on May 6th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09. 

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 6:00 PM -7:00 PM - Info & Registration Link

Zero Waste in Modern Healthcare: Mitigating Health Risks & Impacts

Sponsored by NH Healthy Climate.  Speaker Mikey Pasciuto is Chief Sustainability Officer at Scrapp, a start-up dedicated to creating data-driven sustainable waste programs, where Mikey specializes in product and packaging recyclability globally, zero-waste programs, and all things sustainable packaging.    He recently had the privilege to present to his Majesty the King at COP28, as part of Scotland's delegation, about sustainable materials management. 

Wednesday, April 16 4:30 to 6 pm

Solar Start to Finish: Understanding Solar Development for Conservation Groups

Clean Energy NH invites local conservation commissions and environmental organizations to a special workshop: "Solar Start to Finish", happening Wednesday, April 16 from 4:30–6:30 PM at the Hotel Concord

This in-person session is designed to help conservation groups better understand the full solar development process—from siting and permitting to installation, incentives, and how solar projects can align with community values and land use goals.

Whether you're reviewing solar proposals, advising your municipality, or just looking to build your knowledge, this workshop will offer valuable context and expert insight.

Learn More and Register: https://cenh-solar-start2finish.eventbrite.com 

Week of April 14  

NH Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) - A chance to learn and to help create a NH roadmap for emissions reductions, with the Dept of Environmental Services.

All the links for registration and information are at https://carsey.unh.edu/new-hampshire-listens/engage-ccap-process

Commercial & Residential Buildings

Electricity Generation and Supply

Natural Lands, Forestry, and Agriculture

Transportation

Industry, Waste, and Materials Management  (April 17 will focus on Plastics, with input from Network members)

Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.     

Come visit your neighbors at 24 homes, 1 school, and 1 church in the Upper Valley Earth Week Open House to see and discuss the earth-friendly strategies they're using. Visitors will be welcomed both Register to attend before 9 p.m. on April 25 to receive an email giving access to the pdf guide to the Open House sites.

       Ask your questions about solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps for heating and cooling, insulation, induction stoves, water heaters, electric bikes and lawn care tools, earth-friendly gardens, and much more!       

       Here is where people can register to get access to the pdf guide to our 26 sites in the free Earth Week Open House:  https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=4637

Why do we ask people to register? So that we have a way to reach them if there are important last-minute alerts. 

Saturday, April 26th  

Hone your organizing skills!  Please join Community Action Works and North Country Alliance for Balanced Change for a free, day-long Grassroots Environmental Organizing Summit.   Community leaders, volunteers, grassroots organizations, students and experts—anyone interested in community action!— is invited to the University of Massachusetts Boston on  Come to share your experiences, meet other community activists, attend issue briefings and tune up organizing skills for your own community work. While the day will be rich with ideas for everyone’s civic engagement, featured topics will include Oceans, Toxics and the harms of Data Centers and Crypto-mines. The early application deadline is Saturday, April 12! 

Register to attend here. And please share this invitation with others.  It will be an inspiring day with practical advice, question-and-answer opportunities to address your own challenges and the uplift and encouragement of coming together as we all work for a healthy environment and vibrant communities.

Questions: contact Max at max@communityactionworks.org. 

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL FAIRS AROUND THE STATE

• 3rd Annual Seacoast Sustainability Fair, Friday April 11th 4:30-7:00, Portsmouth Connie Bean Center

• Nashua, April 26 11:00 am–2:00 pm, Nashua Liberty Plaza  

• Merrimack EV and Solar Fair, April 26  10:00 am-2:00pm, at the Tractor Supply parking lot, 515 Daniel Webster Hwy, Merrimack, NH 03054

• Monadnock Region Earth Fest and Drive E,  April 26 12:00 - 4:00 pm, taking place adjacent to the Co-Op, 34 Cypress St, and at Whitney Brothers, 93 Railroad Street, Keene, NH 03431

• Upper Valley Earth Week Open House,  April 26-27 10:00 am-2:00 pm,  Lebanon and Upper Valley of NH and VT, https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=4637

• Peterborough UU, Our Interconnected Web of Social Justice, May 3 12:00-3:00 pm, panel discussion and networking with groups from around the state, 25 Main Street, Peterborough

• Laconia earth fest, May 10, details to come

TAKE ACTION

Calling on volunteers!  

We have been invited to table at this UU Social Justice event in Peterborough on May 3.  Please consider attending this event, and tabling on behalf of NH Network.  (You will not be alone at the NH Network table.  Interested?  Email newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com)

Please continue to spread the word on this petition to reduce plastic bag consumption.  

We are expecting to work with the Solid Waste Working Group on legislation and hope to show public support with the signatures we get on this petition.  https://bit.ly/noPLASTICbags 

-Carbon tax and Dividend legislation:  In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students. 

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

LEGISLATIVE AND MEETING EDITION   

Week of March 30th

SAVE THE DATE:  April 21  NH Network  program on food systems in our changing climate

GOOD NEWS

-On March 20th, the House of Representatives adopted on consent a resolution opposing a landfill beside Forest Lake State Park and passed a 3-year moratorium on the permitting of new landfills.   House Resolution 13 “urges the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to deny permitting a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton.”  The hurdle is senate passage of this bill.  We will keep you posted.

ACTION OPPORTUNITIES

-Calling on NH Network volunteers!  We have been invited to table at a UU Social Justice event in Peterborough, 25 Main Street, on May 3.  12 PM TO 3 PM. Please consider attending this event, and tabling on behalf of NH Network.  (You will not be alone at the NH Network table.  Interested?  Email newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com)

Network news:  NH Network members have volunteered to table at environmental events in Kittery (Maine), Portsmouth, Nashua, Keene, Merrimack, and Laconia.  This is a great opportunity to let people know what we do and invite them to join us.

-Please write to the governor and the executive council (without mentioning ANY specific names) that, as appointments to the PUC and DOE expire, please ensure the new appointees are not ideological, that they adhere to facts of economics, science and will conduct work in a transparent and timely fashion.  The net-metering case that has been going on for two years, with vast person-hours of testimony, research, deliberation, and redundancy, has just been dropped by the PUC.  In essence, a waste of taxpayers’ time.  Instead, let’s support individuals who are seeking the best energy outcomes for New Hampshire.   

GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

https://www.council.nh.gov/    

Dist 1: Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov  

Dist 2:  karen.liothill@nh.gov 

Dist 3: Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

Dist 4: John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

Dist 5:  David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

Department of Environmental Services:  asst director  michael.fitzgerald@des.nh.gov

DES Commissioner robert.scott@des.nh.gov

Department of Energy:  commissioner  JARED.S.CHICOINE@ENERGY.NH.GOV

Dept of Transportation:  commissioner WILLIAM.J.CASS@DOT.NH.GOV

•  Sign the petition to stop toxic waste dumping in Claremont. https://sites.google.com/view/say-no-to-acuity/home?source=slingshot&campaign=2025-02-03-love-to-claremont-hearing-invite&link_id=6&can_id=a03f105e328d99371078ea41fa9a8b1b&email_referrer=email_2664322&email_subject=add-your-name-say-no-to-toxic-waste-in-claremont&

<<< PLEASE SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

-QUICK, EASY, IMPORTANT:  Please help support this Plastic Working Group (NH Network) petition urging NH grocery stores to stop giving plastic bags at grocery store check-outs.  The more signatures we get, the more compelling our testimony will be with the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and our conversations with grocery store CEOs.  It’s not enough – but it’s a huge first step in coping with plastic pollution. 

Online petition to sign, & to share widely on social media: bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

Paper petition to circulate at meetings, with neighbors:  bit.ly/paperNOplasticBAGS

What we ask of you:  Help us get to 10,000 signatures by the end of April!!  Just share this link to our online petition bit.ly/noPLASTICbags with friends, family, neighbors, members of groups to which you belong, including religious groups!  Share in your social media, in person, and at group meetings.  (You can reassure people that this is to show support for the concept, and their emails will NOT be shared without permission.) 

Bills This Week

Monday, March 31   

Please contact the  House Finance Committee  before they meet on Monday at 10 AM to begin final round of Budget decisions.  Ask that the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) be spent as intended – on renewable energy projects.  The House Finance Division I is proposing to sweep $15 million out of the REF this year, and another $5 million would be pulled out next year. The five-year dedicated funds report shows that there's $20 million in the account now, with about $8 million worth of expenses and commitments, possibly canceling out projects that already were awarded funds.  The REF funds will simply be rolled into HB2, the general state budget.   In other words, it may be totally empty and essentially eliminated

The dilemma is that HB 1 and HB 2 may be an “up or down” vote without an opportunity for amendments.  This is unclear so contact the House Finance Committee to Oppose HB 1-A, making appropriations for the expenses of certain departments of the state for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027; and Oppose HB 2-FN-A-L, relative to state fees, funds, revenues, and expenditures. 

In addition to this decision on REF funds, consider opposing cuts to Medicaid, WIC, family planning programs, and increases in Medicaid premiums and copays. Tell lawmakers that it is wrong for them to give tax cuts to the wealthy by repealing the Interest and Dividends tax or expanding the school voucher programs – leaving NH communities to bear the cost.  Monday, March 31, 10 AM - Executive session in House Finance, Room 210-211, LOB.  Additional exec sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 3.  

Tuesday, April 1   

These bills have crossed into the Senate.  Testify in person, or use Online Testimony at  https://gc.nh.gov/remotecommittee/senate.aspx

HB221  Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:20 am, State House Room 103.

relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the system's benefit charge. 

FROM CENH:  This bill modifies the assessment of system benefit charges (SBC) cost-effectiveness and would allow the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider modifications to the Granite State Test. The NH Public Utilities Commission has made it crystal clear that they would like to dismantle NHSaves, and that they believe the Granite State Test is the primary statutory barrier to their doing so.

 The SBC is assessed on the bills of electric customers with proceeds from money collected through the SBC used to fund public benefits programs, including energy efficiency and low-income programs. If cost-effectiveness assessments are weakened, it could undermine NHSaves and the Electric Assistance Program.  OPPOSE

HB291-FN relative to the penalty for incorrect application of fertilizers. Senate Judiciary Committee Room 100, SH 1:30 pm   As amended and passed by the full House of Representatives, this bill establishes a penalty/fine schedule for repeat violations of the misapplication of fertilizers. When applied improperly and at inappropriate times, fertilizer can be washed into lakes and contribute to potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.   SUPPORT

Wednesday, April 2

HB451-FN establishing the paint product stewardship program. Senate Ways and Means, 10:15 AM, SH, Room 100  This bill creates a paint stewardship program, managed by manufacturers or a representative organization, which would submit a plan to the Dept of Environmental Services (DES) detailing collection, management, and funding through fees & site distribution. Costs reimbursed annually by manufacturers through a fee paid to the General Fund. Could become a model for future waste disposal bills, with the producer helping with cost of disposal (e.g plastic, packaging, bottles    SUPPORT 

Thursday, April 3

HB504 relative to the state energy policy. Senate Energy and Natural Resources,  09:20 AM, SH, Room 100  FROM CENH:  This bill revises the state energy policy in a manner that de-emphasizes energy diversity and innovation in the Granite State.  This bill would guide regulators to pass over least-cost resources like solar and wind for “firm” generators like those that burn fossil fuels.  OPPOSE

-HB682 relative to the office of offshore wind industry, the offshore and port development commission, and the office of energy innovation. Senate Energy and Natural Resources 10:00 AM, SH, Room 100   One of several bills opposing wind power in NH. It offers economic potential for our region, is a local and cheap power, and a less damaging source of energy for NH than the fossil fuel sources it would displace. It also creates local jobs and revenue for shoreline communities.  

Offshore wind power is strongly opposed by the fossil fuel industry through the front groups funded by the fossil fuel industry like ALEC. Eg. "ALEC Connection Continues to Stalk U.S. Offshore Wind Industry" - TriplePundit.   About ALEC's influence in NH.   OPPOSE

The following bills are in Executive session.  If motivated, you should contact committee members directly.   (To see the bill’s description on the Network website, find the date offered in ( ).

Write the full committee. Copy/paste the list of email addresses for all the members of a House committee from this spreadsheet of legislators (including email addresses) sorted by committee.

Senate committees:   gc.nh.gov/senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

Tuesday, April 1 

- HB215-FN requiring a landfill permit applicant to submit a report listing potential harms and benefits of the project. House Finance Apr 1, 2025 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 210-211. SUPPORT (January 21)  

- HB566-FN requiring permit applications for new landfills to contain a detailed plan for leachate management. House Finance 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 210-211.   SUPPORT (January 28)

- HB639-FN relative to the use of and disputes over blockchain and digital currencies.  House Finance Apr 01, 2025 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 210-211  OPPOSE   (March 5)

- HB723-FN repealing the multi-use energy data platform. House Finance Apr 01, 2025 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 210-211   OPPOSE  (February 10)

You can see how your representatives voted, on this rare Roll Call vote.  

An OTP vote for this bill is in FAVOR of possible withdrawal from ISO-New England.   The Roll Call votes are listed at https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=515&inflect=2

HB690-FN directing the department of energy to investigate the state's withdrawal from ISO-New England and other strategy decisions that impact ratepayers in relation to New England's environmental policy.  The bill will now go before a Senate committee.  ( February 10)  OPPOSE

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on April 1  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09. 

Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, with the next meeting on Sunday, April 6th.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-he Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  April 9th

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is April 17th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is April 23rd and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

April 2 and 5  Monadnock Sustainability Hub https://monadnocksustainabilityhub.org/#

(This website offers any number of possibilities for action.  Please review.)  In addition,

As you well know, we are living in profoundly concerning, confusing times, both for our climate and for our democracy – and I wanted to reach out and let you know about a new initiative we are launching at the Monadnock Sustainability Hub. Many of us are looking for specific, effective actions we can take – and yet we're deluged by information and misinformation, a sense of powerlessness and a sense of overload. It's hard to know what to do.

And so the Hub is launching a new action-oriented supplement to our newsletter, called "Two You Can Do." Each issue will feature two important, doable actions you can take to protect our democracy and climate, two ways you can help respond to this ongoing emergency with poise and power. And each issue will end with a brief, inspiring success story of something happening in our region, in our state, or somewhere nearby – a simple way for all of us to build hope and courage, two things we need now more than ever.

Friday, April 4  12 to 1 pm Ready for some good news? The 2025 New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan is published. Join the April Network Café for a tour of the Strategic Plan content and the many ways you can engage with it.  Explore the plan,  which serves as an actionable roadmap for positive change, streamlining our collective efforts to obtain funding, pass policies, develop programs, invest in infrastructure, and build networks to increase farm, fish, and food business viability and foster equity across our food system.

REGISTER for April 4: www.nhfoodalliance.org/get-involved/network-cafe-series

Friday, April 4 1 pm  Clean Energy NH “Cross Over”  webinar

Curious about the latest in clean energy policy? Our panelists will share their insights on the remainder of the 2025 legislative session, celebrate key wins in advocacy, and break down the progress on priority bills aimed at expanding access to community-scale renewable energy.   

Member Tickets: FREE   Non-Member Tickets: $5.00      Contact our Membership Coordinator at annali@cleanenergynh.org for more information

Tuesday, April 8   1-2 pm FOOD WASTE is one of the biggest hidden issues of modern life -- both from the food systems sustainability perspective and from the methane emissions perspective. LEARN MORE:  From Environmental Law Institute & Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):
Creating a Glide Path for Municipal Action: An Overview of Model Ordinances and Executive Orders on Food Waste Reduction    

Event Free & Open to the public – REGISTRATION REQUIRED: www.eli.org/events/creating-glide-path-municipal-action-overview-model-ordinances-and-executive-orders-food

Food waste reduction can help municipalities meet their climate and waste reduction goals by diverting organic waste from landfills and incinerators, where it contributes significantly to methane emissions. Community Composting can also advance a range of economic, social, and environmental benefits for local residents--from providing job training and education to improving local soil health.

Week of April 14  NH Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP) - A chance to learn and to help create a NH roadmap for emissions reductions, with the Dept of Environmental Services.

All the links for registration and information are at https://carsey.unh.edu/new-hampshire-listens/engage-ccap-process

Commercial & Residential Buildings

Electricity Generation and Supply

Natural Lands, Forestry, and Agriculture

Industry, Waste, and Materials Management  (April 17 will focus on Plastics)

Transportation

Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.         Come visit your neighbors at 24 homes, 1 school, and 1 church in the Upper Valley Earth Week Open House to see and discuss the earth-friendly strategies they're using. Visitors will be welcomed both Register to attend before 9 p.m. on April 25 to receive an email giving access to the pdf guide to the Open House sites.

       Ask your questions about solar power, electric vehicles, heat pumps for heating and cooling, insulation, induction stoves, water heaters, electric bikes and lawn care tools, earth-friendly gardens, and much more!       

       Here is where people can register to get access to the pdf guide to our 26 sites in the free Earth Week Open House:  https://driveelectricearthmonth.org/event?eventid=4637

Why do we ask people to register? So that we have a way to reach them if there are important last-minute alerts. 

TAKE ACTION

-Carbon tax and Dividend legislation:  In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

-How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students.

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

GOOD NEWS

-On March 20th, the House of Representatives adopted on consent a resolution opposing a landfill beside Forest Lake State Park and passed a 3-year moratorium on the permitting of new landfills.   House Resolution 13 “urges the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to deny permitting a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton.”  The hurdle is senate passage of this bill.  We will keep you posted.

-SB 233 is OTP establishing an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force.

 NEGATIVE OUTCOMES

-NH HCR 4 relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine.

ACTION OPPORTUNITIES

1. Please write to the governor and the executive council (without mentioning ANY specific names) that, as appointments to the PUC and DOE expire, please ensure the new appointees are not ideological, that they adhere to facts of economics, science and will conduct work in a transparent and timely fashion.  The net-metering case that has been going on for two years, with vast person-hours of testimony, research, deliberation, and redundancy, has just been dropped by the PUC.  In essence, a waste of taxpayers’ time.  Instead, let’s support individuals who are seeking the best energy outcomes for New Hampshire.   

GovernorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

https://www.council.nh.gov/    

Dist 1: Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov  

Dist 2:  karen.liothill@nh.gov 

Dist 3: Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

Dist 4: John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

Dist 5:  David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

Department of Environmental Services:  asst director  michael.fitzgerald@des.nh.gov

DES Commissioner robert.scott@des.nh.gov

Department of Energy:  commissioner  JARED.S.CHICOINE@ENERGY.NH.GOV

Dept of Transportation:  commissioner WILLIAM.J.CASS@DOT.NH.GOV

-In addition, seek to encourage the governor to request federal dollars already allotted for EV chargers.  Clean Energy NH shares, “Our new report in partnership with Ski NH highlights the urgent need for expanded EV charging infrastructure to sustain the state’s $7 billion tourism industry, warning that policy inaction could drive away EV-driving visitors and cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in lost revenue by 2031—the equivalent of an entire season without tourists.

See What’s Being Said

• Study claims NH could lose $1.4 billion in tourism revenue if more EV chargers aren't built

• Rural New England needs EV chargers to keep tourism revenue flowing. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them.

• Lack of EV charging infrastructure could cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in tourist dollars

2. Sign the petition to stop toxic waste dumping in Claremont. 

https://sites.google.com/view/say-no-to-acuity/home?source=slingshot&campaign=2025-02-03-love-to-claremont-hearing-invite&link_id=6&can_id=a03f105e328d99371078ea41fa9a8b1b&email_referrer=email_2664322&email_subject=add-your-name-say-no-to-toxic-waste-in-claremont&

3. PLEASE SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

QUICK, EASY, IMPORTANT:  

Please help support this Plastic Working Group (NH Network) petition urging NH grocery stores to stop giving plastic bags at grocery store check-outs.  The more signatures we get, the more compelling our testimony will be with the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and our conversations with grocery store CEOs.  It’s not enough – but it’s a huge first step in coping with plastic pollution. 

Online petition to sign, & to share widely on social media: bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

Paper petition to circulate at meetings, with neighbors:  bit.ly/paperNOplasticBAGS

Did You Know? Global production of plastics increased from 2 million metric tonnes in 1950 to 400 million metric tonnes in 2015. Production and use of plastics nearly doubled in the last 20 years and are expected to double again over the next 20, and quadruple by the early 2050s.

Did You Know? A 2022 report found that only 5% to 6% of plastics in the U.S. are recycled.

Did You Know? NH has 2.7 billion pounds of grocery bags in landfills now and forever because plastic does not decompose, it just breaks apart, as each year another 65 million lbs. of grocery plastic bag waste is added in NH.   

What we ask of you:  Help us get to 10,000 signatures by the end of April!!  Just share this link to our online petition bit.ly/noPLASTICbags with friends, family, neighbors, members of groups to which you belong, including religious groups!  Share in your social media, in person, and at group meetings.  (You can reassure people that this is to show support for the concept, and their emails will NOT be shared without permission.) 

Steering Committee meetings:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qiaHez69--J5E2RO2PqF8elVaYql41X5u2rEI1SoHWA/edit?tab=t.0

4. Municipal Energy WG recording:  Working with your town to buy an electric vehicle,  review of some resources,  discussion of where and how we move forward with Community power

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy

Bills This Week

The legislature is in cross-over mode.  Most advocacy is to support/oppose bills coming out of committee for a floor vote. 

Tuesday, March 25:

HB 105 Senate Transportation Committee Room 101 1 pm will hold a public hearing on HB 105 to establish a "Love NH Lakes" license plate. While this bill sailed through the New Hampshire House of Representatives, we cannot take its passage through the Senate for granted.

Proceeds from the plate's sale would provide grants and loans through the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund to help lake associations reduce the pollution fueling cyanobacteria blooms.

Thanks to your advocacy, the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Fund was created by the Legislature in 2023. However, the initial monies allocated to the fund have nearly been spent. There is NO sustainable funding source to replenish this fund over the long term.

Cyanobacteria blooms are increasing in our lakes and, when toxic, can make people, pets, and wildlife seriously ill. Recurring and prolonged cyanobacteria blooms reduce shoreline property values and negatively impact tourism and the economy.   SUPPORT

Write to the full committee for these two bills.

Write the full committee. Copy/paste the list of email addresses for all the members of a committee from this spreadsheet of legislators (including email addresses) sorted by committee.

NH HB 224:  Relative to rebates to ratepayers from the renewable energy fund.  House Ways and Means | Mar 25, 2025 11:00 AM, LOB, Room 202-204  (Feel free to use any of the following verbiage)

From Clean Energy NH:  HB 224-FN got a second hearing before House Ways and Means this week. This bill is a priority for us to defeat this year, because while its language makes it extremely unclear what it does, its sponsor made it crystal clear that her intention is to eliminate the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) entirely.  The first draft of the budget withdraws $10 million from the REF; a practice known as “raiding” or “sweeping” this dedicated fund. The REF is a crucial part of the design of our state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), one of the bedrock pillars of clean energy policy in the Granite State. Those funds are used to build more renewable energy, which reduces the cost of complying with the RPS.  According to the Department of Energy: “Rebate and grant funds have leveraged over $460 million in private investment, providing a boost to the state’s economy and creating jobs for electricians, plumbers, and alternative energy businesses. In addition, there has been substantial growth in distributed generation renewable energy systems that serve to diversify our energy supply, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase our energy independence.”

 HB 224 would rebate the balance of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) to ratepayers—offering them a few dollars per year, at the cost of long-term investments in clean energy technologies that reduce energy costs, create jobs, and drive local economic growth. The bill would rebate funds “in excess of administrative costs and incentive payments” but is unclear what would be left to fund programs such as low-to-moderate income community solar, and the newly created municipal solar grant program, which provide access to clean energy for underserved populations. Additionally, HB224 risks increasing energy costs for NH residents and businesses, stalling job creation and economic growth in local industries, and undermining efforts to reduce harmful emissions.  OPPOSE

HB 219-FN: Monday, March 24  10 am WORK SESSION:   -Relative to the phasing out of the minimum electric renewable portfolio standard. Referred to House Finance Division I for a work session. This bill was originally written to phase out the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), but was amended so it is no longer a full RPS repeal.  

FROM Clean Energy NH:  Why We Oppose: The RPS has been a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s energy policy since 2007, fostering a diverse, sustainable, and local energy economy through a market-driven program which has successfully incentivized investments in building new renewable energy infrastructure while also extending the life of existing renewable energy sources. The amendment eliminates Class II Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), but unfortunately, Class II RECs already do essentially nothing because of a loophole known as REC sweeping. It also scales back Thermal Renewable Energy Certificates (T-RECs) requirements progressively, which will hurt the modern wood heating industry, and it reduces Alternative Compliance Payments (ACPs) somewhat.  Bottom line: this bill still weakens the RPS, but is substantially less damaging than its original language.  OPPOSE

Urge your representatives to vote with the MINORITY REPORT on these energy bills that will be on the House floor this WEDNESDAY.  Feel free to use some of this content to inform your representatives, but do not include specific names from the committee.  Many of these bills attempt to clarify rules, so the PUC is given clear guidelines.  Please note that in every case, bills were ITL by a slim margin.

HB 674-FN,SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY relative to non-wire alternatives, time-of-use tariffs, and multi-year rate settings.  Rep. Tony Caplan for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill is intended to bring on additional, much needed electric generation and lower costs using distributed generation resources such as renewables and battery storage projects, which count as “non-wire alternatives” (NWA) under NH integrated planning requirements. By establishing incentives and rules for electric utilities to procure these NWAs, located nearby to where the electricity will be used, rates for all customers will be lowered as utilities come to rely more on NWA generation and storage instead of transmission and distribution infrastructure such as poles and wires needed to move electricity far distances to their customers. This bill also intends to incentivize utilities to provide “time of use” pricing schemes coupled with smart meters which will allow greater cost savings and opportunities for energy efficiency to users. Some have stated that current dockets at the Public Utilities Commission will settle these issues, but the minority believes it is the legislature’s role to set the agenda for the electric utilities, not allow regulators to unilaterally determine the goals of utility regulation.   Majority was ITL, 10-8.  Vote OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill

HB 692, relative to utility companies adopting advanced meters. Rep. Kat McGhee for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill requires electric distribution utilities to develop a plan to make advanced electric metering available to customers on an opt-in basis. Meter technology is a necessary component of a competitive energy market and the state’s largest utility is the long pole in the tent when it comes to systems’ upgrades that support competition. Since meters roll-off of depreciation each year, this bill attempts to require that new machines be replaced with advanced meters at the time of renewal with the customer paying any difference in the cost for the upgraded meter if they opt to receive theirs prior to the full migration starting in 2030. This was an attempt to save money on this large capital investment and aid in the conversion of the state’s meter technology, as meters will be replaced in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. These meters, once replaced, will not have reached depreciation by the time they are replaced again, so the bill attempted to prevent throwing good money after bad. Majority was ITL, 10-8.  Vote  OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill

HB 755-FN, relative to the state’s electric utility market. Rep. Wendy Thomas for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill is a crucial step toward modernizing New Hampshire’s electric utility market, ensuring greater customer choice, lower costs, and increased investment in distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, battery storage, and flexible loads. By enabling competition, the bill will drive innovation, allowing suppliers to offer dynamic pricing and time-varying rates that benefit consumers and businesses alike. With the integration of advanced metering and data-sharing systems, this legislation removes outdated barriers that have kept residential and small business customers from fully participating in the competitive energy market. It fosters private investment in clean energy technologies while reducing reliance on regulated monopoly services. It is a forward-thinking reform that will keep NH competitive in the region.  Majority was ITL, 10-8.  Vote   OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill

HB 759-FN, relative to community energy generators.  Rep. Thomas Cormen for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill defines a “community generator” as a customer-generator that directly offsets the load of a municipal or county aggregation, such as Community Power Coalition of NH, or a competitive power supplier. It specifies that power exported to the grid by a community generator goes only to the customer’s load and not into the retail electricity market. There would be neither new cost shifting nor new stranded costs. This bill would provide for greater competition in the energy supply market.   Majority was ITL, 10-8.  Vote  OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill

HB 760-FN, relative to utility default service.  Rep. Thomas Cormen for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill pertains to the situation when an electric utility does not collect enough from its default service customers to cover the costs of the electricity it has brought to serve them. Currently, Eversource and Unitil have proposed, at the urging of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), to place the cost of such under-collections into “non-bypassable” charges: costs that all the utility’s customers must pay, whether or not they are on default service. This practice shifts costs from the customer group that incurred them—the default service customers—onto all customers, such as those of us on Community Power or who purchase power from another competitive supplier. With the PUC pressing the electric utilities to purchase most of their power for default service from the volatile day-ahead and spot markets, the risk of under-collections becomes more likely. If this bill is not enacted, then the PUC could end up destroying the competitive market for electric generation supply, where customers taking their supply from competitive suppliers—including the Community Power Aggregators—end up subsidizing the utility energy default service rate. The minority of the committee holds that the PUC derives its authority from the legislature, and if the legislature wants only default service customers to bear such under-collection charges, then we should say so in statute and not wait for the PUC’s decision.  Majority was ITL, 10-8.   OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill.

HB 761-FN, relative to customer energy storage.  Rep. Tony Caplan for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy.  Energy storage is time-shifted energy generation. It allows energy that is generated when it is relatively inexpensive to do to be discharged when needed and wholesale prices are higher. Storage provides stability and makes our fragile power grid more reliable. 

Last year the legislature enacted SB 391 (2024), which directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop rules for the interconnection of distributed energy resources, which normally includes storage interconnected to the distribution grid. However, the existing statute provides that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) adopt rules for the interconnection of storage, which they have yet to initiate. This bill would simply shift the rulemaking authority for storage to the DOE, so that there is one set of rules for interconnection of distributed energy resources.  Majority was ITL, 10-8.   OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill.

 HB 460-FN, relative to utility investments in distributed energy resources. Rep. Kat McGhee for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill adds specific language into the statute concerning the factors to be considered by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) when reviewing and approving utility investments in distributed energy resources. The minority wants to clarify the items in the value stack that the PUC should consider when reviewing these projects. These factors are common to rate-cases, and we still believe there is a benefit to placing this language in statute to bring clarity to rate case criteria.  Majority was ITL, 10-8.  OPPOSED to the ITL, and seek passage of this bill.

HB 690-FN, directing the department of energy to investigate the state’s withdrawal from ISO-New England and other strategy decisions that impact ratepayers in relation to New England’s environmental policy. MAJORITY: OUGHT TO PASS. MINORITY: INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE. Rep. Wendy Thomas for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill is an unnecessary and costly exercise that risks destabilizing New Hampshire’s energy future. ISO-New England provides critical grid management, market efficiency, and reliability that New Hampshire alone cannot replicate without incurring significant expenses. Withdrawing from the regional system could lead to higher electricity costs, increased vulnerability to outages, and burdensome infrastructure investments. The state would also face legal and regulatory hurdles, making the process complex and uncertain. Instead of diverting resources into a speculative investigation, lawmakers should focus on working within ISO-New England to advocate for policies that benefit ratepayers while maintaining the reliability and affordability of electricity.  Majority was OTP, 10-8. Vote ITL

From CENH:

• In late 2024, the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE), launched a process to update the State Ten-Year Energy Strategy. This Strategy is updated every three years and is used to inform deliberations of the NH Public Utilities Commission, program development and administration by NHDOE, and as reference for the NH legislature. Your comments will assist NHDOE staff in compiling a comprehensive document that highlights the fact that the clean energy transition is the most cost-effective, affordable, clean, and reliable means to power a competitive New Hampshire economy.

• Please submit all written comments, ideas, and recommendations via email to SESComments@energy.nh.gov by March 31, 2025. All comments will be posted publicly on the DOE website.  

Previous editions of New Hampshire Energy plan include the following:

• 2022 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Department of Energy

• 2018 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Strategic Initiatives

• 2014 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Energy and Planning

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, March 23rd.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  March 26th 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

 -Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is March 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on April 1  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is April 17th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-Monday, March 24, 2025; 6:30-7:30 PM  NH Sierra Club: -‘Mock NH DoE Hearing’  Raise Your Voice! 

 Unitarian Universalist Church, 274 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301

NHDOE is currently preparing the next 10-Year NH Energy Strategy, which is “a platform to improve energy policies and programs to best serve New Hampshire’s needs.” We must demand that 

• energy bills should be just and reasonable, 

• clean energy options should become increasingly available, 

• utilities should act in the interest of ratepayers, not just corporate shareholders. 

🡺 But NHDOE is not hosting an official hearing – so we are hosting one!

We will record it and submit it to the state for its records. 

It is important that we, the public, share our stories, comments, experiences, and challenges. The state must hear the full range of our experiences.  Please share your story! (You can write it out and read it, if that’s easier.)   You may also submit your comments directly to NHDOE at SESComments@energy.nh.gov. The deadline for comments is March 31, 2025.

More info:

• Read the NH Chapter Comments.

• Learn more about the NH Dept of Energy's 10 Year Energy Strategy

This is a free event, pre-Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.

REGISTER HERE to participate in NH Sierra Club’s ‘Mock Energy Hearing’

-Wednesday, March 26  1 pm  IPL Network Direct Pay Webinar     Register Here

Are you wondering how the new federal administration will impact funding for clean energy projects like solar? Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 26, from 1-2 p.m. ET as we explore Direct Pay, a critical tool for helping congregations finance sustainability projects, and its future under the new administration. Our session will cover:

• How Direct Pay works and who is eligible

• Filing details and key deadlines

• What to expect under the new administration

• How Giraffe Financial can support your congregation through the process

-Wednesday, March 26  3pm · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire

Climate Action NH Monthly Beach Cleanup! ›

-Thursday, March 27 8 pm  Berlin City Hall  Dummer Yard Landfill Project Public Meeting

This focus is on PFAS and it’s proposed disposal in the state

https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/9dyweDb1I6Y

-Thursday, March 27   4pm · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
Concord Craft & Climate ›

-Friday, March 28  8 am   League of Conservation Voters 2025 Climate Impacts Maple Breakfast 

Memorial Union Building, Strafford Room  Durham, NH  (free, and pre-registration required)

-Friday, March 28 6 pm   The New Hampshire Rivers Council invites you to join us for our 

Sixteenth annual hosting of the Wild & Scenic® Film Festival  at the Capitol Center for the Arts BNH Stage.   https://nhrivers.org/film-festival-2025/

It's a wonderful evening of films (so many wonderful shorts), food, friends, and fun along with live music and door prizes. Your ticket includes five days of video-on-demand so that you can re-watch your favourites. This event sells out before the big evening so please consider purchasing your tickets now.    If you can't get out that night or are not in the area, there are also 

video-on-demand only tickets available.

-Saturday, March 29 11 am   League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
Climate Action NH Park Clean Up! ›

-Friday, April 4  12 to 1 pm Ready for some good news? 

The 2025 New Hampshire Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan is published. Join the April Network Café for a tour of the Strategic Plan content and the many ways you can engage with it.  Explore the plan,  which serves as an actionable roadmap for positive change, streamlining our collective efforts to obtain funding, pass policies, develop programs, invest in infrastructure, and build networks to increase farm, fish, and food business viability and foster equity across our food system.

REGISTER for April 4: www.nhfoodalliance.org/get-involved/network-cafe-series

-Friday, April 4 1 pm  Clean Energy NH “Cross Over”  webinar

Curious about the latest in clean energy policy? Our panelists will share their insights on the remainder of the 2025 legislative session, celebrate key wins in advocacy, and break down the progress on priority bills aimed at expanding access to community-scale renewable energy.   

Member Tickets: FREE   Non-Member Tickets: $5.00      Contact our Membership Coordinator at annali@cleanenergynh.org for more information

TAKE ACTION

-Carbon tax and Dividend legislation:  In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students.

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

GOOD NEWS:

 HR10 passes the full House vote:  Recognizing the importance of clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment with regard to our fundamental rights.  Now on to the NH Senate…

HB 387, relative to balloons being released into the air. OTP  Rep. Richard Lascelles for Criminal Justice and Public Safety. It has become fashionable to release into the air, balloons inflated with lighter-than-air gases for celebratory purposes. The bill makes such behavior statutory littering that can spread for hundreds of miles and that can remain in the environment for years. Deflated balloons pose a serious threat to the life and well-being of wildlife and marine animals via ingestion or entanglement with attached ribbons. The bill makes releasing twenty or more balloons a violation level offense. Vote 15-0.  Headed to a full House vote.

HB 171, establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills. OTP WITH AMENDMENT. Vote 13-1. Headed to a full House vote.

HR 13, opposing the permitting of a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire. OTP WITH AMENDMENT. Vote 14-0. Headed to a full House vote.

-An important option to take  ACTION:

Please write the governor and the executive council (without mentioning ANY specific names) that, as appointments to the PUC and DOE expire, please ensure the new appointees are not ideological, that they adhere to facts of economics, science and will conduct work in a transparent and timely fashion.  The net-metering case that has been going on for two years, with vast person-hours of testimony, research, deliberation, and redundancy, has just been dropped by the PUC.  In essence, a waste of taxpayers’ time.  Instead, let’s support individuals who are seeking the best energy outcomes for New Hampshire.

<<< PLEASE SHARE ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA

-QUICK, EASY, IMPORTANT:  Please help support this Plastic Working Group (NH Network) petition urging NH grocery stores to stop giving plastic bags at grocery store check-outs.  The more signatures we get, the more compelling our testimony will be with the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and our conversations with grocery store CEOs.  It’s not enough – but it’s a huge first step in coping with plastic pollution. 

Online petition to sign, & to share widely on social media: bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

Paper petition to circulate at meetings, with neighbors:  bit.ly/paperNOplasticBAGS

Did You Know? Global production of plastics increased from 2 million metric tonnes in 1950 to 400 million metric tonnes in 2015. Production and use of plastics nearly doubled in the last 20 years and are expected to double again over the next 20, and quadruple by the early 2050s.

Did You Know? A 2022 report found that only 5% to 6% of plastics in the U.S. are recycled.

Did You Know? NH has 2.7 billion pounds of grocery bags in landfills now and forever because plastic does not decompose, it just breaks apart, as each year another 65 million lbs. of grocery plastic bag waste is added in NH.   

What we ask of you:  Help us get to 10,000 signatures by the end of April!!  Just share this link to our online petition bit.ly/noPLASTICbags with friends, family, neighbors, members of groups to which you belong, including religious groups!  Share in your social media, in person, and at group meetings.  (You can reassure people that this is to show support for the concept, and their emails will NOT be shared without permission.) 

-Thanks to all who are acting on the Lebanon petition.  There is no time for a statewide resolution to get passed around, so please USE THIS TEMPLATE, changing Lebanon-specific wording to what fits your town/city.  It is the 3rd item down on this link.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/take-action/take-action-list  

Town not interested? or want to do more, and faster?  call, snail mail, email the Gov, Exec Council, AG Formella, our Washington delegation, your local reps and senators!   Help this go viral...

DIRECT QUESTIONS to our friend in Lebanon: Kathleen.A.Corrigan@dartmouth.edu  

-The opening paragraph of the appeal from Lebanon: 

The Lebanon City Council just passed a resolution objecting to the freezing of federal grant programs to states and municipalities, which is going to Governor Ayotte  and to our representatives in Washington and Concord (exact date and delivery method TBD).  The resolution isn’t limited to energy and climate-oriented funding, but that’s part of it. 

Bills This Week

Tuesday, March 18: 

The only bill for public comment this week

HB224-FN relative to rebates to ratepayers from the Renewable Energy Fund (REF), Ways and Means Hearing 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 202-204)  According to The Nature Conservancy, the REF “has been utilized to fund nearly 10,000 rebates for renewable energy systems to New Hampshire homeowners, businesses, schools, towns, non-profit organizations, and other eligible entities.”  This bill would instead use those REF funds for insignificant, short-term savings on energy bills.  The real question is why the Dept of Energy allowed over $20M of funds to accumulate rather than spend them on the energy projects they were intended for, which reduce energy bills and increase energy independence for communities throughout the state.  Priority OPPOSE

                                                                     CRITICAL BILLS TO BE VOTED ON IN THE HOUSE, MARCH 20.  

Consider contacting your representatives to support or oppose the following bills.  (Yes, supporting passage of ITL bills is a long shot).

HB 278-FN, relative to proxy carbon pricing in state procurement.  ITL 11-5.   Rep. Peter Schmidt for the Minority of Executive Departments and Administration. Countries around the world are adopting carbon pricing programs. Canada, Mexico, China, and most European countries have, or are in the process, of implementing carbon pricing. These programs will increase the cost of carbon-intensive production in their domestic markets and globally. Private companies who conduct business internationally are preparing for this shift in the global market by implementing internal carbon pricing models. This bill aims to have the State of New Hampshire follow the lead of these businesses and take steps to assure the most responsible use of taxpayers’ money by factoring carbon pricing into state purchasing decisions. This bill pertains only to state purchases, it does not affect private energy consumers in any way, and does not require the state to purchase based on carbon emissions. When all factors are weighed, the state will make purchasing decisions that are most cost efficient for taxpayers. Committee voted ITL 11-5   SUPPORT

HB 199, extending the statute of limitation on civil actions relative to damage caused by per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). OTP   Rep. Marjorie Smith for the Majority of Judiciary. This bill extends the statute of limitation on civil actions brought relative to damage caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). By extending the statute of limitations to 20 years, individuals and entities have ample time to discover potential claims and have a fair and reasonable time to seek justice. In certain cases, the harm may not be evident for some time. The 20 year limit allows for thorough investigation and action designed to protect public welfare. It also may serve as a deterrent, discouraging entities to engage in misconduct. This limit balances the right of potential plaintiffs to seek justice while preventing indefinite legal liability for defendants. Committee voted OTP 10-8.  SUPPORT

STE HB 599, establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. ITL Rep. Wendy Thomas Supporting this bill is a crucial step toward reducing energy costs for New Hampshire residents while promoting healthier living conditions. Properly weatherized homes require less energy for heating and cooling, leading to lower utility bills and long-term savings for consumers. Additionally, improved insulation reduces drafts, moisture buildup, and air leaks, creating a healthier indoor environment with better air quality. By studying weatherization initiatives, this committee can identify cost-effective solutions that benefit both homeowners and the environment. Investing in weatherization will not only enhance energy efficiency but also support economic growth and sustainability for communities across the state.  Committee voted ITL 9-8.   SUPPORT

HCR 4, relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine. OTP.  The minority opposes having the state pass a resolution to ban a form of clean energy while admitting in the same sentence that we lack a complete understanding of whether the impacts will be good or bad. There are many countries with successful offshore wind installations and that information has been entirely discounted. The resolution fails to recognize that the State of New Hampshire lacks jurisdiction over federally controlled waters, and the recent lease auctions are in waters under the control of the US Department of the Interior. The only way to gain a complete understanding of the issues that will affect our citizens is to have a seat at the table. Finally, banning offshore wind as a potential source of electricity for the regional grid runs counter to our stated preference for an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy.  Committee voted OTP 9-6.    OPPOSE

 HB 221,  STE Committee relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge.TP 9-8  Rep. Ned Raynolds for the Minority of Science, Technology and Energy. This bill concerns one of the most arcane matters of state energy policy possible: the mathematical formula(s) used for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of the energy efficiency programs (collectively known as NH Saves) and, importantly, who gets to decide what those formulas are. The programs are funded through the Systems Benefits Charge (SBC), a part of every customer’s monthly bill. The programs are longstanding and far from unique to New Hampshire – in fact, those offered by NH’s utilities are highly consistent with those in the other five New England states and draw on 25+ years’ experience with program design, implementation, and cost-effectiveness evaluation in over 30 states across the country. Nonetheless, three years ago  our 3-member Public Utilities Commission (PUC) nearly “blew up” the suite of programs by refusing to approve the triennial renewal of the program package despite rigorous Evaluation, Measurement & Verification (EM&V) reports – a mandatory aspect of the programs – having consistently shown that every dollar of SBC funds spent produces >$3 in short and long-term energy savings. The blowback was so big that the legislature had to get involved and enact a law (HB 549) codifying the specific, well-established and well-understood mathematical formulas that the Public Utilities Commission should use in conducting its triennial reviews. This bill would go back on that widely supported agreement to now authorize the PUC to open a docket to potentially change the formulas or even develop new formulas.  Committee voted OTP 9-8 .   OPPOSE

 HB 535-FN SCI, TECH, ENERGY, relative to defining the role of the public utilities commission. This bill attempts to clarify the policy making and investigative functions of the Department of Energy (DOE) as separate and distinct from the independent adjudicative functions of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The committee voted ITL 9-8    OPPOSE

The link below lists each committee, its members and their contact information. Two important considerations.  

1. Only write directly to committee members for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  

2.Your subject line or first paragraph should include the bill number and your position (support/oppose). Include your name, address, and email within the body of your written testimony. Request that your written testimony be included as part of the record.  

List of committees and their members:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail . 

From CENH:

• In late 2024, the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE), launched a process to update the State Ten-Year Energy Strategy. This Strategy is updated every three years and is used to inform deliberations of the NH Public Utilities Commission, program development and administration by NHDOE, and as reference for the NH legislature. Your comments will assist NHDOE staff in compiling a comprehensive document that highlights the fact that the clean energy transition is the most cost-effective, affordable, clean, and reliable means to power a competitive New Hampshire economy.

• Please submit all written comments, ideas, and recommendations via email to SESComments@energy.nh.gov by March 31, 2025. All comments will be posted publicly on the DOE website.  

Previous editions of New Hampshire Energy plan include the following:

• 2022 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Department of Energy

• 2018 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Strategic Initiatives

• 2014 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Energy and Planning

                                                                                                         NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is March 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, March 23rd.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  March 26th 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

 -Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is March 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on April 1  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

                                                                                 BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

‘Mock NH DoE Hearing’ On Our Energy Future

Catherine Corkery, catherine.corkery@sierraclub.org, (603) 224-8222

WHAT: Finding relief from high energy bills has become well-nigh impossible. Options are harder and harder to find. We need solutions from our NH Department of Energy (NHDOE). 

NHDOE is currently preparing the next 10-Year NH Energy Strategy, which is “a platform to improve energy policies and programs to best serve New Hampshire’s needs.” We must demand that 

• energy bills should be just and reasonable, 

• clean energy options should become increasingly available, 

• utilities should act in the interest of ratepayers, not just corporate shareholders. 

🡺 But NHDOE is not hosting an official hearing – so we are hosting one!

We will record it and submit it to the state for its records. 

It is important that we, the public, share our stories, comments, experiences, and challenges. The state must hear the full range of our experiences.

• Please share your story! (You can write it out and read it, if that’s easier.) 

• Bring your friends!

• Come to hear and support others!

WHEN: Monday, March 24, 2025; 6:30-7:30 PM  (Eastern)

WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Church, 274 Pleasant St, Concord, NH 03301

You may also submit your comments directly to NHDOE at SESComments@energy.nh.gov. The deadline for comments is March 31, 2025.

More info:

• Read the NH Chapter Comments.

• Learn more about the NH Dept of Energy's 10 Year Energy Strategy

Cost: This is a free event, pre-Registration is required. Light refreshments will be served.

REGISTER HERE to participate in NH Sierra Club’s ‘Mock Energy Hearing’

The New Hampshire Rivers Council invites you to join us for our 

Sixteenth annual hosting of the Wild & Scenic® Film Festival on March 

28, 2025 at the Capital Center for the Arts BNH Stage.

https://nhrivers.org/film-festival-2025/

It's a wonderful evening of films (so many wonderful shorts), food, 

friends, and fun along with live music and door prizes. Your ticket 

includes five days of video-on-demand so that you can re-watch your 

favorities. This event sells out before the big evening so please 

consider purchasing your tickets now.

If you can't get out that night or are not in the area, there are also 

video-on-demand only tickets available.

--

Michele L. Tremblay, President, Board of Directors

New Hampshire Rivers Council

603.228.6472 - 603.796.2615 direct landline

NHRivers.org

We are a 1% for the Planet nonprofit

Events from League of Conservation Voters

• Fri, Mar 28 @ 8am · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
  2025 Climate Impacts Maple Breakfast ›

• Wed, Mar 26 @ 3pm · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
  Climate Action NH Monthly Beach Cleanup! ›

• Sat, Mar 29 @ 11am · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
  Climate Action NH Park Clean Up! ›

• Thu, Mar 27 @ 4pm · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire
  Concord Craft & Climate ›

Wednesday, March 26  1 pm  IPL Network Direct Pay Webinar     Register Here

Are you wondering how the new federal administration will impact funding for clean energy projects like solar? Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 26, from 1-2 p.m. ET as we explore Direct Pay, a critical tool for helping congregations finance sustainability projects, and its future under the new administration. Our session will cover:

• How Direct Pay works and who is eligible

• Filing details and key deadlines

• What to expect under the new administration

• How Giraffe Financial can support your congregation through the process

-Thursday, March 27 8 pm  Berlin City Hall  Dummer Yard Landfill Project Public Meeting

This focus is on PFAS and it’s proposed disposal in the state

https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/9dyweDb1I6Y

                                                                                  TAKE ACTION

From CENH:  Our new report in partnership with Ski NH highlights the urgent need for expanded EV charging infrastructure to sustain the state’s $7 billion tourism industry, warning that policy inaction could drive away EV-driving visitors and cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in lost revenue by 2031—the equivalent of an entire season without tourists.

Funding is crucial for public charging along highways and within communities, as New Hampshire risks losing ground to Vermont and Maine, which are making significant investments to secure travelers from southern New England and Canada.  CONTACT the governor, town officials 

See What’s Being Said

• Study claims NH could lose $1.4 billion in tourism revenue if more EV chargers aren't built

• Rural New England needs EV chargers to keep tourism revenue flowing. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them.

• Lack of EV charging infrastructure could cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in tourist dollars

-Carbon tax and Dividend legislation:  In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

-How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students.

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

QUICK, EASY, IMPORTANT

Please help support this Plastic Working Group (NH Network) petition urging NH grocery stores to stop giving plastic bags at grocery store check-outs.  The more signatures we get, the more compelling our testimony will be with the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and our conversations with grocery store CEOs.  It’s not enough – but it’s a huge first step in coping with plastic pollution. 

Online petition to sign, & to share widely on social media: bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

Paper petition to circulate at meetings, with neighbors:  bit.ly/paperNOplasticBAGS

Did You Know? Global production of plastics increased from 2 million metric tonnes in 1950 to 400 million metric tonnes in 2015. Production and use of plastics nearly doubled in the last 20 years and are expected to double again over the next 20, and quadruple by the early 2050s.

Did You Know? A 2022 report found that only 5% to 6% of plastics in the U.S. are recycled.

Did You Know? NH has 2.7 billion pounds of grocery bags in landfills now and forever because plastic does not decompose, it just breaks apart, as each year another 65 million lbs. of grocery plastic bag waste is added in NH.   

What we ask of you:  Help us get to 10,000 signatures by the end of April!!  Just share this link to our online petition bit.ly/noPLASTICbags with friends, family, neighbors, members of groups to which you belong, including religious groups!  Share in your social media, in person, and at group meetings.  (You can reassure people that this is to show support for the concept, and their emails will NOT be shared without permission.) 

RESOLUTIONS

Thanks to all who are acting on the Lebanon petition.  There is no time for a statewide resolution to get passed around, so please USE THIS TEMPLATE, changing Lebanon-specific wording to what fits your town/city.  It is the 3rd item down on this link.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/take-action/take-action-list  

Town not interested? or want to do more, and faster?  call, snail mail, email the Gov, Exec Council, AG Formella, our Washington delegation, your local reps and senators!   Help this go viral...

DIRECT QUESTIONS to our friend in Lebanon: Kathleen.A.Corrigan@dartmouth.edu  

-The opening paragraph of the appeal from Lebanon: 

The Lebanon City Council just passed a resolution objecting to the freezing of federal grant programs to states and municipalities, which is going to Governor Ayotte and to our representatives in Washington and Concord (exact date and delivery method TBD).  The resolution isn’t limited to energy and climate-oriented funding, but that’s part of it. 

Two important opportunities - on the same night and time.  Look to attend one.

-NH Network co-sponsored  Climate Change and Food Security: Challenges and Choices Wednesday, March 12 6-7 pm

Presenter Lewis H. Ziska  was Project Leader for Global Climate Change at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, followed by a 25-year career at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Through his botanical lens, he documents the impact of climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels on human health, examining allergies, nutrition, plant-based medicine and pesticide exposure. Dr. Ziska was a contributor to the 1995, 2001, 2007, 2014, 2022 International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and the 2014 and 2018 National Climate Assessment (NCA) (Public Health Chapter and Air quality chapter respectively).   Dr. Ziska is currently an Associate Professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University.

-The White House Effect Film Screening – An Important Climate Action History Lesson!

Wednesday, March 12th, 2025 6 to 8 pm   Red River Theatres Concord, NH

Free admission – register here:  https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/759021/

Join the League of Conservation Voters and Climate Action NH on Wednesday, March 12th at Red River Theater in Concord to view a new film, The White House Effect. This film does have a particular New Hampshire connection with the depiction of the undue influence of John Sununu on national and global climate inaction at a time that was an inflection point in environmental history, especially in hindsight!

Good News

- Federal legislation has just been introduced banning EPS coolers, peanuts, and food serviceware...a little hope maybe.Federal bills introduced in both the House & Senate to ban EPS packaging foam.

HOUSE BILL 

SENATE BILL

-Update on two friendly lake bills covering yard waste and lake enforcement.  Copy and paste and this link

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/lakes/FMfcgzQZTgMlmGJxPvgZVkzCbTMPBC

Opportunities:

Board Opportunity

My name is Dan Roy, President of Granite Advancement Project, a 501(c)3 New Hampshire charitable organization.  We recently received our IRS determination letter for Tax Exempt status. Our registration number is 93-2404503nwith the NH SOS.

We are focused on  solar, in particular solar energy that benefits Low-Moderate Income households.  I work as a solar site finder and work with 2 solar companies to install those systems that I find.  I already have 15 MW in process and I now have another 35 projects that I am trying to secure sites.  I expect to have a $20M business in the next year.  I have submitted proposals on the herox.com platform under Community power Accelerator and completed the UNH program to develop new solar developers.  I work using the UNH pro forma tool and use the SUNDA project\ to estimate actual build costs for an array.  I use the Eversource Grid Twin tool to assess sites. I have 100% access to all of the data to make valid assessments on projects.

This is the issue I am dealing with.  In order to submit my 990 to the IRS, I have to update my registration with the NH SOS, certifying I have  a minimum of 5 members on the Board.  Through last August, we did, but one of our members decided she could not work with us any longer.  So, I need at least 1 more member to submit my required filings.  I am actually looking for 4 new members for our board.

If you have members in your organization who would have an interest in our mission, I would welcome them to inquire for more information from me.  We would love to have to visit with us  and ask questions of our mission and what we want to do.

Please direct any interested members to me, Daniel dor, at droy8661@gmail.com or 603-793-8022..  Katrin Kasper of CleanEnergyNH.com recommended I contact you.  We are located in Raymond, NH

Job Opportunities:   The NH Network website has a Job Listings page.  Currently there's a remote job for a scientist with Beyond Plastics and several jobs listed by the NRRA.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/job-listings

BILLS THIS WEEK

Wednesday, March 12:

HB 1  2 pm House Finance Committee  This is a day long review framing the budget.  Contact your representatives on HB 1 and urge them not to raid the Renewable Energy Fund.  A current proposal would move a surplus balance of 10 million dollars to the General Fund.  Why aren't they using the REF to fund projects around the state to help reduce energy bills and increase energy independence? Shifting these ratepayer funds from the REF to the General Fund is inappropriate.  OPPOSE 

HB 2 2pm House Finance Committee to streamline permitting and to move certain permit reviews from Fish and Game to DES.  The controversy is to balance housing development vs. protection of habitat and wetlands.  

What will the impact be on threatened and endangered species and their habitat, for wetlands and waterbodies, and for abutters and their property and their water sources?  Will Fish & Game and DNCR be able to do their important work without these positions? Will DES be able to do all of the required reviews sufficiently?   Contact your representative:  “Don’t go too far in streamlining this review process.”  OPPOSE

There are executive sessions (no public hearings) on the following climate, energy or environment bills this week.  Feel free to write the committees if you have pertinent new information PRIOR TO the Executive Sessions.  

 NH HB 96 Title: requiring New Hampshire builders to use the 2021 Energy Building codes or a similar code that achieves equivalent or greater energy savings. -- (Meeting: House Executive Departments and Administration | Mar 12, 2025 11:00 AM, LOB, Room 306-308, Executive Session 11:00 AM)

- NH HB 266 Title: relative to structural changes to the department of energy. -- (Meeting: House Science, Technology and Energy | Mar 10, 2025 01:00 PM, LOB, Room 302-304, Full Committee Work Session 09:00 AM; Executive Session 01:00 PM)

- NH HB 416 Title: prohibiting the intentional disposal of yard waste into the surface waters of the state. -- (Meeting: House Criminal Justice and Public Safety | Mar 07, 2025 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 202-204, Executive Session 10:00 AM)

- NH HB 450 Title: relative to commercial property assessed clean energy and resiliency (C-PACER) -- (Meeting: House Science, Technology and Energy | Mar 10, 2025 01:00 PM, LOB, Room 302-304, Full Committee Work Session 09:00 AM; Executive Session 01:00PM)

- NH HB 601 Title: relative to causes of action against companies that misstate the impacts of their business on the environment. -- (Meeting: House Judiciary | Mar 10, 2025 01:00 PM, LOB, Room 206-208, Executive Session 01:00 PM)

- NH HB 759 Title: relative to community energy generators. -- (Meeting: House Science, Technology and Energy | Mar 10, 2025 01:00 PM, LOB, Room 302-304, Full Committee Work Session 09:00 AM; Executive Session 01:00 PM)

- NH HB 761 Title: relative to customer energy storage. -- (Meeting: House Science, Technology and Energy | Mar 10, 2025 01:00 PM, LOB, Room 302-304, Full Committee Work Session 09:00 AM; Executive Session 01:00 PM)

The link below lists each committee, its members and their contact information. Two important considerations.  

1. Only write directly to committee members for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  

2.Your subject line or first paragraph should include the bill number and your position (support/oppose). Include your name, address, and email within the body of your written testimony. Request that your written testimony be included as part of the record.  

List of committees and their members:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail . 

From CENH:

• In late 2024, the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE), launched a process to update the State Ten-Year Energy Strategy. This Strategy is updated every three years and is used to inform deliberations of the NH Public Utilities Commission, program development and administration by NHDOE, and as reference for the NH legislature. Your comments will assist NHDOE staff in compiling a comprehensive document that highlights the fact that the clean energy transition is the most cost-effective, affordable, clean, and reliable means to power a competitive New Hampshire economy.

• Please submit all written comments, ideas, and recommendations via email to SESComments@energy.nh.gov by March 31, 2025. All comments will be posted publicly on the DOE website.  

Previous editions of New Hampshire Energy plan include the following:

• 2022 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Department of Energy

• 2018 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Strategic Initiatives

• 2014 New Hampshire 10-Year State Energy Strategy – NH Office of Energy and Planning

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is March 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, March 23rd.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  March 26th 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

 -Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is March 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on April 1  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Thursday, March 13 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM From Xerces Society (champion of pollinators):  Facts Are Not Enough: Science Communication and Audience Emotions

This event will be recorded and posted to: the Xerces Society YouTube channel

Unfortunately, there isn't "one weird trick" to communicating bug science. We know that emotions are important in persuading people and encouraging evidence-based decision making. But how do you make a real connection in a time of misinformation and political division? Join Gwen Pearson, science communicator and entomologist, to explore this topic in our upcoming webinar.

This webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

Wednesday, March 26  1 pm  IPL Network Direct Pay Webinar     Register Here

Are you wondering how the new federal administration will impact funding for clean energy projects like solar? Join us for a webinar on Wednesday, March 26, from 1-2 p.m. ET as we explore Direct Pay, a critical tool for helping congregations finance sustainability projects, and its future under the new administration. Our session will cover:

• How Direct Pay works and who is eligible

• Filing details and key deadlines

• What to expect under the new administration

• How Giraffe Financial can support your congregation through the process

-Thursday, March 27 8 pm  Berlin City Hall  Dummer Yard Landfill Project Public Meeting

This focus is on PFAS and it’s proposed disposal in the state

https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/9dyweDb1I6Y

TAKE ACTION

From CENH:  Our new report in partnership with Ski NH highlights the urgent need for expanded EV charging infrastructure to sustain the state’s $7 billion tourism industry, warning that policy inaction could drive away EV-driving visitors and cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in lost revenue by 2031—the equivalent of an entire season without tourists.

Funding is crucial for public charging along highways and within communities, as New Hampshire risks losing ground to Vermont and Maine, which are making significant investments to secure travelers from southern New England and Canada.

See What’s Being Said

• Study claims NH could lose $1.4 billion in tourism revenue if more EV chargers aren't built

• Rural New England needs EV chargers to keep tourism revenue flowing. The Trump administration is making it harder to build them.

• Lack of EV charging infrastructure could cost New Hampshire $1.4 billion in tourist dollars

Carbon Lax and Dividend legislation:  In a nutshell, charge companies for polluting the atmosphere and distribute those proceeds as dividends to the American public

-How and why to close the growing U.S. carbon price gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation

See bit.ly/cfdresources for information about the Carbon Fee and Dividend policy and tell Congress to do it at cclusa.org/write-cfd.

Share cfdmovement.org with students.

Go to bit.ly/2024-climate-voter-information-project and carboncashback.org to learn how you can help voters weigh in on effective and fair climate solutions in your town's next election. Talk about climate change with candidates before elections and elected officials after: bit.ly/2024-talk-climate-with-candidates.

And please join John Gage at citizensclimatelobby.org to learn more ways to help create the political will for a livable world.

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-Plastics Read "Making a single change can cut your microplastics intake from 90,000 to 4,000 particles per year" on SmartNews: https://l.smartnews.com/p-jlm3B9K/qN2qa4

-From Jon Swan

-Video summary of last night’s Claremont meeting re:landfills and waste

Last night's(3/07)  public hearing in Claremont was true "Community Power" on full display...well done, Claremont!  

 Video  shot from the public hearing...definitely worth a watch, very intelligent, informed, compelling testimony from so many!    Must see!

NHDES Public Hearing Acuity Recycling Services Permit Modification Claremont NH 3 6 2025

QUICK, EASY, IMPORTANT:  Please help support this Plastic Working Group (NH Network) petition urging NH grocery stores to stop giving plastic bags at grocery store check-outs.  The more signatures we get, the more compelling our testimony will be with the NH Solid Waste Working Group, and our conversations with grocery store CEOs.  It’s not enough – but it’s a huge first step in coping with plastic pollution.  

Online petition to sign, & to share widely on social media:  bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

Paper petition to circulate at meetings, with neighbors:  bit.ly/paperNOplasticBAGS

                                                               UPCOMING CO-SPONSORED NH NETWORK EVENTS:

-Remember Winter - Film Screening & Discussion  Friday, March 7th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Please join the New Hampshire Network and Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) NH for a virtual screening of a local, award-winning short film followed by a discussion with the movie creator.  New England-based independent filmmaker Gabriel Andrus was inspired by his grandfather's old photos and recollections of New England's winters. Gabriel's film centers on his ski trip down through New Hampshire and his conversations with New Englanders and scientists about our changing climate and its impacts on lives

Movie Trailer

 Register

-Climate Change and Food Security: Challenges and Choices Wednesday, March 12 6-7 pm

Presenter Lewis H. Ziska  was Project Leader for Global Climate Change at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, followed by a 25-year career at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. Through his botanical lens, he documents the impact of climate change and rising carbon dioxide levels on human health, examining allergies, nutrition, plant-based medicine and pesticide exposure. Dr. Ziska was a contributor to the 1995, 2001, 2007, 2014, 2022 International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and the 2014 and 2018 National Climate Assessment (NCA) (Public Health Chapter and Air quality chapter respectively).   Dr. Ziska is currently an Associate Professor in Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University.

-Good news update on landfills:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTVqMPSpjDBWLMsTptzpvtPsw

-Board Opportunity:    My name is Dan Roy, President of Granite Advancement Project, a 501(c)3 New Hampshire charitable organization.  We recently received our IRS determination letter for Tax Exempt status. Our registration number is 93-2404503nwith the NH SOS.

We are focused on  solar, in particular solar energy that benefits Low-Moderate Income households.  I work as a solar site finder and work with 2 solar companies to install those systems that I find.  I already have 15 MW in process and I now have another 35 projects that I am trying to secure sites.  I expect to have a $20M business in the next year.  I have submitted proposals on the herox.com platform under Community power Accelerator and completed the UNH program to develop new solar developers.  I work using the UNH pro forma tool and use the SUNDA project\ to estimate actual build costs for an array.  I use the Eversource Grid Twin tool to assess sites. I have 100% access to all of the data to make valid assessments on projects.

This is the issue I am dealing with.  In order to submit my 990 to the IRS, I have to update my registration with the NH SOS, certifying I have  a minimum of 5 members on the Board.  Through last August, we did, but one of our members decided she could not work with us any longer.  So, I need at least 1 more member to submit my required filings.  I am actually looking for 4 new members for our board.

If you have members in your organization who would have an interest in our mission, I would welcome them to inquire for more information from me.  We would love to have to visit with us  and ask questions of our mission and what we want to do.

Please direct any interested members to me, Daniel dor, at droy8661@gmail.com or 603-793-8022..  Katrin Kasper of CleanEnergyNH.com recommended I contact you.  We are located in Raymond, NH

-Job Opportunities:   The NH Network website has a Job Listings page.  Currently there's a remote job for a scientist with Beyond Plastics and several jobs listed by the NRRA.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/job-listings

-From Governor Shaheen’s office:   Our office will accept CDS applications which have been extended until Friday, March 7th.    The portal to submit FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests to the Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is now open.    To access the FY2026 CDS application portal, please click HERE.              

Bills This Week

Network’s explanations of key bills and to submit online comments: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

 The link below lists each committee, its members and their contact information. Two important considerations.  

1. Only write directly to committee members for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  

2.Your subject line or first paragraph should include the bill number and your position (support/oppose). Include your name, address, and email within the body of your written testimony. Request that your written testimony be included as part of the record.  Additionally, put that same information into the online remote testimony upload or “type your testimony below section”  so others can read it, and it will be part of the official record.  When submitting testimony, do not cut and paste.  As much as possible, write in your own words.  

List of committees and their members:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail . 

Monday, March 3:

-HB 372 10:30 am House Municipal Committee  Relative to containing costs for energy projects.  This bill will make bundling of equipment more difficult and costs will be higher.  OPPOSE

Tuesday, March 4:

-SB 232  9:20 am  Senate Energy and Natural Resources.  Clarifying and securing compensation of net metering.  SUPPORT

Wednesday, March 5:

-HB610  10:30 am Executive Departments.  Relative to seeking to replace the office of the consumer advocate whose independence works on behalf of individual ratepayers.  OPPOSE

 -HB 639  10:00  Commerce and Consumer Affairs (executive session - contact committee members directly.  There is no public comment)    Relative to the negative outcomes of crypto mining.  OPPOSE

There is still time to support these Clean Energy NH recommendations.

1.PRESERVE RENEWABLE ENERGY FUNDS:  The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) in New Hampshire, established in 2007, is designed to support both electrical and thermal renewable energy projects. Administered by the New Hampshire Department of Energy (NHDOE), the REF offers financial assistance through various programs, including rebates and competitive grants. Over the past 18 years the REF has assisted NH communities, schools, housing authorities, businesses, and manufacturers invest in the local, clean energy sources that reduce their own energy costs while also benefiting the entire state economy. There is currently $20.7 million that has accumulated in the REF, more than $15 million of which are “uncommitted”. The first draft of the budget contemplates removing $10 million dollars from the REF to fund regular state government activities.  

Write the House Finance Committee

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail :

 -The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) (RSA 362-F) was specifically designed to promote renewable energy and lower compliance costs over time by increasing the availability of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). By taking REF funds and using them for other purposes, this budget will increase compliance costs and electric bills.

- A much better approach would be for the Governor to direct the Department of Energy to adopt a REF budget proposal that quickly gets these dollars back into the pockets of Granite Staters in the form of grants or rebates for renewable energy technologies.

2.CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES:  The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aims to build a network of fast and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. NH was set to receive approximately $17.2 million over five years from this program, however, this program has been suspended by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the current administration. This freeze also affects the recent EV funding award for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program that would focus on supporting local communities in developing local public charging infrastructure.

The freeze will delay the installation of additional chargers, damaging the New Hampshire economy by impairing our competitiveness with our neighbors. A recent Ski NH/CENH report highlights the need for NH to invest in such public charging and can be accessed here.  

Tell Governor Ayotte that this EV charging funding matters to NH.

- By expanding EV charging networks, New Hampshire can keep its competitive edge in the tourism industry,  drawing in EV driving out-of-state visitors who otherwise would go to Vermont or Maine. Without this investment the state risks losing as much as $1.4 billion in revenue between now and 2031.

 -Electric mobility is much more affordable than gas vehicles, but without public charging is limited to those who can charge at home. Ensuring NEVI and CFI funds are deployed effectively will bring EV charging to underserved and rural areas, giving all residents—regardless of location or whether they own a home—access to affordable modern transportation options.

                                                                            NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

Plastics WG subgroup, Plastic bag initiative, March 2, 6pm:  Strategies to get petitions to the most people, the timeline for doing that, our approach to grocery CEO’s, and testimony for the NH Solid Waste Working Group. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85237809530?pwd=uCuJQdAfBIAxuoOFPCBlLVqPYLtaIH.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on March 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  March 12th 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb862KTV5j

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is March 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, March 23rd.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

 -Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is March 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year. 

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

                                                                         BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. From NH Association of Conservation Commissions (NHACC) State Conservation Funding Sources Webinar, 

A variety of state conservation funding programs will once again participate in a joint webinar, providing an overview of each program’s funding priorities, eligibility requirements, application process, and schedule. 

Invited presenters include:

·         State Conservation Committee Conservation Grants (Moose Plates)

·         NH DES Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund (DWG TF) 

·         NH DES Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program (ARM) 

·         NH DNCR Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) 

·         USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 

·         NH Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP) 

·         NH Dept. of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, Ag. Land Preservation Program (tentative)

Advance Registration is Required!

To register, email ndecarolis@lchip.org. Please include “State Conservation Funding Webinar” in the subject line. A detailed agenda with time slots for each presenter will be sent in advance only to those who pre-register. 

Thursday, March 13 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Xerces Society (champion of pollinators):  Facts Are Not Enough: Science Communication and Audience Emotions

This event will be recorded and posted to: the Xerces Society YouTube channel

Unfortunately, there isn't "one weird trick" to communicating bug science. We know that emotions are important in persuading people and encouraging evidence-based decision making. But how do you make a real connection in a time of misinformation and political division? Join Gwen Pearson, science communicator and entomologist, to explore this topic in our upcoming webinar.

This webinar will be recorded and available on our YouTube channel. Closed Captioning will be available during this webinar.

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan. 

There is a lot here, but worth one’s time.  Here is a letter from Paul Friedrichs, Board Chair, NH Healthy Climate explaining the importance of this multi meeting action group. (Yes, it is long and worth a read)

https://mailchi.mp/cf23f1db4f34/nhs-new-climate-action-plan-a-letter-from-our-board-chair?e=ab94b9ea7f

 And here’s how to SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan:  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, you’ll see links for accessing materials and notes, more information, and registration access for all five working groups below. More info at: https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan  (bottom of the page)

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.: March 11, April 15, May 13.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:   March 11, April 15, May 13

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:   March 12, April 16, May 14.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

                                                                                                     TAKE ACTION

-From CENH:  Currently, we are waiting out a 90-day pause on any spending from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL). New Hampshire is expected to receive more than $200 million dollars from these two bills. Those funds will be used to make critical investments that will reduce energy costs and improve economic competitiveness. These investments will improve energy security for the states most vulnerable, diversify our energy system insulating us from market fluctuations, and expand the availability of public EV charging infrastructure supporting our critical travel and tourism sector.

These dollars are a once in a generation opportunity, and our leaders need to know that Granite Staters want the federal government to honor the promise it made when it signed a contract to deliver these funds. In the weeks that come, we at Clean Energy NH will be tracking where things stand with each of these programs and will do our best to keep you all up to date with where things stand with each of them, but we need you to get involved.

The benefits of these programs can’t fade from attention. What can you do? Plenty. Send a letter to the editor, write a note to your local elected officials, or reach out to the Governor’s office about how much these programs will do for New Hampshire…whatever you can take the time for. Your actions, big or small, will help move the needle.

Fix our Forests Act:  (From our friends at Standing Tree in Vermont- click Fix Our For  

OVERVIEW  

NH NETWORK - TWO UPCOMING EVENTS:

• Landfills’ Impacts on Public Health, Quality of  Life, and Climate Change Wednesday, February 26 from 6 to 8. Cosponsored by NH Healthy Climate and NH Network Webinar.

Register: bit.ly/LandfillsIMPACT

• Remember Winter - Film Screening & Discussion  Friday, March 7th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Please join the New Hampshire Network and Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) NH for a virtual screening of a local, award-winning short film followed by a discussion with the movie creator.  New England-based independent filmmaker Gabriel Andrus was inspired by his grandfather's old photos and recollections of New England's winters. Gabriel's film centers on his ski trip down through New Hampshire and his conversations with New Englanders and scientists about our changing climate and its impacts on lives

Movie Trailer

Register

• Energy working group recording of the February 20th meeting are available here (Scroll down to the date).

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy

We had an open agenda and discussed ways to get more than just "the regulars" to come to town energy events, ideas for getting townspeople to support voting for community power, and  ideas for thinking ahead to get your town interested in buying at least one electric vehicle. 

• Board Opportunity:    My name is Dan Roy, President of Granite Advancement Project, a 501(c)3 New Hampshire charitable organization.  We recently received our IRS determination letter for Tax Exempt status. Our registration number is 93-2404503nwith the NH SOS.

We are focused on  solar, in particular solar energy that benefits Low-Moderate Income households.  I work as a solar site finder and work with 2 solar companies to install those systems that I find.  I already have 15 MW in process and I now have another 35 projects that I am trying to secure sites.  I expect to have a $20M business in the next year.  I have submitted proposals on the herox.com platform under Community power Accelerator and completed the UNH program to develop new solar developers.  I work using the UNH pro forma tool and use the SUNDA project\ to estimate actual build costs for an array.  I use the Eversource Grid Twin tool to assess sites. I have 100% access to all of the data to make valid assessments on projects.

This is the issue I am dealing with.  In order to submit my 990 to the IRS, I have to update my registration with the NH SOS, certifying I have  a minimum of 5 members on the Board.  Through last August, we did, but one of our members decided she could not work with us any longer.  So, I need at least 1 more member to submit my required filings.  I am actually looking for 4 new members for our board.

If you have members in your organization who would have an interest in our mission, I would welcome them to inquire for more information from me.  We would love to have to visit with us  and ask questions of our mission and what we want to do.

Please direct any interested members to me, Daniel dor, at droy8661@gmail.com or 603-793-8022..  Katrin Kasper of CleanEnergyNH.com recommended I contact you.  We are located in Raymond, NH

• ACTION request:  John Gage, NH state coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby needs our help.   John has repeatedly asked Rep. Vose, Chairman of the NH House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to invite the state’s climatologist to an informational hearing to the STE.  Rep. Vose and the GOP majority on his committee do not accept the scientific consensus that global warming is due to climate pollution from fossil fuels and that policy changes are needed for our safety and economic well-being.   Please ask Chairman Vose to invite Dr. Mary Stampone to speak.  michael@nhrepvose.com or 603-734-4084

• Job Opportunities:   The NH Network website has a Job Listings page.  Currently there's a remote job for a scientist with Beyond Plastics and several jobs listed by the NRRA.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/job-listings

• From Governor Shaheen’s office:   Our office will accept CDS applications which have been extended until Friday, March 7th.    The portal to submit FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests to the Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is now open.    To access the FY2026 CDS application portal, please click HERE.              

BILLS THIS WEEK

The Senate and House are in recess this week.  (Hearings and Executive meetings listed at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y )

Clean Energy NH recommends ACTIONS WE CAN TAKE: 

1.PRESERVE RENEWABLE ENERGY FUNDS:  The Renewable Energy Fund (REF) in New Hampshire, established in 2007, is designed to support both electrical and thermal renewable energy projects. Administered by the New Hampshire Department of Energy (NHDOE), the REF offers financial assistance through various programs, including rebates and competitive grants. Over the past 18 years the REF has assisted NH communities, schools, housing authorities, businesses, and manufacturers invest in the local, clean energy sources that reduce their own energy costs while also benefiting the entire state economy. There is currently $20.7 million that has accumulated in the REF, more than $15 million of which are “uncommitted”. The first draft of the budget contemplates removing $10 million dollars from the REF to fund regular state government activities.  

WRITE THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE   https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail :

 >     The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) (RSA 362-F) was specifically designed to promote renewable energy and lower compliance costs over time by increasing the availability of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). By taking REF funds and using them for other purposes, this budget will increase compliance costs and electric bills.

 >   A much better approach would be for the Governor to direct the Department of Energy to adopt a REF budget proposal that quickly gets these dollars back into the pockets of Granite Staters in the form of grants or rebates for renewable energy technologies.

2. CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES:  The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aims to build a network of fast and reliable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the country. NH was set to receive approximately $17.2 million over five years from this program, however, this program has been suspended by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the current administration. This freeze also affects the recent EV funding award for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program that would focus on supporting local communities in developing local public charging infrastructure.

The freeze will delay the installation of additional chargers, damaging the New Hampshire economy by impairing our competitiveness with our neighbors. A recent Ski NH/CENH report highlights the need for NH to invest in such public charging and can be accessed here.  

Tell Governor Ayotte that this EV charging funding matters to NH.

>    By expanding EV charging networks, New Hampshire can keep its competitive edge in the tourism industry,  drawing in EV driving out-of-state visitors who otherwise would go to Vermont or Maine. Without this investment the state risks losing as much as $1.4 billion in revenue between now and 2031.

 >   Electric mobility is much more affordable than gas vehicles, but without public charging is limited to those who can charge at home. Ensuring NEVI and CFI funds are deployed effectively will bring EV charging to underserved and rural areas, giving all residents—regardless of location or whether they own a home—access to affordable modern transportation options.

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Wednesday at 8pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  February 26th.    

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89678394652?pwd=G85BzRaiqM3UhsQMvmz7eC8BnnI0Lq.1

Meeting ID: 896 7839 4652   Passcode: 345723

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb862KTV5j

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on March 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, March 9th.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is March 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

 -Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is March 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.  (There is no February meeting.)

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders  Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well?  Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources.  Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result. 

REGISTER HERE

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan. 

There is a lot here, but worth one’s time.  Here is a letter from Paul Friedrichs, Board Chair, NH Healthy Climate explaining the importance of this multi meeting action group. (Yes, it is long and worth a read)

https://mailchi.mp/cf23f1db4f34/nhs-new-climate-action-plan-a-letter-from-our-board-chair?e=ab94b9ea7f

 And here’s how to SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan:  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, you’ll see links for accessing materials and notes, more information, and registration access for all five working groups below. More info at: https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan  (bottom of the page)

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.: March 11, April 15, May 13.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:   March 11, April 15, May 13

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:   March 12, April 16, May 14.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

TAKE ACTION

-From CENH:  Currently, we are waiting out a 90-day pause on any spending from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL). New Hampshire is expected to receive more than $200 million dollars from these two bills. Those funds will be used to make critical investments that will reduce energy costs and improve economic competitiveness. These investments will improve energy security for the states most vulnerable, diversify our energy system insulating us from market fluctuations, and expand the availability of public EV charging infrastructure supporting our critical travel and tourism sector.

These dollars are a once in a generation opportunity, and our leaders need to know that Granite Staters want the federal government to honor the promise it made when it signed a contract to deliver these funds. In the weeks that come, we at Clean Energy NH will be tracking where things stand with each of these programs and will do our best to keep you all up to date with where things stand with each of them, but we need you to get involved.

The benefits of these programs can’t fade from attention. What can you do? Plenty. Send a letter to the editor, write a note to your local elected officials, or reach out to the Governor’s office about how much these programs will do for New Hampshire…whatever you can take the time for. Your actions, big or small, will help move the needle.

Fix our Forests Act:  (From our friends at Standing Tree in Vermont- click Fix Our For  

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-From Climate X  Change Webinar recording:

American Perspective on Climate Policy: How Data Can Drive Climate Communications and Bolster Policy Initiatives

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTMHNfHwWtjxhCXBtZlXmnFMQ

-Unpacking the Life Cycle of a Plastic Bag

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTClwNTDvLldXLKmfzNXvcXNt?compose=GTvVlcRwQZlgFPgFHCNVtbMPPdtkLbjClrWbKGGTlcVhrStWCGQcCltzKnhBzXpQbtlDnbjrvtPdB&projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

What’s Happening at the NH Network!

LEGISLATIVE AND MEETING EDITION   Week of February 16th 

OVERVIEW

NH NETWORK - TWO UPCOMING EVENTS:

Landfills’ Impacts on Public Health, Quality of  Life, and Climate Change Wednesday, February 26 from 6 to 8

Cosponsored by NH Healthy Climate and NH Network Webinar:  

 REGISTER   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FEk-pTpCTeSpGILyrgUjSw#/registration

VIEW MORE:  https://www.nhclimatehealth.org/our-events/landfills-impacts-on-public-health-quality-of-life-and-climate-change

-Remember Winter - Film Screening & Discussion  Friday, March 7th from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Please join the New Hampshire Network and Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) NH for a virtual screening of a local, award-winning short film followed by a discussion with the movie creator.  New England-based independent filmmaker Gabriel Andrus was inspired by his grandfather's old photos and recollections of New England's winters. Gabriel's film centers on his ski trip down through New Hampshire and his conversations with New Englanders and scientists about our changing climate and its impact.   Register

-ACTION request:  John Gage, NH state coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby needs our help.   John has repeatedly asked Rep. Vose, Chairman of the NH House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to invite the state’s climatologist to an informational hearing to the STE.  Rep. Vose and the GOP majority on his committee do not accept the scientific consensus that global warming is due to climate pollution from fossil fuels and that policy changes are needed for our safety and economic well-being.   Please ask Chairman Vose to invite Dr. Mary Stampone to speak.  michael@nhrepvose.com or 603-734-4084

-Job Opportunities:   The NH Network website has a Job Listings page.  Currently there's a remote job for a scientist with Beyond Plastics and several jobs listed by the NRRA.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/job-listings

Good News:

-Governor Ayotte announces a one year moratorium on land fills.

WMUR Report:  https://youtu.be/0THD6uALrco

-From the Sierra Club:   HB683 was voted to be Inexpedient to Legislate, the nice way to say it is killed!!  This is the ATV, or OHRV, bill that would have threatened abutter notification and allowed ATVs on state roads in 5 new counties!  Learn more here

-From Clean Energy NH:

SB 4 New Hampshire legislators voted unanimously in the House to adopt this bill which is a loan mechanism that enables commercial property owners to access low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their properties. This financing is provided by private capital providers and repaid over time through a special assessment on their property tax bill, and there are zero government expenditures required to enable this program.  HEADING TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK

-SB 106, which received unanimous support in the Senate and will move on to the Senate Finance Committee next. This bill includes language that extends the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 tariff for 20-years and an amendment expands the net-metering cap to 5 MW for commercial and industrial customers. This takes away the uncertainty of financing for renewable energy projects and ensures that projects currently in the development pipeline can get built. It also will provide much-needed bill relief for New Hampshire's largest energy consumers.

-HB575 which would prohibit offshore wind infrastructure received a bipartisan Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) in the House Science Technology and Energy Committee. When a bill is recommended for ITL, it means the committee believes the bill should not proceed to become law, so it is now extremely unlikely to pass in the House. The committee agreed that this bill was very likely unconstitutional.

-From Governor Shaheen’s office:   Our office will accept CDS applications until Friday, February 28th.    The portal to submit FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) requests to the Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen is now open.    To access the FY2026 CDS application portal, please click HERE.

                                                                                                          Bills This Week

Link to the Network’s explanations of key bills:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

To submit online comments, or simply to sign in : 

To the House:  https://gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx

To the Senate: https://gc.nh.gov/remotecommittee/senate.aspx

You can also directly write to a House committee.  The link below lists each committee, its members and their contact information – an important tool for contacting the entire committee.  Two important considerations.  

1. Only write directly to committee members for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  

2.Your subject line or first paragraph should include the bill number and your position (support/oppose). Include your name, address, and email within the body of your written testimony. Request that your written testimony be included as part of the record.  Additionally put that same information into the online remote testimony upload or “type your testimony below section”  so others can read it, and it will be part of the official record.  When submitting testimony, do not cut and paste.  As much as possible, write in your own words.  

List of committees and their members:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail . 

Tuesday, February 18:

SB 233  9 AM   ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES  Establishing an energy reliability and large-scale storage task force.  SUPPORT

SB 227 10:20 am  ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES.  Relative to site setbacks for landfills.    SUPPORT

HB 692 9 am SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY (STE)  Relative to utility companies adopting advanced meters   SUPPORT

HB 755  9:30 am   STE   Relative to the state's electric utility market   SUPPORT

HB 761  10 am      STE   Relative to customer energy storage   SUPPORT

HB 759   2 pm       STE   Relative to community energy generators    SUPPORT

HB 760 2:30 PM    STE  Relative to utility default service  SUPPORT 

Wednesday, February 19

HB 314  1 pm  HOUSE LEGISLATIVE  Prohibiting the use of federal, state, or local funds for lobbying activities.    OPPOSE                  

                                                                                          NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

 Plastics WG - subgroup February 16, 6 pm   Plastic bag initiative and steps forward.  Say “no” to plastic bags.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85237809530?pwd=uCuJQdAfBIAxuoOFPCBlLVqPYLtaIH.1

Now we can focus on strategies to get those petitions to the most people, the timeline for doing that, and what we'll request from the grocery CEOs when we've got our stack of petitions.

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is February 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

(From Mary Beth Raven):  Things have been CRAZY lately, so let's have an open agenda for people to compare.  Possible topics are:

• What have other towns done to build local interest in clean energy projects? How do you reach a broad population of residents-- beyond some "clean energy" regulars?

• Experiences with affordable battery storage systems for municipalities with small (25kWh) solar systems

• Strategies to encourage adoption of a warrant article for a community power reserve fund at Town Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, February 23rd.  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  February 25th.   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88500361450?pwd=imTtJG8fUYXg50QAdRmE5Y5VEaUlk9.1

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is February 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  The next meeting is March 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

                                                                              BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders  Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well?  Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources.  Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result. 

REGISTER HERE

Let the schools in your district know!!  >  From NH Energy Education Program (NHEEP)  -  hands-on workshops brought into classrooms, k-12.  (May be able to offer for free.)

https://veep.org/teachingpartnerships/

also a summer workshop for teachers, June 23-27

https://veep.org/summerinstitute/

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan. 

There is a lot here, but worth one’s time.  Here is a letter from Paul Friedrichs, Board Chair, NH Healthy Climate explaining the importance of this multi meeting action group. (Yes, it is long and worth a read)

https://mailchi.mp/cf23f1db4f34/nhs-new-climate-action-plan-a-letter-from-our-board-chair?e=ab94b9ea7f

 And here’s how to SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan:  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, you’ll see links for accessing materials and notes, more information, and registration access for all five working groups below. More info at: https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan  (bottom of the page)

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.: March 11, April 15, May 13.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:   March 11, April 15, May 13

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:   March 12, April 16, May 14.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  March 13, April 17, May 15.

                                                                                            TAKE ACTION

-See legislative summary to take action

-From CENH:  Currently, we are waiting out a 90-day pause on any spending from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL). New Hampshire is expected to receive more than $200 million dollars from these two bills. Those funds will be used to make critical investments that will reduce energy costs and improve economic competitiveness. These investments will improve energy security for the states most vulnerable, diversify our energy system insulating us from market fluctuations, and expand the availability of public EV charging infrastructure supporting our critical travel and tourism sector.

These dollars are a once in a generation opportunity, and our leaders need to know that Granite Staters want the federal government to honor the promise it made when it signed a contract to deliver these funds. In the weeks that come, we at Clean Energy NH will be tracking where things stand with each of these programs and will do our best to keep you all up to date with where things stand with each of them, but we need you to get involved.

The benefits of these programs can’t fade from attention. What can you do? Plenty. Send a letter to the editor, write a note to your local elected officials, or reach out to the Governor’s office about how much these programs will do for New Hampshire…whatever you can take the time for. Your actions, big or small, will help move the needle.

Fix our Forests Act:  (From our friends at Standing Tree in Vermont- click Fix Our Forests)

-Third Act offers a number of local meetings and action opportunities.   Review these options at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSsNNLqvTRzmTGmhWnPLBdnPB

                                                                                  FEED YOUR BRAIN

-From Climate X  Change Webinar recording:

American Perspective on Climate Policy: How Data Can Drive Climate Communications and Bolster Policy Initiatives

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTMHNfHwWtjxhCXBtZlXmnFMQ

-Unpacking the Life Cycle of a Plastic Bag

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTClwNTDvLldXLKmfzNXvcXNt?compose=GTvVlcRwQZlgFPgFHCNVtbMPPdtkLbjClrWbKGGTlcVhrStWCGQcCltzKnhBzXpQbtlDnbjrvtPdB&projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

-PFAS suits limited to six years

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/01/30/those-harmed-by-forever-chemicals-have-six-years-to-sue-in-nh-lawmakers-want-more-time/?emci=ba0fadee-7ede-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&emdi=d2571bbc-01df-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&ceid=149101

What’s Happening at the NH Network!

LEGISLATIVE AND MEETING EDITION   Week of February 9th

 OVERVIEW

NH Network Webinar:  Unwrap the Future III: Reuse and Zero Waste as the New Normal

Monday, February 10, 2025, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Registration Link

How do we overcome the comfort of our throw-away society? Do we have alternatives? What will they cost us? 

In Unwrap the Future III: Reuse and Zero Waste as the New Normal, we will hear from extraordinary individuals who have created the opportunities, the infrastructures, and the local and state policies to do an end-run around plastic and waste. They are also exposing the presence of toxics in plastics. They are giving new options to local restaurants. They are engaging youth. They are helping us change behavior, to say “No” to plastics and to waste.   Presenters include Patsy Beffa-Negrini, PhD, RDN, Plastics Working Group Founding Member & Webmaster, Crystal Dreisbach, CEO, Upstream, upstreamsolutions.org ,  Kirstie Pecci, Executive Director, Just Zero, just-zero.org,  Sue Inches, Author, Educator, Environmental Advocate, sueinches.com, Kristine Baber, Dover Plastics Reduction Group and Founding Member of the NH Network Plastics Working Group, Susan Richman, Durham Waste Reduction Committee, Karen Ebel, New Hampshire State Legislator

 NH Healthy Climate and NH Network Webinar:  Landfills’ Impacts on Public Health, Quality of  Life, and Climate Change

 Wednesday, February 26 from  6 pm to 8 pm

REGISTER   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FEk-pTpCTeSpGILyrgUjSw#/registration

VIEW MORE:  https://www.nhclimatehealth.org/our-events/landfills-impacts-on-public-health-quality-of-life-and-climate-change

• ACTION request:  John Gage, NH state coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby needs our help.   John has repeatedly asked Rep. Vose, Chairman of the NH House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to invite the state’s climatologist to an informational hearing to the STE.  Rep. Vose and the GOP majority on his committee do not accept the scientific consensus that global warming is due to climate pollution from fossil fuels and that policy changes are needed for our safety and economic well-being.   Please ask Chairman Vose to invite Dr. Mary Stampone to speak.  michael@nhrepvose.com or 603-734-4084

• ACTION request:  Please sign a petition asking NH’s grocery chains to stop the give-away of single-use plastic bags.     bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

• Job Opportunities:   The NH Network website has a Job Listings page.  Currently there's a remote job for a scientist with Beyond Plastics and several jobs listed by the NRRA.    https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/job-listings

• Good News:

1.  Governor Ayotte comments on Lake Forest landfill:

Candidate for governor Ayotte said she opposed placing a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park.Last week she cranked that up a notch.

Ayotte said landfill developer Casella Waste Systems would do well to hit the brakes.“I really hope those that have proposed that project in Dalton rethink what they are doing,” Ayotte said. “It is not just me who doesn’t think it is the right thing.”

But Ayotte stressed that the application process before state officials will not be disrupted as long as Casella wants to try.“The Department of Environmental Services has a legal process that it has to follow; I am not going to interfere in that legal process,” Ayotte said.

When a reporter asked if she was going to “do anything” to advance her opposition to the project, Ayotte answered, “I just did.”

2. From CENH:  The House Transportation Committee voted unanimously (16-0) to recommend that HB 182-FN, which seeks to prohibit electric vehicles in commercial parking garages, is "Inexpedient to Legislate" (ITL).  When a bill is recommended for ITL, it means the committee believes the bill should not proceed to become law, so it is now extremely unlikely to pass in the House. 

3.  Good climate news clip from Ecosia  https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=84bmqj2xNrk

4. From Governor Shaheen’s office: Our office will accept CDS applications until Friday, February 28th. To access the FY2026 Congressionally Directed Spending application portal, please click HERE.

Bills This Week

How to submit online comments: 

Link to overview on bills:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

• The link lists the House committees, their members and their contact information.  It is an important tool for contacting the entire committee.  Two important considerations.  One, only use it for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  Two, put the information into the upload testimony “type your testimony below section”  so it becomes part of the official record.  Include your name, address, and email within the body of your written testimony. testimony.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail . 

In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide.  IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record. 

• When submitting testimony, do not cut and paste.  As much as possible, write in your own words.  

 Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. The Network is a volunteer-driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

Monday, February 10:

HB 567  STE (Science, technology and energy)  9 AM Relative to the elimination of useful thermal energy from renewable energy classes  OPPOSE

HB 681 STE 10:30 AM  Establish a statewide energy data platform SUPPORT

HB 723  STE 2 PM    Repeal the multi-energy platform  OPPOSE

HB 690  STE 3 PM Direct the Department of Energy to investigate withdrawing from ISO New England  OPPOSE

Tuesday, February 11:

SB 228  9:40 AM ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES  Increase access to community solar power  SUPPORT

HB 619 1 PM  HOUSE FINANCE   Million dollar appropriation for waste management fund  SUPPORT

SB272 1:30 PM  SENATE TRANSPORTATION    Create funding mechanism for more EV charging stations SUPPORT

Wednesday, February 12:

HB 683  1 PM  HOUSE RESOURCE AND RECREATION   Expands off road recreational vehicles to five new counties without abutter notification  OPPOSE

NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, February 9th  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  February 11th.   https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88500361450?pwd=imTtJG8fUYXg50QAdRmE5Y5VEaUlk9.1

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is February 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is February 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  The next meeting is March 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders  Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well? Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources. Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result. 

REGISTER HERE

-Week of February 11th IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan. 

There is a lot here, but worth one’s time.  Here is a letter from Paul Friedrichs, Board Chair, NH Healthy Climate explaining the importance of this multi meeting action group. (Yes, it is long and worth a read)

https://mailchi.mp/cf23f1db4f34/nhs-new-climate-action-plan-a-letter-from-our-board-chair?e=ab94b9ea7f

 And here’s how to SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan:  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, you’ll see links for accessing materials and notes, more information, and registration access for all five working groups below. More info at: https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

 TAKE ACTION

-See legislative summary to take action

-From CENH:  Currently, we are waiting out a 90-day pause on any spending from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act (BIL). New Hampshire is expected to receive more than $200 million dollars from these two bills. Those funds will be used to make critical investments that will reduce energy costs and improve economic competitiveness. These investments will improve energy security for the states most vulnerable, diversify our energy system insulating us from market fluctuations, and expand the availability of public EV charging infrastructure supporting our critical travel and tourism sector.

These dollars are a once in a generation opportunity, and our leaders need to know that Granite Staters want the federal government to honor the promise it made when it signed a contract to deliver these funds. In the weeks that come, we at Clean Energy NH will be tracking where things stand with each of these programs and will do our best to keep you all up to date with where things stand with each of them, but we need you to get involved.

The benefits of these programs can’t fade from attention. What can you do? Plenty. Send a letter to the editor, write a note to your local elected officials, or reach out to the Governor’s office about how much these programs will do for New Hampshire…whatever you can take the time for. Your actions, big or small, will help move the needle.

Fix our Forests Act: (From our friends at Standing Tree in Vermont- click Fix Our Forests)

We are joining 150 allied organizations in the Climate Forests Coalition to call on Senators across the country to oppose the Fix our Forests Act. This bill, which may be rushed through the Senate without committee hearings and testimony, allows dramatically-expanded logging on federal lands without environmental review or public input, under the misleading guise of addressing fires like the recent mega-fires in Los Angeles. You can use our template to send a letter to your Senators telling them to vote NO on this disastrous bill and support effective fire harm reduction strategies like home hardening, defensible spaces, better-planned development, and (of course!) climate action.

• Third Act offers a number of local meetings and action opportunities.   Review these options at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSsNNLqvTRzmTGmhWnPLBdnPB

 FEED YOUR BRAIN

-Network recordings of recent webinars:  Legislative Preview (January 27th) and  Managing NH's Unruly Utilities: The Indispensable role of the consumer advocate

 (January 22nd)

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events

-Unpacking the Life Cycle of a Plastic Bag

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZTClwNTDvLldXLKmfzNXvcXNt?compose=GTvVlcRwQZlgFPgFHCNVtbMPPdtkLbjClrWbKGGTlcVhrStWCGQcCltzKnhBzXpQbtlDnbjrvtPdB&projector=1&messagePartId=0.1

-PFAS suits limited to six years

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/01/30/those-harmed-by-forever-chemicals-have-six-years-to-sue-in-nh-lawmakers-want-more-time/?emci=ba0fadee-7ede-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&emdi=d2571bbc-01df-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&ceid=149101

-Climate X Change:  

Their mission is to achieve a rapid and equitable transition towards a zero-emissions economy by advancing state climate policy.  Building actionable research tools, facilitating cross-state collaboration, and designing tailored policy solutions.  Helping state policymakers and advocates to implement solutions that meet the urgency of the climate crisis.   The website offers national and state progress across number of energy/environmental issues.   https://climate-xchange.org/mission-impact/

LEGISLATIVE EDITION   Week of February 3rd

Legislative outcomes for NH lake bills:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzQZSsMFKKttPrlNMWDWChnJSKML

NH Network Webinar:  Unwrap the Future III: Reuse and Zero Waste as the New Normal

Monday, February 10, 2025, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Registration Link

How do we overcome the comfort of our throw-away society? Do we have alternatives? What will they cost us? 

In Unwrap the Future III: Reuse and Zero Waste as the New Normal, we will hear from extraordinary individuals who have created the opportunities, the infrastructures, and the local and state policies to do an end-run around plastic and waste. They are also exposing the presence of toxics in plastics. They are giving new options to local restaurants. They are engaging youth. They are helping us change behavior, to say “No” to plastics and to waste.   Presenters include Patsy Beffa-Negrini, PhD, RDN, Plastics Working Group Founding Member & Webmaster, Crystal Dreisbach, CEO, Upstream, upstreamsolutions.org ,  Kirstie Pecci, Executive Director, Just Zero, just-zero.org,  Sue Inches, Author, Educator, Environmental Advocate, sueinches.com, Kristine Baber, Dover Plastics Reduction Group and Founding Member of the NH Network Plastics Working Group, Susan Richman, Durham Waste Reduction Committee, Karen Ebel, New Hampshire State Legislator

-ACTION request:  John Gage, NH state coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Lobby needs our help.   John has repeatedly asked Rep. Vose, Chairman of the NH House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to invite the state’s climatologist to an informational hearing to the STE.  Rep. Vose and the GOP majority on his committee do not accept the scientific consensus that global warming is due to climate pollution from fossil fuels and that policy changes are needed for our safety and economic well-being.   Please ask Chairman Vose to invite Dr. Mary Stampone to speak.  michael@nhrepvose.com or 603-734-4084

-ACTION request:  Please sign a petition asking NH’s grocery chains to stop the give-away of single-use plastic bags.     bit.ly/noPLASTICbags

On Tuesday this petition will be shared with the House Environment & Agriculture Committee, as part of the testimony in support of HB479, to decrease solid waste.

Single-use plastic bags are a burden to towns and taxpayers for processing tons of excess, unnecessary waste. 

Single-use plastic bags contaminate land and water everywhere, lasting hundreds of years.

Every step in the “life” of single-use plastic bags, in the volumes consumed today, causes harm to people and the planet.  

Ask your friends, groups, networks to sign as well -- by Monday night!

-How to submit online comments:

—>Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

IMPORTANT:  In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide.  IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.   An easy way to participate:

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills

—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills

—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee 

https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

 Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.

What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?

Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions.   If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email.   In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.

Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.

The Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

                                                                                      Bills This Week:  

-This link provides further detail on each bill

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y   

-The link lists the House committees, their members and their contact information.  It is an important tool for contacting the entire committee.  Two important considerations.  One, only use it for substantial information that should be considered by committee members - NOT just "please pass this important bill" - or we'll weaken the power of this more direct tool.  Two, put the information into the upload testimony “type your testimony below section”  so it becomes part of the official record.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/13SX_reQBVTLMaVmPjHDiTXOGoWblYeeJ_3keug06SpI/htmlview?usp=gmail

-When submitting testimony, do not cut and paste.  As much as possible, write in your own words.  

Monday, February 3:

The position of these five bills are offered by Clean Energy New Hampshire

HB682  Relative to the office of offshore wind industry, the offshore and port development commission, and the office of energy innovation. Seeks to retard offshore wind development.  OPPOSE

HB575 FN  STE Committee 9:30 am  OPPOSE

Offshore wind is an important part of a diverse renewable energy resource portfolio. Offshore wind speeds tend to be higher and steadier than land wind speeds which increases its value to the grid, thereby increasing New Hampshire’s energy security. A ban could stall progress toward greater energy independence.  OPPOSE

HCR4   STE Committee (Science, Technology and Energy) 10:30 am   Relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine.   OPPOSE

HB 219   STE Committee 1 pm   Relative to the phasing out of the minimum electric renewable portfolio standard. 

The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) has been a cornerstone of New Hampshire’s energy policy since 2007, fostering a diverse, sustainable, and local energy economy. Across New Hampshire, this market-driven program has successfully incentivized investments in building new renewable energy infrastructure while also extending the life of existing renewable energy sources.  This bill seeks to phase out the RPS, a move that would cause significant impact to clean energy projects in New Hampshire. Repealing or weakening this crucial program would jeopardize years of progress and undermine the benefits it brings to communities across the state.   OPPOSE

HB 567 FN  STE Committee 2 pm  Thermal energy technologies—such as biomass heating, geothermal systems, and solar thermal—play a crucial role in diversifying New Hampshire’s renewable energy portfolio and the Thermal-Renewable Energy Credits (T-RECs) program is one of a very few tools NH municipalities have to reduce the cost of heating large institutional buildings like schools or county offices. Removing this option would harm the state’s forestry sector, as well as efforts to encourage more use of geothermal heating.  OPPOSE

Tuesday, February 4:

HB 479  Environment and Agriculture   1 pm   

Establishing a committee to study the use and problems associated with regulating the distribution and disposal of certain solid waste within landfills and transfer centers.   SUPPORT

This is an action alert about the hearing on HB479.  The language does not specify plastic bags, as this is an open-ended study committee, but this is our only opportunity this year to discuss plastic pollution in a way we hope will not become adversarial.   In addition to signing in and offering testimony, please

Sign the NH Network online petition here:  bit.ly/noPLASTICbags asking grocery store chains to voluntarily eliminate the practice of providing free single-use plastic bags at checkouts. We expect this petition to be used Tuesday in testimony.

Anyone who has been collecting signatures on a paper petition:  Please photograph and send to susan7richman@gmail.com by Monday evening.  

-HB 392 Human Services and Elderly Affairs  9:30 AM 

There was significant concern expressed at tonight's EJ Roundtable meeting regarding this bill, coming up next week, and its inevitable impact on our nascent climate plan and the energy, climate and environmental projects in development around NH, should this bill pass. It needs to not leave the House.

If passed it will dissolve the Governor's Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion, the Department of Health and Human Services; Office of Health Equity. Department of Environmental Services; Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Programs. OPPOSE.

HB 541  STE 1 30 pm

Establishing a committee to study energy and telecommunications infrastructure survivability and resiliency.  (The fine print:  only study for extreme cases like terrorism)  OPPOSE

HB 707 Environment and Agriculture 2 pm   Requiring the department of environmental services to establish a site-specific setback distance for proposed new landfills.  SUPPORT

HB 10  Enviro and Agriculture  3:30 pm  Recognizing the fundamental right to have clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment.  SUPPORT

Friday, February 6  

HCR 1 State and Federal  1pm   A resolution calling for policymakers locally and nationally to fully consider all relevant information and factors pertaining to climate change before pursuing courses of action that could adversely affect any economy or environment.  Misleading wording.  See further detail on the website.  OPPOSE

                                                                                         NH NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  The next meeting is February 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, February 9th  The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is  February 10th.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is February 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is February 26th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

                                                                                    BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

February 5th, 4 pm  Taking Action for Wildlife is a four-part series that will provide participants with information and resources related to conservation actions they can take for wildlife, including protecting priority habitats for wildlife, wildlife corridors and road crossings, wildlife considerations for trails, and outreach and community engagement focused on wildlife and habitats. Taking Action for Wildlife is a partnership among UNH Cooperative Extension, the NH Fish & Game Department and NH Association of Conservation Commissions

https://www.takingactionforwildlife.org/resource-library/2025-wildlife-webinar-series?org=785&lvl=100&ite=33844&lea=868407&ctr=0&par=1&trk=a0WRh0000030J5lMAE://

-February 6  Noon.   State of the State: Clean Energy in NH  Sam Evans-Brown, Clean Energy NH
This opening session will feature a high-level overview of clean energy in NH, with guest Sam Evans-Brown of Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit working toward a decarbonized energy future for NH. What do NH conservation commissions need to know about clean energy in NH? Why is it important to work toward a decarbonized energy system and what would that look like in our state? What are the major programs and policies that enable clean energy deployment in our communities? How does all this relate to conservation and environmental stewardship? Join us to explore these questions as we kick off our 2025 Earth Day series. Sponsored by New Hampshire Association of Conservation Commissions    REGISTER HERE 

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qid_oQnSQvmc7N7u4cnQFw#/registration

-Friday, February 7, 2025 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm EST   60 State Street, Boston

Winds of Change – EBC 12th Annual New England Regional Offshore Wind Conference

REGISTRATION | AGENDA      This hybrid program will also be hosted on Zoom.

EBC remains committed to our community and the offshore wind industry across New England, bringing everyone together to learn and discuss. The upcoming conference brings together a diverse array of offshore wind professionals to discuss construction activities, New England agency leadership and their commitments, misinformation, the impact of the recent Executive Order, and more.   

As always, in-person attendance provides a great opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals – engineers, consultants, construction professionals, developers, researchers, and more.

February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders  Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well? Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources. Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result.

REGISTER HERE

-Week of February 11th IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan.  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, see the links below for accessing materials and notes.  More information and registration access for all five working groups can be found here:

https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

                                                                                            TAKE ACTION

-See legislative summary to take action

-Third Act offers a number of local meetings and action opportunities.   Review these options at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSsNNLqvTRzmTGmhWnPLBdnPB

-Speak up about Claremont waste depot proposal

Just before Valentine’s Day, Claremonters can show some love to our community and care for our children and grandchildren’s future. On Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. there will be a public hearing at the Claremont Opera House on a proposal to turn Claremont Junction into an industrial waste depot for toxic construction and demolition (C&D) debris. Residents are invited to voice their concerns to the state Department of Environmental Services.

The applicant, Acuity Management Inc., seeks state approval for a major modification to a permit first issued in 1987 for a small, local recycling operation collecting cans and bottles, scrap metal, cardboard and newspapers. Construction and demolition debris and solid waste were explicitly prohibited in that permit. At 500 tons daily, Acuity’s proposal is completely beyond what the city and the state approved 38 years ago. Claremont, which might produce four tons of C&D a day citywide, takes the appropriate position that an industrial C&D waste-transfer operation is a prohibited use and that a zoning variance is required.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment agreed with city planners in 2022 that Acuity’s project is impermissible. Acuity claims there is no change of use, thus no need to obtain local approval. Acuity has filed a threatening lawsuit against Claremont challenging local zoning. Acuity’s DES permit application feels like an end run on the City Code and an insult to the community

                                                      FEED YOUR BRAIN

-Network recordings of recent webinars:  Legislative Preview (January 27th) and  Managing NH's Unruly Utilities: The Indispensable role of the consumer advocate

 (January 22nd)

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events

-Uplifting 5  minute video on the success of repackaging.  AND, the ACCENTS are great.

https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/videos/rising-to-the-challenge-of-reuse?mc_cid=926c54b200&mc_eid=1962c239ce

-PFAS suits limited to six years

https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/01/30/those-harmed-by-forever-chemicals-have-six-years-to-sue-in-nh-lawmakers-want-more-time/?emci=ba0fadee-7ede-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&emdi=d2571bbc-01df-ef11-88f8-0022482a9579&ceid=149101

-Climate X Change:  

Their mission is to achieve a rapid and equitable transition towards a zero-emissions economy by advancing state climate policy.  Building actionable research tools, facilitating cross-state collaboration, and designing tailored policy solutions.  Helping state policymakers and advocates to implement solutions that meet the urgency of the climate crisis.   The website offers national and state progress across a number of energy/environmental issues.   https://climate-xchange.org/mission-impact/

What’s Happening at the NH Network

Legislation Summary/Week of January 26th

OVERVIEW

Monday January 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM  NH NETWORK WEBINAR

Legislative Preview by  Representative Caplan, Representative Thomas, and Senator Watters. Registration: Which bills of this legislative session will promote sustainability in New Hampshire – and which will hold us back? Three stalwart environmental champions from the New Hampshire House and the Senate share their views of the year ahead, suggesting ways we can best support their efforts to pass critical bills impacting our natural resources and energy systems. 

We’ll make sure you know how. There will be a quick tutorial on how to register your opinion, either in person or online. Join us!

 The Network January 22nd webinar, The Indispensable Role of the Consumer Advocate webinar recording is available.  (Scroll down to the recording.)

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events

Don Kries asked all New Hampshire Network members to communicate with their House representatives to express opposition to House Bill 610.”Relative to repealing the office of the consumer advocate” https://legiscan.com/NH/bill/HB610/2025

Network members will be notified once a hearing date is set.

BILLS THIS WEEK

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

Monday, January 27

-HB 221  STE  9:30 am  This bill modifies the system benefit charges (SBC) assessed on electric bills, which goes to fund public benefits programs, including energy efficiency and low-income programs. NHSaves and the Electric Assistance Program depend on these funds.   OPPOSE

-HB 224  STE 10 am   HB 224 would rebate the balance of the Renewable Energy Fund (REF) to ratepayers—offering them a few dollars per year, at the cost of long-term investments in clean energy technologies that reduce energy costs, create jobs, and drive local economic growth. The bill would rebate funds “in excess of administrative costs and incentive payments” but is unclear what would be left to fund programs such as low-to-moderate income community solar, and the newly created municipal solar grant program, which provide access to clean energy for underserved populations. OPPOSE

-HB 460 STE 2:30 pm  This bill aims to ensure that the interests of customer-generators and limited producers receive credit for the value they produce and the costs they avoid, in comparison to the benefits claimed by the utility in its investment proposal. The new legal language inserted into the current law specifies that the PUC must assess these “distributed energy costs” that customers and smaller producers generate (e.g. solar, wind, thermal), and how they impact the state's energy services market. SUPPORT

Tuesday, January 28

-HR 13  House Environment 3 pm    Opposing the permitting of a landfill next to Forest Lake State Park in Dalton, New Hampshire.  SUPPORT

-SB 65 Senate Energy and Resources  9 am   This bill exempts solar arrays from additional requirements not applicable to other types of development. This change would simplify the regulatory framework surrounding solar energy projects, thus encouraging their development.  SUPPORT

-SB 106 Senate Energy 9:20 am  Extends the Net Energy Metering (NEM) 2.0 tariff for 20 years, taking away the uncertainty of financing for renewable energy projects.  SUPPORT

-HB 566  Environment and Agric.  10 am   Permit for a new landfill will require a detailed plan outlining how leachate will be collected, stored, transported off-site, and processed; must detail contractual arrangements with entities involved in leachate transport and processing, ensuring enforceability and capacity to handle leachate throughout the landfill's operational life and post-closure period.  SUPPORT

-HB 504  STE  10 am  This bill revises the state energy policy in a manner that de-emphasizes energy diversity and innovation in the Granite State.  OPPOSE

-HB 300 House Public Works  11 am   This bill mandates the Dept of Transportation issue a request for proposals for utilization of the Conway Branch rail line as an operational railroad. Furthermore, the bill establishes a study committee to explore the future of railroads in NH.  SUPPORT

-HB 100  House Public Works  11 am  This bill amends current law to prohibit the Dept of Transportation from using state funds (including toll credits) for planning, construction, operation, or management of new passenger rail projects.  OPPOSE

-HB 355 House Environment 1 pm  This bill changes a member on the solid waste working group and extends the due dates for interim and final reports.  SUPPORT

-HB 171  House Environment 2 pm   Establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills.  SUPPORT

Wednesday, January 29

-HB 199  House Judiciary  9 30 am  This bill extends the statute of limitation on civil actions brought relative to damage caused by PFAS from 6 to 20 years.  SUPPORT

-HB 278  House Executive  11:15 am  This study will help our state leaders understand the likelihood, impacts, and how to prepare NH for federal carbon pricing.  SUPPORT

Thursday, January 30

-HB 451-FN  House Commerce and Consumer  10 am   This bill would amend RSA 149-M to create a paint stewardship program, managed by manufacturers or a representative organization, which would submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Services detailing collection, management, funding through fees, and site distribution.  Could become a model for future waste disposal bills, with the producer helping with cost of disposal (e.g plastic, packaging, bottles...)

SUPPORT  

How to submit online comments:

—>Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

IMPORTANT:  In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide.  IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.  

 An easy way to participate:

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills

—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills

—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee

https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

 Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do? 

Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions.   If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email.   In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.

Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.

The Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

 NH NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, January 26th    The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is January 28th.   

https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264

Minutes from Jan 14 meeting:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/105PY2hQtCbFpfAszLt3kucb0QeogamAag-ohv1IfOW8/edit?tab=t.0

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is January 29th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  The next meeting is February 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is February 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

 BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is reaching out to share an update on the regional implementation grant award announced by the EPA in July 2024:

The coalition of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island is requesting input on program design for the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, funded by EPA's CPRG program. The Accelerator is a multi-state effort led by Connecticut to accelerate the adoption of cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ASHP), ground-source heat pumps (GSHP), and heat pump water heaters (HPWH) across New England.  The timeline below includes opportunities for input.

January 29, 2025: due date for RFI responses to CT DEEP.

The RFI will inform and be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Regional Implementer in late February 2025.

For further information about the New England Heat Pump Accelerator program, feel free to reach out to NHDES’ Clean Air Act Grant Manager, Brendan Wyman, brendan.j.wyman@des.nh.gov.

Anyone can respond to this RFI. We are particularly interested in responses from current implementers of midstream programs, community-based organizations, and other market actors (including distributors, manufacturers, and contractors). Responses from organizations or individuals in any of the coalition states are encouraged.

January 30  6 pm Finding Yout Place in Third Act NH:  a statewide zoom meeting focused on climate solutions

https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/

February 5th, 4 pm  Taking Action for Wildlife is a four-part series that will provide participants with information and resources related to conservation actions they can take for wildlife, including protecting priority habitats for wildlife, wildlife corridors and road crossings, wildlife considerations for trails, and outreach and community engagement focused on wildlife and habitats. 

https://www.takingactionforwildlife.org/resource-library/2025-wildlife-webinar-series?org=785&lvl=100&ite=33844&lea=868407&ctr=0&par=1&trk=a0WRh0000030J5lMAE://

February 6  Noon.   State of the State: Clean Energy in NH  Sam Evans-Brown, Clean Energy NH
This opening session will feature a high-level overview of clean energy in NH, with guest Sam Evans-Brown of Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit working toward a decarbonized energy future for NH. What do NH conservation commissions need to know about clean energy in NH? Why is it important to work toward a decarbonized energy system and what would that look like in our state? What are the major programs and policies that enable clean energy deployment in our communities? How does all this relate to conservation and environmental stewardship? Join us to explore these questions as we kick off our 2025 Earth Day series.    REGISTER HERE     

Friday, February 7, 2025 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm EST   60 State Street, Boston

Winds of Change – EBC 12th Annual New England Regional Offshore Wind Conference

REGISTRATION | AGENDA      This hybrid program will also be hosted on Zoom.

EBC remains committed to our community and the offshore wind industry across New England, bringing everyone together to learn and discuss. The upcoming conference brings together a diverse array of offshore wind professionals to discuss construction activities, New England agency leadership and their commitments, misinformation, the impact of the recent Executive Order, and more.

As always, in-person attendance provides a great opportunity to network with a wide variety of professionals – engineers, consultants, construction professionals, developers, researchers, and more.

February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders  Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well? Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources. Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result.

REGISTER HERE

Week of February 11th IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan.  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, see the links below for accessing materials and notes.  More information and registration access for all five working groups can be found here:

https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

Registration link.

Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

TAKE ACTION                  

See legislative summary above!

A climate change petition that may be of interest.  https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/751104/

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-”Green banking” opportunity.   https://www.rivers-mountains-greenfaith.org/divestment-workshops

-Climate X Change:  

Their mission is to achieve a rapid and equitable transition towards a zero-emissions economy by advancing state climate policy.  Building actionable research tools, facilitating cross-state collaboration, and designing tailored policy solutions.  Helping state policymakers and advocates to implement solutions that meet the urgency of the climate crisis.   The website offers national and state progress across a number of energy/environmental issues.   https://climate-xchange.org/mission-impact/

Here is an update:  both hopeful and otherwise news:

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSsCzGMQxJTpRlcCZTPWNFJnM

-Decarbonizing Concrete by NH’s from Sustainable Hanover

https://sustainablehanovernh.org/newsletter-behind-the-scenes/decarbonizing-concrete

-The Hawaiian Supreme Court has refused to block the state’s lawsuit trying to hold Oil companies accountable for climate damages.   This marks the 4th since 2023 that the justices declined to consider an appeal from oil companies in the growing lawsuits they face. 

Time Sensitive:   Clean Energy NH and Senator Shaheen's office are asking for your story.

On Tuesday, January 21 there will be a hearing on HB96:  requiring New Hampshire builders to use the 2021 Energy Building codes or a similar code that achieves equivalent or greater energy savings.

By Monday, please write Chris Skoglund at chris@cleanenergynh.org with your personal stories about the challenges of less efficient homes, to help paint the picture for why building code adoption is necessary. 

Some examples could be difficulty paying for energy bills with these current frigid temps, or losing power in the winter and a house wouldn’t hold heat.  Have you done an energy audit,  weatherization upgrades, etc.   Your story can help make the case for better building codes.

                                                                      Upcoming NH Network Webinars:  

-Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 5:30 - 6:30 pm

Managing New Hampshire's Unruly Utilities:  The Indispensable Role of the Consumer    Advocate    Registration Link

New Hampshire is one of roughly 45 states with an officially designated advocate for the interests of utility ratepayers.  However, the Legislature will soon consider a bill, HB 610, that would abolish the office altogether or absorb it into another state agency 

Don Kreis, who has served for nearly nine years as Consumer Advocate, will explain why an independent ratepayer advocate is more critical than ever for New Hampshire at the state, regional, and federal levels. The session will cover:  

What is a consumer advocate and how do NH ratepayers benefit from having one?

How does a consumer advocate work with the NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC)?

How does a consumer advocate work with the ISO-NE Consumer Liaison Group? (and what IS the Consumer Liaison group? and why should you care?)

Consumer Advocate Kreis will discuss his efforts to reform New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission and regional regulator ISO-New England and the current efforts to abolish his office. 

Why Attend: Don Kreis is a champion of initiatives that have benefited NH ratepayers and that the current PUC seems eager to roll back:  the energy efficiency programs of NH Saves, stable prices for ratepayers opting out of community power arrangements, and the benefits of net metering for all NH ratepayers, as determined in the recently commissioned “Dunsky” study.  Don Kreis added up the items in the small print to warn us that Eversource rate increases would amount to 42%.  Will his advocacy cost him his position?  Consumer Advocate Donald Kreis has been indispensable for New Hampshire ratepayers.  

-Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Legislative Preview   by  Representative Caplan, Representative Thomas, and Senator Watters.  Registration Link

Which  bills of this legislative session will promote sustainability in New Hampshire – and which will hold us back? Three stalwart environmental champions from the New Hampshire House and the Senate share their views of the year ahead, suggesting ways we can best support their efforts to pass critical bills impacting our natural resources and energy systems.

We’ll make sure you know how. There will be a quick tutorial on how to register your opinion, either in person or online. Join us!

      Bills This Week:  

This link provides further detail on each bill   https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y   

-Tuesday, January 21:

-HB 215  House  House Environment and Agriculture  10:30 am  Requiring a landfill permit applicant to submit a report listing potential harms and benefits of the project.

SUPPORT

-HB 182 FN House Transportation 10:40 am Prohibiting electric vehicles in commercial parking garages.    OPPOSE

-HB 306 House STE Committee  10:30 am  Establishing a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms.  SUPPORT

 From John Gage

Climate bills #2 and #3 of our top climate bills for this year:  HB306 and HB96.     Please find them on the NH Bills page spreadsheet  And, please find a few friends to do this, especially for HB306.  This bill is important because it's this year's iteration of the study bill we're tracking in "A Case Study," documented at notnotter.org/a-case-study.  It would be **wonderful** to show strong public support for this study again this year to amplify a compelling story worthy of an op-ed or NHPR story!  Please ask your friends and neighbors to help (maybe show them notnotter.org/a-case-study for motivation).

For why NH should study the impacts and how to prepare for federal carbon pricing, check out the one-pager bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf or the first 20 slides at bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-presentation.  Congress must price carbon to meet our national climate goals, but other countries will eventually force us to do it.

Wednesday, January 22

-HB422-FN  House Resources, Recreation & Development 10:00 AM This is just one of four lake-friendly bills: increasing penalties for violations of the shoreland and water quality protection act. (Follow more water-friendly bills at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ol1GZ2SbIeU9pk2x0pPaviSjc-1oDrGKkMMVyxNDNus/edit?gid=0#gid=0)

-HB 96 House Executive Department and Administration  2 pm  Requiring New Hampshire builders to use the 2021 Energy Building codes or a similar code that achieves equivalent or greater energy savings.   SUPPORT  – and tell your town/city planners about this one!

Thursday, January 23

-HB 246  House Finance Committee  11 am  Directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefore.  SUPPORT

                                                                        How to submit online comments:

—>Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

IMPORTANT:  In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide.  IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.   An easy way to participate:

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills

—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills

—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee 

https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

 Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.

What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?

Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions.   If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email.   In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.

Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.

The Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

    Meeting Summary/Week of January 19th

-                                             

                                                                               NH NETWORK MEETINGS

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation.

Time Sensitive:  Statewide petition initiative to encourage supermarkets to ban single use plastic bags.

January 19 at 6 pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82200650125?pwd=hnKpMmfp9aQI1RUnRLpetZIzUbFXfK.1

Meeting ID: 822 0065 0125

Passcode: 825655

Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kphUCnmqW

-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, January 26th    The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm.  All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  The next meeting is January 28th.   Minutes from last meeting: Steering Committee minutes, Jan14’25

-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is January 29th and  will focus on environmental justice,  updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.

 https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm.  The next meeting is February 4th  

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is February 20th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  Minutes, recordings of past meetings at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy

Zoom link to attend:

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

                                                         BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-January 22, 12PM, SolSmart Info Session, Zoom. Clean Energy NH is partnering with SolSmart this spring to help NH municipalities establish smart solar zoning and permitting at the local level. They are launching a FREE program in February for interested communities, with monthly cohort meetings and customized one-on-one support. Join this Zoom meeting at Noon on Jan. 22 to learn more.   Here is their article that explores What's Next for Clean Energy in NH.

https://monadnocksustainabilityhub.org/what-next-for-clean-energy-in-nh/

-The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is reaching out to share an update on the regional implementation grant award announced by the EPA in July 2024:

The coalition of the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island is requesting input on program design for the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, funded by EPA's CPRG program. The Accelerator is a multi-state effort led by Connecticut to accelerate the adoption of cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ASHP), ground-source heat pumps (GSHP), and heat pump water heaters (HPWH) across New England.  The timeline below includes opportunities for input.

January 24, 2025:  CT DEEP is hosting a virtual Technical Conference. Interested stakeholders can register for the meeting here.

January 29, 2025: due date for RFI responses to CT DEEP.

The RFI will inform and be followed by a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Regional Implementer in late February 2025.

For further information about the New England Heat Pump Accelerator program, feel free to reach out to NHDES’ Clean Air Act Grant Manager, Brendan Wyman, brendan.j.wyman@des.nh.gov.

Anyone can respond to this RFI. We are particularly interested in responses from current implementers of midstream programs, community-based organizations, and other market actors (including distributors, manufacturers, and contractors). Responses from organizations or individuals in any of the coalition states are encouraged.

February 5th, 4 pm  Taking Action for Wildlife is a four-part series that will provide participants with information and resources related to conservation actions they can take for wildlife, including protecting priority habitats for wildlife, wildlife corridors and road crossings, wildlife considerations for trails, and outreach and community engagement focused on wildlife and habitats. 

https://www.takingactionforwildlife.org/resource-library/2025-wildlife-webinar-series?org=785&lvl=100&ite=33844&lea=868407&ctr=0&par=1&trk=a0WRh0000030J5lMAE://

-February 6  noon State of the State: Clean Energy in NH  Sam Evans-Brown, Clean Energy NH
This opening session will feature a high-level overview of clean energy in NH, with guest Sam Evans-Brown of Clean Energy NH, a nonprofit working toward a decarbonized energy future for NH. What do NH conservation commissions need to know about clean energy in NH? Why is it important to work toward a decarbonized energy system and what would that look like in our state? What are the major programs and policies that enable clean energy deployment in our communities? How does all this relate to conservation and environmental stewardship? Join us to explore these questions as we kick off our 2025 Earth Day series.    REGISTER HERE    

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/qid_oQnSQvmc7N7u4cnQFw#/registration

-Week of February 11th IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY TO SHAPE NH’s Climate Action Plan.  Join one of the 5 working groups, each creating the plan for a sector.  These plans are required in the process of NH applying for EPA Climate Pollution Reduction funds.  Meetings will be held once a month through May. If you missed the January meetings, see the links below for accessing materials and notes.  More information and registration access for all five working groups can be found here:

https://www.des.nh.gov/comprehensive-climate-action-plan

Group 1: Transportation Sector – Alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficiency, public transit and alternative modes of travel.  Group 1 will meet Tuesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

• Registration link.

• Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 2: Commercial and Residential Buildings Sector – Cleaner HVAC systems and appliances, improved energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. Group 2 will meet Tuesdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 11, March 11, April 15, May 13.

• Registration link.

• Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 3: Electrical Generation and/or Use Sector – Generation, transmission, distribution and storage.  Group 3 will meet Wednesdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 12, March 12, April 16, May 14.

• Registration link.

• Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 4: Agriculture Sector and Natural/Working Lands Sector – Land conservation and restoration, sustainable forestry and agriculture. Group 4 will meet Thursdays 9-11:00 a.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

• Registration link.

• Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

Group 5: Industry Sector and Waste/Materials Management Sector – Manufacturing, recycling, composting and waste management. Group 5 will meet Thursdays 1-3:00 p.m.:  February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.

• Registration link.

• Agenda, pre-meeting materials and post-meeting notes.

                                                                              FEED YOUR BRAIN

Local Success Stories:

Why NH Municipalities Are Investing in Clean Energy

February 27, 2025, 12 noon with Clean Energy NH circuit riders

You know about the Conservation Commission in your town... is there an Energy Commission as well? Many NH communities have energy committees and commissions tasked with helping the town invest in clean energy and energy efficiency, to save taxpayers money and shift away from out-of-state, carbon-intensive energy sources. Clean Energy NH's Energy Circuit Rider Program was set up to support municipalities in tackling complex community energy projects. CENH's team is currently supporting over 90 towns on over 200 projects statewide. We'll learn about the different kinds of projects communities are pursuing, what it takes to bring these projects to fruition, and the benefits communities are seeing as a result.

REGISTER HERE

Good News!

-Governor Ayotte in her first official speech said that there will be no landfill at Forest Lake.  Congratulations to Jon Swan and his crew for their long fight against the proposed landfill!

-The amendment to Rule 44 was voted down.

-From DES:  the state’s application for federal funding to construct community-based electric vehicle charging stations that was submitted last September: the short and sweet of it is … we got it!

This was truly a community effort for a community program – and it’s thanks to the efforts of the coalition that we were able to weave a compelling narrative.  Some non-profit participants include:  Granite State Clean Cities Coalition (GSCCC), NH Regional Planning Commissions, Clean Energy NH (CENH) and the Energy Circuit Riders (ECR), NH Automobile Dealers Association, Community College System of NH (CCSNH).

While we’re thrilled about the award, we want to caution that it’s going to take some time (could be several months) for an agreement to be executed between the federal government (The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)) and the state (N.H. Department of Transportation). 

The CFI Community Program federal $15 million award intends to fund a three-phase program, aptly named Next Level NH, which will take public Level 2 and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), in both urban/suburban and rural areas, to the next level in NH by increasing electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs throughout the state. The Team has engaged a coalition of 34 shovel-ready sites, spurred planning for seven (7) additional shovel-worthy sites.

-Possibly a worthwhile recycling opportunity: Take back trash https://www.trashie.io/ 

It has been a while since we have “exercised” our legislative muscles.  To get back in shape, here is a review on how to testify.  (Please note there are bills listed after this review.)

—>Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

IMPORTANT:  In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide.  IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.   An easy way to participate:

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills

—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)

—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills

—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee 

https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

 Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.

What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?

Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions - and they could be voted on the same day as the hearing (new this year).  Emails and online input are best sent BEFORE the hearing.    In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.

 Can check on the latest status of a bill at https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_Status/quicksearch.aspx )

The Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

How to Submit Your Position on a Bill Online

Pick a bill from the "NH Bills of Interest" table above.  Information you'll need about the bill (committee name, hearing date, bill number) is provided there.  Then browse to the appropriate Online Testimony Submission page:

House:  gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx 

Senate:  gencourt.state.nh.us/remotecommittee/senate.aspx

• Step 1.  Personal Information:  (Enter Your Name, Town, Email)

• Step 2.  Select Date of the Hearing:  (choose from the calendar)

• Step 3.  Select Bill:

  • Select the Committee: (choose from the drop-down menu)

  • Choose the Bill:  (choose from the drop-down menu)

  • I am:  A Member of the Public

  • I'm Representing:  Myself

  • Indicate Your Position on this Bill:  I Support (or Oppose) this Bill

• Step 4.  For the House, you may optionally upload a PDF or type in additional written testimony.  For the Senate, see sending testimony via email below (#4).

• Step 5.  Submit