Weekly Updates
News, Upcoming Meetings & Events, & Recent Meeting Notes
Bruce's Weekly Updates
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of January 12th
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
How to Testify on a Bill in Person at a Committee Hearingerson at a Committee Hearing
Show up before the hearing starts and prepare to give a 2 minute, concise talk. Sign up before the hearing on the sign-up sheet (also specify your position - support or oppose - there, in addition to having done so online before 8:00 am on the day of the hearing per step 2 above).
When you are called to testify: greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your name, town, qualifications (e.g. member of your town's energy committee), your position on the bill, and the reasons. Try not to repeat what you've heard in previous testimony in the hearing, but you can mention you agree with specific previous points made.
You may deliver papers as well - best to provide a copy for each member of the committee.
After you speak for the time granted to you by the Committee Chair, committee members may ask you questions. It's better to be clear and brief in your statement and hope for more time to get to some details of interest in Q&A than it is to try to speed-talk your way through a lot of material in your statement or be cut off before you get to your main point.
Bills this Week
Tuesday 01/14/2024 3:30 pm Room 302-304, Legislative Office Building,
HB106 House Science, Technology and Energy
Establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of New Hampshire and the best means of recouping such costs. SUPPORT
Here is a link to a previous NH network webinar on this topic. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events#h.mexsmakfxbcg
-From NH Municipal Association (bit beyond our mission):
You’ve heard this before, but the anti-lobbying bill is back for yet another go-around.
HB 314 is essentially the same as last year’s House Bill 1479, which is intended to cut those who represent local governments out of the legislative process (i.e., NHMA) and would affect any organization that supports, opposes, or even expresses an opinion about legislation at the State House or to legislators on behalf of the public officials or the employees it represents: police chiefs association, fire chiefs association, town clerks association, tax collectors association, health officers association, planners association, managers association, public works association—and the list goes on. OPPOSE
Upcoming legislation: (Dates are pending.)
The GOP majority in the NH Legislature does not support making tax-payer investments in energy efficiency, clean energy deployment, or electrification of transportation and heating. Helping them understand the costs to NH growing from climate pollution from fossil fuels, and the growing likelihood of a carbon price coming from above and impacting the businesses and economy of NH (bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf) could help change their minds.
A few upcoming bills will provide opportunities to do this:
LSR 0621. “relative to proxy carbon pricing in state procurement.” (reintroduction of 2024 HB1486 by Rep. Germana). New Hampshire Bulletin. 2023 testimony (updated).
LSR 0467. “establishing a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on New Hampshire's citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment.” This will help inform the legislature about the likelihood, impacts, and how NH can prepare for federal carbon pricing (ie. decarbonize the NH economy). A reintroduction of 2023 HB372 by Rep. Wendy Thomas.
HB106 (was LSR 0028) - “establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of New Hampshire and the best means of recouping such costs.” This is preparation for suing the fossil fuel industry as most other NE states have already done (the latest is Maine). It’s a follow-up of HCR5 from 2023 (sample HCR5 testimony). To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to House Science, Technology and Energy
HCR1 - 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. To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs HJ 2
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.
-Subgroup of Plastics WG, working on petitions, legislation to eliminate plastic bags from grocery stores, 6 pm January 12th. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87393187240?pwd=ljsVFY7z7FmQErhJzntKoMfCUhh9Jg.1
Meeting ID: 873 9318 7240 Passcode: 066604 Find local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiPowsXQO
-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 14th.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is January 23rd. 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
Agenda for January 23:
1. Sara Brock: Update on update on the Solsmart solar zoning
2. Bill Coder on Electrification coaching.
Rewiring America may be familiar to some for promoting electrification, energy efficiency and associated IRA benefits on the Internet. They have now trained about a thousand volunteers across the country, including a handful in NH, to be advocates and resources for home electrification. Although energy committees work on electrification at the municipal level, Rewiring America training may be of interest to some members of your communities and there are potential overlapping interests with coaches, particularly for community education. It would be great to have a short discussion about opportunities to work together.
You can check out an article Bill wrote about coach training in Green Energy Times: https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/2024/11/15/trained-volunteers-help-drive-home-electrification/
-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
-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.
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
-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, starting THIS WEEK.
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.: January 14, February 11, 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.: January 14, February 11, 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.: January 15, February 12, 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.: January 16, February 13, 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.: January 16, February 13, March 13, April 17, May 15.
-January 15, 3:30 pm Volunteer Opportunity. EPA Region 1 will be hosting a one-hour, virtual, recorded information session where you can learn more about participating in a community Air Sensor Loan Program Information Session.
This is an opportunity to work with the U.S. EPA New England on outdoor air quality monitoring.
EPA Region 1 is offering community-based organizations the opportunity to borrow PurpleAir sensors as part of an air sensor loan program. These units are user-friendly, Wi-Fi-enabled, stationary sensors that collect (PM) data, specifically PM2.5, and can transmit the data wirelessly to an online map, where you can observe the amount of PM in the air in real-time. Take a look at The loan program can be a useful community education tool since it provides a uniform framework for investigating outdoor air quality, which can empower communities to reduce emissions of and exposure to harmful PM pollution. The first round of applications are due by April 1st, 2025.
Register:
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.
TAKE ACTION
-Consider having your organization or house of worship endorse this petition,
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vsda5-zyoT_I7Pmkequ04vU_Nzn7Eeaf8DZDQ8I5a2E/edit?tab=t.0 , which makes a small request, to reduce our inundation in plastic. It should be easy for the public to understand, and requires minimal sacrifice. Complementary legislation is being offered (again!) at the State House this year.
We will amplify these petitions with LTE campaigns and letters to individual store managers (both have already started). The goal is to sit down with the administrators of NH grocery store chains, to determine a better way forward. Individual discussions with local and corporate managers suggest the stores would like to eliminate the expense of plastic bags -- but only if legislation ensures them "a level playing field" for their sustainability efforts.
If your organization is willing to endorse this petition, please send your logo to Susan Richman by January 15 . Please also share this letter with any other organization or house of worship that might be interested.
-Lake Smart supporter voluntary program for lake owners https://nhlakes.org/lakesmart/
-The NH Community Loan Fund is initiating solar and renewable energy loans via the Inflation Reduction Act. Low interest loans will be directed at low income or disadvantaged (LIDAC) communities to provide direct aid to homes for weatherization and heat pumps, and solar arrays for community centers, schools, houses of workshop or municipal buildings. In addition, there may be EV funding for municipal departments including fire and police and perhaps, EV funding for businesses.
Procedures are still to be finalized, and Cat Bryars cbryars@communityloanfund.org will be the conduit for obtaining these federal funds. Feel free to contact her after January 13th. The Network will seek to provide updates as they become available.
-Each of the following addresses the upcoming reissuance of EPA’s NPDES permit for the Nashua and Manchester Wastewater Treatment Facility
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSXvSGHrsbwWpFBqXQkvbnkMW
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSXvSGFbmJwxGCfpQpHnzfRQV
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-From John Gage: Update from the January 2025 Climate WG
You can also find those links on the NH Network Climate Working Group page at newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/climate-working-group. Please check that page for more information and resources, join the CWG google group, and let me know if you want to add anything to next month's meeting agenda.
-Sen Shaheen's office has alerted us to these 2 grants, which NH towns/cities may find especially useful:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), through the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP), announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Renew America's Schools Prize. This initiative will invest an anticipated $90 million in school districts around the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades in their schools. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 3rd.
Community Energy Connectors initiative: a part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. This $6 million opportunity aims to support 5-10 regional organizations, led by an administrator, that will serve as hubs to foster a local network to support sustained energy efficiency, conservation, and economic development by providing direct technical assistance to EECBG Program grantees. Learn more details by visiting the Energywerx webpage here, and apply by January 28th, 2025.
Link to other January funding information and energy updates from the Shaheen office:
https://bit.ly/fundingJAN2025_Shaheen_newsletter
-Harvard study on microplastics:
https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/microplastics-a-growing-challenge-to-health-and-the-environment/
-Learn about Municipal NH, a non-partisan, non-profit, that is a one stop shop for NH citizens. Founded in 1941 for the purpose of exchanging information to facilitate more efficient and effective local government. NHMA supports effective municipal government by leveraging the collaborative strengths of New Hampshire cities and towns through education, training, advocacy, and legal services. NHMA is known as the premier source of information and support needed for town and city officials to effectively serve the public.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of January 5th
HERE WE GO! Beginning next week, summaries will be divided between legislative and meeting summaries. We will keep you posted, and the Network website is always an excellent source for information.
-January 8 the legislature is in session. Please go to newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills to review bills, and see when public testimony can be submitted. (Dates are yet to be announced.)
You’ll see instructions there for How to Submit Your Position on a Bill Online, by email, or with in-person testimony.
Follow our legislation tracker, urge your other networks and friends to follow us as well - and then act! We need more people watching the newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills page and taking action on important bills throughout the legislative season.
Upcoming bills are listed below, in the “Feed Your Brain” section.
- A People's March : January 8th at 2:00 pm. https://action.womensmarch.com/events/woman-s-march. Bring your climate signs to show our legislators climate matters to NH citizens, and share the NH Network with other attendees to help grow our influence and power.
-RULE 44. The NH House of Representatives will meet for the first time on Wednesday, January 8th. They will vote on the House Rules that are the operational guidelines for the legislative chamber.
There is a proposal to deny guaranteed public hearings for bills in Rule 44. The Granite State has a long tradition of holding public hearings for ALL bills. Public hearings are critical in the democratic process and public participation. Hearings are often the only chance the public and voters can engage with the legislators at the State House.
Next week, the Full House will vote on this proposal to change Rule 44 that will deny, with a 3/4 vote, a public hearing for a bill and recommend a motion to ‘Table’ to the full House. The proposal is below, the bold part signifies the changes:
This means, if enough legislators on a committee do not ‘like’ a bill, they will deny it a hearing and recommend a motion to ‘Table’. A motion to Table is a step towards killing a bill. So the topic would not be discussed in committee, either on the merits of the issue or the bill proposal. Instead, the legislators would argue about time limitations and the short legislative schedule or the worthiness of the topic. Meanwhile, you and other witnesses will sit there in the room denied, prohibited from giving your testimony. CALL OR EMAIL YOUR HOUSE REP NO LATER THAN JANUARY 8TH.
-10 Towns 10 Actions newsletter from the Plastics WG offering valuable information including upcoming legislation, petitions and individual action plans.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKhRfNfpFSNfjnbCkKMlwCwpk
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.
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Generally meetings will be on Tuesdays. Next meeting is January 7 at 4 pm.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Subgroup of Plastics WG, working on petitions, legislation to eliminate plastic bags from grocery stores, 6 pm January 12th.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87393187240?pwd=ljsVFY7z7FmQErhJzntKoMfCUhh9Jg.1
Meeting ID: 873 9318 7240 Passcode: 066604 Find local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kiPowsXQO
-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 14th.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is January 23rd. 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.
-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
-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.
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
January 7th, 12 noon In this webinar series, you’ll hear from UNH alumni who are leading experts in sustainability across industries and sectors. They’ll share diverse perspectives on the key trends, and you’ll gain practical knowledge that you can use professionally and personally.
While sustainability challenges can feel overwhelming - climate crisis, loss of biodiversity, growing inequality, food insecurity, global pandemic - there is exciting collaborative action taking place world-wide and across the private, public and non-profit sectors to bring forward innovative solutions. https://www.unh.edu/sustainability/community-engagement/unh-alumni-sustainability-webinar-series
-January 7, 2 to 3:30 pm First of two webinars on battery storage, its potential and the state.
Bridging the Gap: How Emerging State Policies are Making Energy Storage Affordable and Accessible
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSXvSGFbSrsqRXGCDRZPlGDfj
-January 15, 3:30 pm Volunteer Opportunity. EPA Region 1 will be hosting a one-hour, virtual, recorded information session where you can learn more about participating in a community Air Sensor Loan Program Information Session.
This is an opportunity to work with the U.S. EPA New England on outdoor air quality monitoring.
EPA Region 1 is offering community-based organizations the opportunity to borrow PurpleAir sensors as part of an air sensor loan program. These units are user-friendly, Wi-Fi-enabled, stationary sensors that collect (PM) data, specifically PM2.5, and can transmit the data wirelessly to an online map, where you can observe the amount of PM in the air in real-time. Take a look at The loan program can be a useful community education tool since it provides a uniform framework for investigating outdoor air quality, which can empower communities to reduce emissions of and exposure to harmful PM pollution. The first round of applications are due by April 1st, 2025.
Register:
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/
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.
TAKE ACTION
-"Veganuary" is a worldwide effort to get people to try eating a vegan diet for the month of January. Consider going vegan for the month or taking steps to cut back.
https://veganuary.com/en-us/try-vegan/?utm_campaign=WPC25US&utm_source=NHL
Eating a vegan diet can help the climate by reducing your impact on the planet in many ways, including:
Greenhouse gas emissions: A vegan diet can reduce your annual carbon footprint by up to 2.1 tons. Livestock is responsible for a little over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is about equal to all transportation combined.
Land use: A vegan diet uses 75% less land than meat-rich diets.
Water use: A vegan diet can save large amounts of water. For example, it takes 13,000 to 100,000 liters of water to produce a kilo of beef, while it takes only 1,000 to 2,000 liters to produce a kilo of wheat.
-Lake Smart supporter voluntary program for lake owners https://nhlakes.org/lakesmart/
-An overview of potential legislative action focusing on NH lakes
https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2025/01/03/amid-rise-of-cyanobacteria-and-other-lake-threats-state-lawmakers-seek-stronger-defenses/?emci=2dc3f7d7-47c9-ef11-88ce-0022482a93af&emdi=f8cfe04a-cac9-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&ceid=149101
-The NH Community Loan Fund is initiating solar and renewable energy loans via the Inflation Reduction Act. Low interest loans will be directed at low income or disadvantaged (LIDAC) communities to provide direct aid to homes for weatherization and heat pumps, and solar arrays for community centers, schools, houses of workshop or municipal buildings. In addition, there may be EV funding for municipal departments including fire and police and perhaps, EV funding for businesses.
Procedures are still to be finalized, and Cat Bryars cbryars@communityloanfund.org will be the conduit for obtaining these federal funds. Feel free to contact her after January 13th. The Network will seek to provide updates as they become available.
-Consider having your organization or house of worship endorse this petition, https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Vsda5-zyoT_I7Pmkequ04vU_Nzn7Eeaf8DZDQ8I5a2E/edit?tab=t.0 , which makes a small request, to reduce our inundation in plastic. It should be easy for the public to understand, and requires minimal sacrifice. Complementary legislation is being offered (again!) at the State House this year.
We will amplify these petitions with LTE campaigns and letters to individual store managers (both have already started). The goal is to sit down with the administrators of NH grocery store chains, to determine a better way forward. Individual discussions with local and corporate managers suggest the stores would like to eliminate the expense of plastic bags -- but only if legislation ensures them "a level playing field" for their sustainability efforts.
If your organization is willing to endorse this petition, please send your logo to Susan Richman January 15 . Please also share this letter with any other organization or house of worship that might be interested.
-Each of the following addresses the upcoming reissuance of EPA’s NPDES permit for the Nashua and Manchester Wastewater Treatment Facility
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSXvSGHrsbwWpFBqXQkvbnkMW
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQZSXvSGFbmJwxGCfpQpHnzfRQV
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-From John Gage: Happy New Year! Let's work together to help science guide the NH House Science, Technology, and Energy (STE) Committee on climate and energy matters in 2025!
The NH Legislature's failure to set carbon emissions reduction targets last year has resulted in NH DES failing to create a science-directed Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP): www.vnews.com/NH-is-drafting-a-new-climate-plan-But-it-s-on-track-to-remain-an-outlier-in-New-England-58437853. (See the attached image for a copy marked up by a friend). Failure to set climate pollution reduction goals in the last session resulted from an STE Committee majority ideologically motivated by free market fundamentalism rather than guided by science.
Please read about the influence that front groups funded by the Koch Network (fossil fuel billionaire free market fundamentalist extremists) have in the State House and especially on the STE Committee: notnotter.org (see "home," "the game," and "a case study").
Then read the recent Op-Ed from Rep. Michael Vose, Chairman of the STE Committee, that reflects the misguided thinking about what we know through science (text here): "Rep. Michael Vose: There's power in the truth about climate" - https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/op-eds/rep-michael-vose-theres-power-in-the-truth-about-climate/article_14a5f7dc-96c1-11ef-8d17-af451ae10906.html.
And my LTE response (text here): "U.S. is world's leading gas and oil producer" - https://www.unionleader.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letter-u-s-is-worlds-leading-gas-and-oil-producer/article_0323fc8e-c47a-11ef-9747-8325ac6b04bb.html.
Let's muster a group to testify in Concord on four climate bills over the next few months. Testifying is easy and has an impact, especially when done in person. This involves giving 2-3 minutes of prepared remarks to make a few points, then answering questions if Committee members have any - at one hearing for each bill. Your voice matters!
The GOP majority in the NH Legislature does not support making tax-payer investments in energy efficiency, clean energy deployment, or electrification of transportation and heating. Helping them understand the costs to NH growing from climate pollution from fossil fuels, and the growing likelihood of a carbon price coming from above and impacting the businesses and economy of NH (bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf) could help change their minds.
A few upcoming bills will provide opportunities to do this:
LSR 0621. “relative to proxy carbon pricing in state procurement.” (reintroduction of 2024 HB1486 by Rep. Germana). New Hampshire Bulletin. 2023 testimony (updated).
LSR 0467. “establishing a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on New Hampshire's citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment.” This will help inform the legislature about the likelihood, impacts, and how NH can prepare for federal carbon pricing (ie. decarbonize the NH economy). A reintroduction of 2023 HB372 by Rep. Wendy Thomas.
HB106 (was LSR 0028) - “establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of New Hampshire and the best means of recouping such costs.” This is preparation for suing the fossil fuel industry as most other NE states have already done (the latest is Maine). It’s a follow-up of HCR5 from 2023 (sample HCR5 testimony). To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to House Science, Technology and Energy
HCR1 - 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. To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs HJ 2
BILLS ARE BEING INTRODUCED THIS WEEK.
Click newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills, and you will see the current status of bill and instructions on how to submit testimony by email or in-person.
PRIORITY SUPPORT- 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. To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to House Executive Departments and Administration PRIORITY SUPPORT - NH HB 106 Title: establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of New Hampshire and the best means of recouping such costs. To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to House Science, Technology and Energy
PRIORITY DEFEAT - NH HB 100 Title: prohibiting the use of state funds for new passenger rail projects. To Be Introduced 01/08/2025 and referred to House Public Works and Highways
REPEATS, BUT IMPORTANT
-Thank you to Don Kreis, the state Consumer Advocate, for speaking truth to power. “The Imperial PUC Takes on Net Metering Again” not only explores net metering conundrums, but potential PUC overreach on NH Saves, and overreach on utility-provided default energy service and its impact on community power aggregation. https://indepthnh.org/2024/12/18/the-imperial-puc-takes-on-net-metering-again
-Learn about Municipal NH, a non-partisan, non-profit, that is a one stop shop for NH citizens. Founded in 1941 for the purpose of exchanging information to facilitate more efficient and effective local government. NHMA supports effective municipal government by leveraging the collaborative strengths of New Hampshire cities and towns through education, training, advocacy, and legal services. NHMA is known as the premier source of information and support needed for town and city officials to effectively serve the public.
