Wharton Sinkler: Tell state legislators to vote 'no' on ending support for clean energy

To The Daily Sun,

Readers should be aware of bills in the New Hampshire Legislature to end support for clean energy.

The first bill, HB 219, would end New Hampshire’s renewable portfolio standard. The RPS, introduced in 2007, required utilities in our state to ramp up the amount of clean energy they distribute to 25% this year, where it will remain hereafter. That supports clean power from biomass, hydroelectric, wind and solar sources. Utilities can either comply with the rule, or purchase renewable energy certificates from clean energy generators to make up the shortfall. Or, if they can’t get enough RECs, they can make payments into a renewable energy fund which supports clean energy rebate and grant programs.

The support for clean energy provided by the RPS has been critical in growing our energy independence. The HB 219 bill, which would eliminate the RPS and end that support, is through committee, and awaiting a vote in the NH House.

The second bill, HB 224, would end use of excess renewable energy fund monies for supporting thermal and electrical renewable energy. A committee hearing on HB 224 will be held next Tuesday.

Beyond being a source of pollution and a cause of climate change, fossil fuels are a valuable and limited strategic resource. We should exercise wisdom to shepherd this resource so it will remain for critical needs of future generations. Doing this by supporting non-polluting locally-sourced energy is a win-win proposition for New Hampshire: it generates revenue for homeowners and businesses, provides skilled jobs in our state, while stewarding fossil energy resources for a future of American energy dominance.

Tell state legislators to stop these short sighted and misguided bills ending support of renewable energy in New Hampshire. Urge them to vote "no" on HB 219 and HB 224.

Wharton Sinkler

Sandwich