Repowering America with clean energy

Ambitious goals in 2009 and beyond

More clean energy is coming to New Hampshire thanks to a critical win in Congress. In October, the clean energy tax credits that Environment New Hampshire pushed in 2008 finally became law. We turned our attention to making sure that the new president and Congress pass a comprehensive energy plan that will cut dependence on oil and reduce global warming. We’re calling for 100 percent clean electricity and reducing America’s dependence on oil 50 percent.

Saving energy through high-performance and even zero-energy homes and businesses can cut energy use by at least 30 percent. Energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but we also need new sources of clean homegrown energy.

Even with existing technology, solar power in the Southwest and in cities across America, and wind power offshore and on land, could provide the power we need to meet our electricity needs.

Political momentum

Environment New Hampshire worked to persuade then President-elect Barack Obama and incoming members of the 111th Congress to commit to the following principles: 100 percent clean electricity; cut global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050; and cut oil use in half. We laid the groundwork by going door-to-door and activating our e-mail list to build support for the plan. Our staff in Washington, D.C., identified the number of votes we could count on in Congress. Right after the election, we released “Renewing America,” a report laying out a blueprint to rebuild our economy on a sound foundation of clean energy. We enlisted the support of scientists, business leaders and entrepreneurs to stand up to the opposition from the oil, gas and coal industries. Politically, the winds of change are blowing in our direction. President Barack Obama pledged during his campaign to invest $150 billion in clean, renewable energy. Here in New Hampshire, we backed Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who made clean energy a centerpiece of her campaign. Also, new Sens. Kay Hagan (N.C.) and Jeff Merkley (Ore.), as well as many others, have promised to champion renewable energy.

Now that clean energy incentives are renewed, we’re focusing on a plan to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity.