Recent action
Historic Northeast pollution caps take effect
In September, the nation’s first auction of pollution permits under a global warming emissions cap was launched by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a collaboration of 10 Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states, including New Hampshire, to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
“The auction is a historic step forward in addressing global warming. It will help put New Hampshire on a path to a cleaner and more secure energy future, while providing important leadership for the nation,” said Environment New Hampshire’s Kathryn Fox.
The RGGI program is America’s first to auction pollution permits, rather than give them to polluters for free. The participating states will use the revenue from the auction of pollution permits to lower the cost of the program, with measures that will help citizens and businesses save energy and promote renewable energy.
Protecting funding for open space
Between 1992 and 2003, America lost an area larger than the state of Maine to development. Unfortunately, as states face tight budgets in 2009, history has shown that open space funding is often one of the first programs on the chopping block. To stem this tide, Environment New Hampshire research showcased the work of 15 states to secure reliable funding for open space preservation programs.
The report, “Preserving America’s Natural Heritage,” highlights the programs set up by 15 states to buy up remaining open space, including New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. The report recommends several measures to solve the problem of permanently funding land conservation programs—including multi-year bonds to create long-term stability and tax incentives for conservation easements. This fall, groups in our national federation, Environment America, helped pass these types of measures in five states.
In tight fiscal times, open space preservation programs are often among the first programs to lose funds.
