New Energy Future Program News

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As the new home of NHPIRG’s environmental work, Environment New Hampshire may be contacted regarding this release.

Concord, NH -- With national energy legislation slated for debate in the U.S. Senate this week, a coalition of businesses, environmental organizations, and activists today unveiled a media campaign aimed at persuading New Hampshire’s senators to support adding clean energy provisions to the bill.

At issue is whether the bill will require a portion of the nation’s electricity come from clean, renewable sources like wind, biomass, and solar power.

"We’ve got a persuasive case for the senators," said Josh Irwin, New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group. "Whether you’re talking about cutting the number of asthma attacks from air pollution or using less foreign oil or strengthening New Hampshire’s economy, renewable energy is part of the solution."

The ad campaign will include both print advertisements and radio spots aired on four stations around the state.

NH Sierra Club’s Catherine Corkery said the renewable energy provision was only one example of what’s needed to fix an energy bill that is currently a disaster for consumers and the environment.

"NH Sierra Club supports a clean energy future with today's technology for tomorrow's children," Corkery said. "We can do better than the current energy proposal that continues our reliance on polluting fuels like oil and coal. We can do better than a proposal that provides $33 billion to polluting industries in handouts. Senators Gregg and Sununu can continue the Granite State traditional support for clean air by promoting a bill that increases energy efficiency and encourages renewable energy, instead of the current dirty energy bill that fails."

Judd Gregg is one of 40 senators who signed a letter to include a strong renewable electricity provision to the energy bill. Senator Sununu did not sign the letter.

The ads emphasize benefits to New Hampshire. With current technology, New Hampshire’s biomass industry and strong winds could be used to meet part of the state’s electricity needs, yielding added diversity, municipal tax revenue and jobs throughout the state.

"Because New Hampshire gets more jobs, cleaner air and lower energy costs, renewable electricity is an easy sell to the businesses, environmental groups and political activists I've been pitching," said Jim Rubens who is working with Campaign for Ratepayers Rights to organize New Hampshire supporters for the policy.