New Energy Future Program News

Additional Contact: Erika Staaf (603) 229-3222

CONCORD – Environment New Hampshire, the new home of the NH Public Interest Research Group’s (NHPIRG) environmental work, released a new study today: “Building a New Energy Future.” Environment New Hampshire and a coalition of elected leaders and conservation groups discussed their vision for a cleaner energy future, and a cleaner environment.

“New Hampshire has the potential and the know-how to reduce our dependence on oil and move toward a cleaner, more secure energy future, said Erika Staaf, Advocate for Environment New Hampshire.  “We look forward to working with a broad coalition of groups and individuals who support moving New Hampshire forward in a direction that puts our environment, our global climate, our security and our children’s futures first.

The study recommended concrete steps that state leaders can take to ensure that New Hampshire uses energy more efficiently in homes and businesses, decreases its over-dependence on oil, and harnesses clean, renewable energy sources. 

“One of the most important steps we can take as a legislature is passing a New Hampshire Renewable Portfolio Standard, which will supplement the use of carbon-based energy with clean, renewable energy sources,” said Representative Suzanne Harvey of Nashua.  “While promoting economic development and good jobs for our citizens, an RPS with a follow-up assessment will allow the market to identify the renewable sources that best suit the Granite State for a clean energy future.”

The recommendations in the report included such policies as: establishing a strong Clean Energy Standard, or RPS, to require all electricity providers in New Hampshire to derive a portion of electricity from clean, renewable sources; and establishing efficiency standards for appliances, residential furnaces, lighting and other products that consume significant amounts of energy.

“A sensible ‘renewables’ strategy, relying on true, renewable sources, will be an important part of the equation for New Hampshire in continuing to work towards a cleaner environment,” said Representative Jay Phinizy of Acworth, member of the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture.  “Not only will it benefit the people of New Hampshire directly but will also guarantee the state’s fiscal future through such classic revenue streams as tourism, hunting, boating and fishing.”

“The good guys who support strong environmentally friendly legislation just got a boost today, said Catherine Corkery of the NH Sierra Club.”  New Hampshire Sierra Club applauds NHPIRG for developing an environmental focus with the new organization Environment New Hampshire. NH Sierra Club looks forward to working on responsible energy policy, clean air quality standards, protecting clean drinking water and funding landing protections.

“Clean water, clean air and open spaces are key ingredients to NH’s quality of life. They are key ingredients to a strong New Hampshire economy. And they ought to be key ingredients to the legacy we leave our children and grandchildren,” said Will Abbott,

Vice President of Policy and Land Management for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  “The forest society looks forward to working with Environment New Hampshire in securing this legacy.”

“New Hampshire Lakes Association looks forward to working with the
redefined Environment New Hampshire in developing common sense solutions to address issues affecting the state's natural resources,” said Derek Durbin, Environmental Policy Director for the New Hampshire Lakes Association.  “Specifically, we have already begun working in partnership with Environment New Hampshire to support measures that will improve the state's Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act and take a hard look at the policy of leasing state-owned shorefront property."