Energy + Environment
Senate approves net metering increase for municipalities, adding it to community power bill
On Thursday, the Senate approved an increase in how much municipalities are allowed to net meter, moving the cap from the current limit of 1 megawatt up to 5 megawatts. Lawmakers have been pushing for this increase for years with the backing of environmental and clean-energy advocates, but previous attempts to increase the cap have […]
Lawmakers debate statute of limitations for PFAS-related health problems
Lawmakers and advocates discussed what an appropriate statute of limitations would be when it comes to PFAS-related health problems during a hearing Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rep. Bob Healey of Merrimack and other local elected officials spoke about the effect of PFAS on their community. Contamination has been found in the air, soil, […]
Commentary: New Hampshire should embrace an offshore wind future
Last month’s celebration of Earth Day provided an opportunity to reflect upon how to build a stronger economic future for New Hampshire’s citizens based on a clean-energy future. The solutions to the crises of mass unemployment and economic inequality can play a key role in protecting New Hampshire communities from the threat of rising seas, […]
Mushroom foragers know how easy it is to make a mistake, and that’s why they’re pushing for licensing
Eric Milligan knows a toxic mushroom when he sees one. For the past eight years, he’s cultivated edible mushrooms on his Tamworth farm. And when he’s not farming, he’s out in the woods, foraging wild varieties in the surrounding mountains. On a good year with enough rain, Milligan can bring in up to 700 pounds […]
Executive Council approves Goldner for utilities commission
Daniel Goldner will join the Public Utilities Commission as its newest commissioner after a 4-1 Executive Council vote Wednesday confirming his nomination. Councilor Cinde Warmington opposed the nomination, citing Goldner’s lack of relevant experience and knowledge. Goldner has worked at Texas Instruments, a company that makes semiconductors, for the past 33 years. “When I questioned […]
Environmental groups oppose ‘divisive concepts’ bill
Twelve environmental groups have written a letter to Gov. Chris Sununu opposing a controversial proposal to prohibit “divisive concepts” from being taught in New Hampshire schools. House Bill 544 – which has been included in the state budget – would also restrict state contracts, grants, and training programs. Leaders from environmental organizations say the proposal […]
How national goals for reducing emissions could affect New Hampshire
Last week, President Joe Biden announced a national target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. By 2050, the goal is to reach net zero. Emissions in New Hampshire have fallen significantly in recent years. The most recent data points to a 37% reduction in emissions since 2005, with some […]
Officials say Coakley Landfill Group failed to comply with PFAS cleanup
This article was updated April 28, 3:29 p.m. to include comments from Eric Spear. The Coakley Landfill Group has failed to comply with the state-mandated cleanup of Berry’s Brook in Greenland, according to state and local elected representatives. House Democratic Leader Renny Cushing of Hampton and Greenland Select Board Chair Steven Smith have both asked […]
Senate considers bill banning discussions on ‘low carbon fuel standards programs’
A proposal before the Senate would prohibit state employees from speaking or gathering information about “low carbon fuel standards programs.” A hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee on Monday focused on the Transportation and Climate Initiative, but concerns have been raised that the language in the bill could be interpreted more broadly […]
Lawmakers debate proposal to change funding for energy-efficiency programs
A proposal to change the funding mechanism for energy-efficiency programs was hotly contested in testimony before lawmakers on Monday. Some who spoke before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee blamed House Bill 351 for the ongoing delay of the 2021-2023 energy-efficiency plan. There has been no decision from the Public Utilities Commission on a […]
Senate approves environmental protection for coastal marshlands
In a unanimous vote, the Senate passed a proposal on Thursday to protect fragile marshlands in the state’s coastal region. House Bill 184 would prevent people from taking jet skis within 300 feet of the Rye estuary and the New Castle back channel, areas that are environmentally sensitive. Jet skis have been banned from the […]
Commentary: Celebrating Earth Day with a gender justice lens
As we look toward Earth Day 2021, we’re paying special attention to the intersection of climate and gender justice. We believe there is no gender justice without climate justice, and there is no climate justice without gender justice — yet not all feminists and environmentalists are aware of how interconnected our fights for justice are. […]