Statement from Governor Hassan on Signing HB 270

Statement

Governor Maggie Hassan issued the following statement after today signing House Bill 614, implementing goals of the state 10-year energy strategy, modifying uses of the site evaluation committee fund, establishing fees for energy facility evaluation, and relative to public information sessions on proposed energy siting:

"As we work to diversify our energy sources, reduce energy costs, and provide predictability for businesses, we took important steps last year to develop a long-term energy strategy for our state and to strengthen our Site Evaluation Committee, and House Bill 614 will help us continue those efforts. This bipartisan measure helps with the implementation of our 10-year energy strategy by requiring the Public Utilities Commission to begin a process focused on modernizing our electric grid to ensure that we are prepared for an innovative energy future and to set an electricity peak time reduction goal, which can help lower the high costs of producing electricity when demand is greatest. The bill also includes critical funding provisions for the Site Evaluation Committee to help ensure that the siting process for new energy projects includes perspectives of local communities and all stakeholders and protects our natural resources. Our businesses and families need reliable, affordable and sustainable energy sources in order to continue to grow and prosper, and I thank Representative Danielson and legislators from both parties for their efforts on this legislation as we work to build a more affordable and innovative energy future for our people and businesses."

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