Letter to the Honorable Robert Introne, Chairman of the House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee - On the Clean Power Plan
Letter
The Honorable Robert Introne
Chairman, House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee
Legislative Office Building, Room 304
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Dear Chairman Introne and Members of the Committee:
I write to you today in opposition to HB1659, a bill that would prohibit the Department of Environmental Services from expending funds to develop or implement a state implementation plan under the Clean Power Plan.
New Hampshire has long been a leader in combating climate change and cutting carbon emissions. Through programs like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), our state and region have reduced harmful emissions, created jobs, and encouraged innovation across our clean energy economy. The Clean Power Plan is an important step forward at the national level to address carbon emissions and climate change, and it is equally important that New Hampshire develop its own plan that meets our state's needs, as opposed to having a plan imposed on us by the federal government.
At a time when we need to continue the progress we have made to reduce power plant emissions, to reduce our energy usage, and to reduce risks and prepare for the impacts of climate change, this legislation would pull us backward. Instead, we should focus on creating a robust state implementation plan that will continue our important work to combat climate change, and keep the planning process in the State's hands.
From our mountains to our lakes to our beautiful seacoast, New Hampshire's natural resources are critical to our economy and define us as a state. Addressing climate change and the harmful impacts of carbon emissions are economic imperatives. We must continue to work to address these issues while ensuring that we have the tools to invest in new energy resources as we develop our own plan to implement the Clean Power Plan.
I respectfully urge you to vote this legislation inexpedient to legislate. Thank you for your consideration.
With every good wish,
Margaret Wood Hassan
Governor
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