Governor Hassan Issues Executive Order Setting New Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Renewable Energy Goals for State Government

In order to combat climate change and save taxpayer dollars, Governor Maggie Hassan today issued an Executive Order setting new, aggressive goals for state government on energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy.

"As a state, we remain focused on diversifying our energy supply mix and investing in energy efficiency and conservation -- the cleanest and cheapest approach to reducing our energy bills. But we must continue to innovate and move our clean energy economy forward," Governor Hassan said. "This Executive Order sets new ambitious goals on energy efficiency, conservation and renewable energy, which will help us combat climate change and save taxpayer dollars."

This morning, the Governor announced the new goals at the annual State Energy Conference in Concord, where state agencies gathered to highlight state government's successful energy efficiency and conservation efforts. New Hampshire state government has been working to reduce fossil energy use by 25 percent by 2025, and state government has nearly reached that goal. Over the last ten years, the State has reduced fossil fuel energy use in state buildings by nearly 21 percent, reduced vehicle mileage by more than six percent and avoided more than 10 million dollars in energy costs through energy efficiency and other measures.

"Because of our efforts, the state is conserving more energy, which is saving valuable state resources and helping to preserve our environment, but I challenge you to do more," Governor Hassan said. "Given the growing costs of energy and the growing reality of climate change, we can't afford to stand still. We must keep pressing forward quickly and aggressively to make a new energy future a reality."

The Executive Order sets updated goals of reducing fossil fuel use at state-owned facilities by 30 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2025 and 50 percent by 2030, compared to a 2005 baseline; reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the state passenger vehicle fleet by 30 percent on a metric-ton basis by 2030, as compared to a 2010 baseline; enhancing construction and renovation standards; and increasing management and tracking of energy consumption.

The State Government Energy Committee, a steering committee comprising representatives from various state agencies, will advise the State Energy Manager and the State Fleet Manager regarding the improvement of energy management within state buildings, operations and fleets, as well as the development and promotion of state policies.

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