Berlin Daily Sun - Shaheen Unveils her Energy Plan

News Article

By: Craig Lyons

Jeanne Shaheen, former governor and Democratic Senate candidate, has introduced her plan to reduce the impact of high heating costs on New Hampshire families. Speaking to reporters, via a conference call yesterday, Shaheen highlighted her strategy to lower home heating cost for New Hampshire families. While making a campaign stop in Somersworth to discuss the plan, Shaheen took a few minutes to speak with reporters.

Shaheen said the solution to energy problems can be found in investing in
ventures like weatherizations, investing in alternative and renewable energy and increasing domestic production of oil.

"I think we need a comprehensive approach," said Shaheen. One of the fi rst parts of Shaheen's plan is to have the president release strategic oil reserves in the United States. She added the money from the sale of that oil should be put towards funding better weatherization programs. Shaheen said the money for home heating oil assistance needs to be increased. She added that since last year, the price of oil has increased drastically and it is anticipated that the need for more money will be greater than what was provided last year.

On the topic of weatherization, Shaheen said tax credits should be expanded to increase people properly weatherizing their houses. Shaheen said there should be better initiatives to promote insulating, installing better windows and other methods of weatherizing to save New Hampshire people money on heating costs, this winter.

"It makes sense to take some steps now," said Shaheen. She added that promoting better home weatherization will be beneficial in the long-run.
Shaheen also said there should be more tax credits available for small businesses regarding energy efficiency and also for biodiesel, wood stove production and wood pellet production.

In New Hampshire she said that an added benefit of investing in wood pellets, stoves and renewable energy is that it would help create good jobs in the state. She added that with the wood resources that are available across the state, it would be a great opportunity.

"We need to act now," said Shaheen.

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