Senate Says Yes to Northeast Clean Energy Program

Environment New Hampshire

Concord, NH — New Hampshire’s State Senate voted to uphold Governor Lynch’s veto on an effort to remove the Granite State from the Northeast compact to invest in clean energy and efficiency, known as RGGI. In a 15 to 9 vote, 5 Republican Senators including Senator Stiles of Portsmouth, Senate President Peter Bragdon, Senator Prescott of Exeter, Senator Lambert of Nashua and 4 Democrats voted to keep us on the track toward clean energy and energy independence.

According to a report released by Environment New Hampshire, “A Program that Works: How the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative is Helping the Northeast Shift to Clean Energy and Reduce Pollution from Fossil Fuels,” the program has led to more than $27.7 million in clean energy investments leading to more than $94.6 million in energy savings and contributing $163.2 million in growth in economic activity in New Hampshire.

“RGGI has been a key part of New Hampshire’s plan to reduce pollution and move toward clean energy,” said Jessica O’Hare of Environment New Hampshire. “We commend the Senators that stood up for a program that reduces our costly oil use, invests in clean energy and energy efficiency and protects our environment.”

Overall, RGGI participating states are investing 80 percent of proceeds in a variety of consumer benefit programs, including programs to improve energy efficiency, to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy technologies, and to provide energy bill payment assistance to low-income ratepayers. According to data compiled by ENE-Environment Northeast, RGGI has contributed to more than $860 million in consumer savings, 16,000 new jobs, and $2 billion in economic growth in the ten participating states.

“Despite efforts from the well-financed group, Americans for Prosperity, the voters of New Hampshire made it clear to their Representatives; this program is good for New Hampshire,” continued O’Hare.