Weekly Updates
News, Upcoming Meetings & Events, & Recent Meeting Notes
Upcoming Working Group Meetings - Everyone is welcome!
May 5 (Sunday) - 6:00-7:30 PM - Plastics Working Group
May 8 (Wednesday) - 7:00-8:00 PM - Climate Working Group
Click on any week below to see Bruce's update for the week
Weekly Update 4/28/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar and open the event. The link for that event will appear. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Monday, April 29 at the Kilton Library at 7:30 PM
Sustainable Lebanon is hosting a free film screening of Blue Vinyl, an award winning documentary looking at the health impacts of the chemical vinyl chloride, classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, and used in many consumer products including children’s toys.
This will be an in person screening, with a virtual discussion following with Christina Dubin, National Outreach Coordinator with Beyond Plastics, a NH resident and plastics policy expert. This film screening aligns with efforts by Beyond Plastics to ban vinyl chloride at the federal level because of its harmful effects on our health.
While we in NH are free of pipelines carrying explosive materials thanks to local and statewide activist efforts, hazardous materials do flow through our communities on the roads and highways, so it is important to stay informed.
Refreshments provided. This will be a Zero Waste event, so feel free to bring your reusable plate, mug & napkin - these will be on hand as well.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Webinars by Zoom. Go to our calendar for details.
6:30 pm. 7 Essentials of Seed Starting (and the common mistakes to avoid)
7:00-8:00 pm. Plastic is a Hazardous Substance (How to Turn Off the Tap). REGISTER
Hosted by Claremont Anti-Litter Task Force
7:00-8:00 pm. Synthetic Turf Webinar. REGISTER
Our friends at Zero Waste Ithaca are hosting a panel presentation on the hazards of synthetic
turf.
Wednesday, May 1, 4 to 5 pm, Communications Working Group by Zoom.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Agenda.
1. Welcome.
2. Highlights of last week’s Meeting with Rebecca Beaulieu.
3. Social Media Highlights for Earth Day Week, Ideas, and Questions.
4. Next events and needs? Link to Events on the Network website.
5. Other
Next Meeting: Wed, May 8, 2024, 4-5 pm.
Contact Donna Reardon, bugs42953@gmail.com, or Mary Beth Raven, marybeth.raven@gmail.com, for questions.
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 7 to 8 pm. Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure. Please click here to register
Thursday, May 2, 2024. Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit
Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit is the largest sustainability conference, bringing together 600 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region’s toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact.
Dan Saccardi, Program Director, Company Network, Ceres, will join this event.
Please Click Here to REGISTER.
Friday, May 3, 11:30 to 12:15 pm, Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
LEGISLATIVE EDITION
—>Link to our bill page: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 29
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
*SB 451 (House STE Committee) Relative to an expedited track for certain applications to the site evaluation committee. Full Committee Work session at 9:00 am, LOB 302-304, then Exec Session 10:30 AM PRIORITY OPPOSE. Call or write STE Reps
Tuesday, April 30
HB 1114 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Extending the commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and public health impacts relating to releases of perfluorinated chemicals in the air, soil, and groundwater in Merrimack, Bedford, Londonderry, Hudson and Litchfield. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:00 am. SUPPORT
HB 1143 (Senate & Energy Natural Resources Committee) Including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:10 am. Priority SUPPORT: Our lakes need to be protected.
HB 1360 (Senate & Energy Natural Resources Committee) Relative to emergency authority on the public or coastal waters of the state. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:20 am. SUPPORT
HB 1371 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Relative to allowing the land use master plan to include a section on waste reduction. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:30 am. SUPPORT
HB 1221 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:40 am. SUPPORT
Wednesday, May 1
HB 413 (House Judiciary) Relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination. Exec Session, 10:00 am, LOB, Room 206-208. Bipartisan. SUPPORT
Thursday, May 2
House Session, May 2
Reps will be in session Thursday, but write the Reps in the next 2 days (by Wed) knowing that it will help.
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
*SB 391 (House STE Committee) OTP w/A 04/15/2024 (Vote 18-1; Consent Calendar)
Frustrations with times that are laid out, more than 6 months, are far too loose. OPPOSE until shorten timeframes.
*SB 386 (House STE Committee) EXECUTIVE SESSION (was on 4/22/24) write STE committee members directly relative to establishing a committee to study power generation. The vote seems close, so your help is needed. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2024-1558h, (NT) 04/22/2024 (Vote 10-9; Regular Calendar) Priority Support
Senate Session May 2
Senators will be in session Thursday, but you can write to the Senators in the next 2 days (by Wed night) knowing that it will help.
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
HB 1386 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. OTP w/A. Support
*HB 1431 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to utility requirements for integrated distribution planning. OTP w/A. Priority Support. Important bill.
Please write to Senate Energy & Natural Resources committee members directly relative to needing strict deadline requirements especially since many people have been adversely affected by interconnection delays.
HB 1613 (Senate Ways and Means) Establishing a trust fund for money from soil and water environmental contamination court settlements. Consent Calendar. Support
HB 1697 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to forest carbon credit programs. OTP Senate Calendar 17. Support
*HB1698-FN (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/02/2024, Vote 4-0; Senate Calendar 17.
Tell your state senator to OPPOSE HB 1698-FN exempting aerial application of pesticides using drones from notification processes, exposing Granite State families and pollinators to poisons hazardous to our health. OPPOSE
HB 1709 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Establishing the forest carbon commission. Committee Report ITL, Vote 4-0; Senate Calendar 17. Support
Friday, May 3 Enjoy your day!
BILL ACTIONS
The full House will meet in session on Thursday, May 2. You can watch it here.
They also plan to meet on May 9, May 23 and May 30. It is possible they will also meet on May 22 if an additional day is needed to complete work on Senate bills.
The full Senate will meet in session on Wednesday, May 2, 10 am-5 pm. You can watch it here.
Here is the link for our bills: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills. (May not be updated.)
Action Alert! From Clean Energy NH STATE HOUSE UPDATE
Click on the link for the Complete Update →
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9512436?e=9969d39f74
*URGENT OPPOSE HB 1623. This bill has passed the House and will move on to the Senate. Please begin TODAY to let our Senators know that this is a bad bill, VERY BAD bill, and we must stop it.
Call to Action ASAP
We urgently need your voice to ensure that this bill does not pass. We are calling on all our members to contact Senate leadership and members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to express your strong opposition to HB 1623 .
Why We Must Act Now
HB 1623 restructures our energy policy to favor traditional, centralized power plants, diverting attention and resources away from renewable resources and energy efficiency programs. This change could have long-term detrimental impacts on New Hampshire's energy landscape, particularly in rolling back initiatives like NH Saves, which have been instrumental in advancing efficiency and cost savings for our residents.
How You Can Help
Contact Senate Leadership: Reach out to the Senate President and other key leaders. Emphasize the importance of sustainable energy policy that prioritizes and encourages innovation, efficiency, safety, and affordability.
Reach Out to the Committee: The members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee are pivotal in this decision. It's crucial that they hear from their constituents and stakeholders about the negative implications of HB 1623.
Spread the Word: Share this alert with your networks. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join in our efforts. The more voices that express opposition, the stronger our impact will be.
Summary of those that Support the bill, those that Oppose the bill, and those that are Neutral. Link https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1757&inflect=2
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Here’s a worthwhile article from InDepth NH link: Click on this link to open→
Designation Gives EPA Tools to Hammer Down on Polluters, Some in NH
Op-Ed: Hydrogen is not the answer (link) – Rebecca Beaulieu for Foster’s Daily Democrat (April 28, 2024) – “If Granite Shore Power is actually committed to transitioning their facilities into a newer, cleaner energy future that is good for economic growth as well as community health, they would not waste time pursuing ‘clean hydrogen’ or ‘green biofuels.’ Those are simply dirty fuel sources hiding behind the words ‘clean’ and ‘green’ to attempt to convince you they will not have dangerous side-effects on the communities hosting those energy facilities.”
Weekly Update 4/21/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Week of April 21 to 26
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS including movies, webinars and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link will for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-Wednesday, April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Wednesday, April 24 4 to 5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Wednesday, April 24 Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-Friday, April 26 11:30 to 12:15 pm Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Friday, April 26 6 pm
A DECADE OF ADVOCACY WITH LCV AND CLIMATE ACTION NH – TIME TO CELEBRATE!
Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event on Friday, April 26th at the NH Audubon in Concord!
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
-Thursday, May 2 7 to 8 pm Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure.
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 22-26
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 22
SB 386 (STE Committee 9 am ) EXECUTIVE SESSION write committee members directly
relative to establishing a committee to study power generation SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 23
HB 1103 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 ) Relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. SUPPORT
SB 431 (House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee 12 noon.) Actively supported by the Water Sports Industry Association, a national industry group, SB 431 bill does not provide a reasonable compromise for balancing the opportunity for wake surfing with protecting the fragile health of our lakes here in New Hampshire. OPPOSE
The members of the House RR&D Committee must hear from YOU about why SB 431, as currently written, does not provide a reasonable compromise to restore and preserve the health of our lakes.
The proposed 200-foot setback for wake surfing is just 50 feet more than New Hampshire's 150-foot safe passage law for all boating activities–a standard created over 60 years ago before the advent of wake surfing on our lakes. Due to wake surfing’s markedly higher wave heights and wave energy, the proposed 200-foot distance is inadequate to secure the needed protections for shorelines that prompted the existing 150-foot standard. Recommend a 300 foot minimum to protect shore lines
SB 437 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:00 am) EXECUTIVE SESSION - Write committee members directly.
-relative to local authority to amend the state building code. OPPOSE. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES
Wednesday, April 24
SB 365 (The House Commerce committee 1:45 pm) Public hearing
-relative to the sale or use of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles, scooters, or personal electric mobility devices. SUPPORT
SB 543 (The House Public Works & Highways committee 11:30 am) Public hearing
-Establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council. SUPPORT
SB 373 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:30 am) Public hearing
-relative to the state building code which limits local municipal control OPPOSE unless 2021 energy codes are included. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES.
Thursday, April 26
HB 1139 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9 am) Relative to location of septic systems at high water mark SUPPORT
HB 1490 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am) Relative to the management of solid waste SUPPORT
ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS
SB 391 | Electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
The amendment to SB 391 mandates that the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 60 days, provide updates to the House and Senate every six months, and submit final rules within a further 15 months. The bill now heads back to the Senate, where they body will either concur with the changes made by the House or form a committee of conference to produce a final version to send to the Governor for signature.
Please reach out to your Senator and ask them to support more aggressive timelines that reflect the urgency of interconnection delays for NH residential and commercial generators.
HB 1036 | Assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge
- CENH Position: Oppose
Notably, HB 1623 is an extreme attempt to shift our energy policy away from a balanced approach that includes public and environmental health, to a focus solely on "baseload" generation. This shift could undermine sustainable and distributed clean energy solutions. We strongly encourage you to join us in opposing this bill by reaching out to committee members.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (THIS IS A SUMMARY FROM CLEAN ENERGY NH)
HERE ARE UPDATES ON MANY BILLS WE FOLLOWED LAST WEEK.
SB 303 | Use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
SB 388 | Administration of utilities by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
SB 451 | An expedited track for certain applications to the Site Evaluation Committee
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - N/A. Bill was deferred for additional work, indicating complexities that require more time to resolve.
SB 540 | Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage
CENH Position - Monitor
Committee Recommendation - Interim Study
-Here are bills we recommended last week. At present, they have not moved to Executive session so you can still voice your opinion on these. YOU CAN GO TO THE NETWORK "BILLS OF INTEREST" FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.
HB 1600 | Participation in net energy metering
- Support
HB 1623 | The state energy policy
- Oppose
HB 1431 | Utility requirements for integrated distribution planning
- Support
Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan. This is his opinion)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-NH Lakes Month Newsletter
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxSlWQWStHWrQVWClRqtDRgzDs
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/7/24
Overview
Join Us! NH Network’s 3rd Annual Crossover Season at the NH Legislature, ”the Beauties” and “the Beasts” of the legislative season, with
Senator Debra Altschiller, Stratham (Senate District 24)
Representative Kat McGhee, Hollis (Hillsborough-District 35)
Representative Tony Caplan, Henniker (Merrimack-District 8)
WHEN: Monday, April 8, 2024, 5:30-6:30 pm (free virtual event)
Register here: bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Social Media Update from Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com:
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Send me a headshot of yourself to be featured alongside other women of the NHN in celebration of all you do! You probably saw other organizations you follow doing this kind of post on International Women’s Day 3/8, but we will be doing it at the end of the month. (Thank you to those who have already sent me a photo!)
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Follow Us on Social Media
Join our online community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Sunday, April 7 at 6 pm Plastics Working Group
(Here are the notes from the March 24 Plastics Working Group meeting. Many thanks to Carol Foss of Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies for facilitating and to Cynthia Walter for taking notes.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
Monday, April 8 at 5:30 pm 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts."
Register: bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Tuesday, April 9 at 11 am FHWA
FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding ATIIP in the form of a virtual meeting Register for the ATIIP outreach webinar here. Registrants will be provided teleconference information to access the audio portion of the webinar.
FUNDING AVAILABLE - Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP)
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is a new competitive grant program created by Section 11529 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58) to construct projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in active transportation networks or active transportation spines. In 2023, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) received $45 million in funding for ATIIP from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), the first funds appropriated for this program. Applications are due June 17, 2024.
Wednesday, April 10 at 7 PM Climate Working Group
citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, April 12 at 2 PM Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 12 6:30-9:30 pm The Story of Plastic at the Community Theatre in Peterborough! A free and zero-waste event. https://pctmovies.com
Saturday, April 13 1 to 3 pm Coal Free New Hampshire Event in Concord - KID friendly
Saturday, April 13 - Tabling at Dover Public Library Earth Week event, Dover Plastic Reduction Group
Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon to 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event, Connie Bean Community Center , 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 NRRA
The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
Take Action
Take Action on This Week’s Bills
Link to NH Bill Actions
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Good news: SB 543 establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council passed the full Senate.
Read on to see more bills you will recognize, that survived in their first round and are being heard in the next chamber.
Bills This Week/Take Action:
Tuesday, April 9
HB 1314 Relative to the comprehensive state development plan. (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:00 AM, SH, Room 103) This is a landmark - it will provide NH with a roadmap. It expands the previous Plan to include provisions related to the protection of natural resources and the identification of environmental threats, including chemical and biological contamination, waste disposal, and inadequate recycling opportunities. This will include cumulative and possible future threats to air, water, land and the natural environment. SUPPORT
HB 1709 Establishing the forest carbon commission. (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:50 AM SH, Room 103) Seeking to establish co-existence between logging, farming and the new carbon capture economy. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 10
HB 1059 Relative to the state building code. (Executive Department and Administration 9:00 AM, Room 103) Please write, have your town write or give testimony to include Rep. McWilliam’s amendment to include 2021 energy code requirements. See the bottom of this newsletter for a letter we would like your municipal energy committee to endorse. Use this letter or its talking points for additional letters from you and your town leaders.
SB 437 Relative to local authority to amend the state building code. (House Executive Departments and Administration 10:30 AM, LOB, Room 306-308) Towns should retain the ability to adopt modern codes, if the state does not. OPPOSE
HB 1613 Establishing a trust fund for money from soil and water environmental contamination court settlements. (Senate Ways and Means 10:30 AM, SH, Room 100) This fund ensures that affected NH residents receive settlement money, and establishes parameters for this fund. Previously settlement funds were directed to the general fund, without such assurance. SUPPORT
SB 496 Directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program. (House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs 11:00 AM, LOB, Room 203) SUPPORT
SB 430 Relative to establishing a council to study the impacts of electric vehicles, e-mobility devices, and the associated lithium-ion batteries on first responder response, the environment, building and fire codes, life safety, and property protection. (House Executive Departments and Administration 1:30 PM, LOB, Room 306-308) This bill has been requested by the Fire Marshall and other state agencies, and seeks to gather data about these new technologies. SUPPORT
Please ask members of your municipal energy committee and other municipal leaders to endorse this letter. Email it to:
Howard.Pearl@leg.state.nh.us; Sharon.Carson@leg.state.nh.us; Carrie.Gendreau@leg.state.nh.us; Rebecca.PerkinsKwoka@leg.state.nh.us; Debra.Altschiller@leg.state.nh.us; Kevin.Condict@leg.state.nh.us
April 10, 2024
Senator Howard Pearl, Chair
Senate Executive Departments and Administration
NH State House, Room 103
Concord, NH 03301
RE: HB1059, Relative to the State Building Code
Local Government Support for 2021 IECC Adoption for Commercial and Residential
Dear Chair Pearl and members of the Committee,
We, the undersigned municipal officials, members of community energy committees, and concerned citizens are writing to express our support for the adoption and enforcement of modern building energy codes in New Hampshire and ask that HB1059 be amended to include both the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).
We note that this 2021 edition of the building energy codes includes a manageable and cost-effective improvement in efficiency, and does not require that building be built to achieve a “net zero energy rating” as has been falsely claimed.
Failure to adopt the 2021 energy code would represent an unfair cost shift to renters, homeowners, and businesses that will use newly constructed buildings and facilities for decades and likely into the next century.
As stewards of our community's well-being, we recognize the significant role that modern, energy-efficient building practices play in lowering energy costs, improving public health, and enhancing environmental quality. Supporting energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and municipal buildings aligns with local governments' goals of fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, public health promotion, economic development, resilience, and community engagement.
As energy prices fluctuate, as we have seen the past two years across all fuels, the avoided-energy savings associated with the 2021 IECC will only continue to increase. Energy codes, therefore, provide energy and economic security to building occupants, as well as the state as a whole.
The 2021 IECC and 2021 IRC are consistent with traditional Yankee thrift and ingenuity, rooted in the values of resourcefulness, efficiency, and innovation commonly associated with New Hampshire and New England. For example:
Resilience and Durability
Extreme cold weather events, a hallmark of New Hampshire winters–as we've just experienced this past week–can strain energy infrastructure and contribute to power outages and service disruptions. Highly efficient buildings can provide safe and comfortable shelter from extreme weather even during a power outage.
Maximum Benefit with Minimal Costs
Yankee thrift emphasizes the efficient use of resources to achieve maximum value and benefit. Modern building energy codes prioritize energy efficiency by setting standards for the design, construction, and operation of buildings to minimize energy costs and maximize performance (e.g. comfort, health, low environmental impact).
Resourcefulness and Innovation
Ingenuity is a hallmark of Yankee culture, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Modern building energy codes encourage innovation by promoting the use of advanced technologies, materials, and construction practices that improve energy efficiency and performance. From high-performance insulation and windows to energy-efficient HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, builders and designers are encouraged to innovate and incorporate new solutions to meet energy code requirements while enhancing building performance and occupant comfort.
Long-Term Value: Household and Community Benefits
Yankee thrift emphasizes the long-term value of investments and the importance of making decisions that yield lasting benefits. Energy-efficient buildings offer long-term value to homeowners, businesses, and communities by providing significant savings on energy costs over the lifespan of the building, while also improving comfort, indoor air quality, and resilience to changing environmental conditions. Further, efficient buildings can help reduce total electricity consumption demand and alleviate pressure on energy infrastructure during periods of high demand. This can result in significant reductions in distribution and transmission system upgrades, saving money for all energy consumers.
By investing in cost-effective energy efficiency through adoption of the 2021 IECC, we ensure the durability, affordability, and performance of New Hampshire homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
1. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
2. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
3. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
4. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
5. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
Feed Your Brain
From Jon Swan
Below is a link to video of the April 2, 2024 NH State Senate E&NR hearing for HB1620, which would prohibit NHDES from issuing new landfill permits until 2028. There was some excellent testimony in SUPPORT of HB1620, along with the typical, nonsensical testimony in opposition, including from the NH Department of Environmental Services, who appear to be supportive of the GSL project or expansion of the NCES Landfill in Bethlehem. A perfect example of agency capture by industry. (As Jon suggests “don’t sue him, this is only an opinion’).
PLEASE, begin reaching out to the 24 NH State Senators and ask them to do the right thing and SUPPORT HB1620. We have time, let's not rush into what could potentially be another environmental disaster for the state. #PeopleOverProfit
NH State Senate roster: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members/senate_roster.aspx
HB1620 Senate E&NR hearing video: https://youtu.be/o-mXXWKIh5c
Also, please consider making a donation to our friends at North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, http://www.NorthCountryABC.net as they have been incurring some significant expenses to retain legal and environmental expertise to help in the fight to save Forest Lake and the North Country!
Senator Shaheen Updates:
Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee secured a number of top priorities in the final government funding package for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Included in this package was over $100 million for 101 Congressionally Directed Spending projects. These projects will go towards a range of Granite State priorities throughout the state, including water and transportation infrastructure, health care facility investments, educational training, resources to combat homelessness, support for substance use disorder programs, tools to build safe and prosperous communities and much more.
Senator Shaheen and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the Department to support the State of New Hampshire’s request to exclude payments from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Rebate Program from income taxes, ensuring Granite Staters do not have to pay more out-of-pocket costs to address drinking water contamination.
Building Energy Codes:
Last month, Senator Shaheen sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) urging it to require that new homes with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet up-to-date building codes for energy efficiency. Expanding the number of homes covered by updated codes would help Granite Staters save money and provide consistency for builders. Senator Shaheen secured $2.5 million in the Inflation Reduction Act for New Hampshire to adopt updated building energy codes, with another $1.6 million available for net zero codes.
In the news: Senator Shaheen advocates for energy-efficient building codes to lower New Hampshire housing costs. You can also read Senator Shaheen’s newsletter about codes here.
In case you missed it, Senator Shaheen, NH Municipal Association, International Code Council and ASHRAE held an information webinar about federal funding for building energy codes. You can find a recording of the webinar here.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) in Vermont and New Hampshire, announced $2,284,401 in funding for Twin State small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Inflation Reduction Act open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. The Biden Administration released a technical assistance guide. This guide provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs.
Below are a few grants and programs that were announced last month. Please reach out if Senator Shaheen can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $90 million in funding to support building energy code adoption, training, and technical assistance at the state and local level. The funding, which is the second installment in a $225 million program established by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, continues historic investment into state agencies, communities, and programs to successfully implement modern building codes. DOE estimates that from 2010 through 2040 energy codes will have saved homes and businesses $182 billion on utility bills and prevented as much carbon dioxide from reaching the atmosphere as that of 187 million gasoline-powered cars annually.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize, which will award $180 million to districts across the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades at K-12 schools, lowering energy use and costs, improving indoor air quality, and fostering healthier learning environments. The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represents a groundbreaking investment in energy-efficient and renewable energy infrastructure at underserved K-12 public schools and contributes toward the Administration’s broader Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $171 million for 49 projects across 21 states to reduce industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the development of innovative decarbonization technologies. DOE also announced that applications are open for an $83 million funding opportunity to decrease emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, which represent roughly 30 percent of total U.S. carbon emissions
The EPA announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $100 million through the Forest Landowner Support Program to support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation and forest resilience.
BOEM finalizes wind energy area in the Gulf of Maine and announces upcoming environmental review of potential offshore wind leasing activities.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/31/24
Overview
IMPORTANT: On April 8 at 5:30pm we'll hold our 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts." Hear from Representatives Kat McGhee and Tony Caplan and Senator Debra Altschiller about the bills still standing and what they hope for in the remaining week.
Register at bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
GOOD NEWS:
NH Coal plants shutting down.
Three bills managing landfills pass the House, and are now on to the Senate.
AND MORE: (from Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.)
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Send me a headshot of yourself to be featured alongside other women of the NHN in celebration of all you do! You probably saw other organizations you follow doing this kind of post on International Women’s Day 3/8, but we will be doing it at the end of the month. (Thank you to those who have already sent me a photo!)
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day-related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Wednesday, April 3 — 6 to 8 pm
We at GSOP (Granite State Organizing Project) are very excited to offer a series of FREE, virtual trainings on Zoom. These will be held on Wednesday evenings in April (the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th respectively). It will be a great way for those seasoned or new to grassroots organizing and mobilizing communities to come together, trade tips and tricks, meet some of the GSOP staff, and connect with grassroots leaders from across the state that they may not have met before!
You are invited: Organizing 101- Making Change Together!
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcOupqzMiE9Wos9AQKDm4yIkFe5_D27OZ#/registration
Wednesday, April 3 — 7 pm NH Network Steering Committee
Here's the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
Thursday, April 4 — 2-6 pm NHPR Climate Summit at UNH Memorial Union Building
Thursday, April 4 — 12:00-1:30 pm Northeast Energy & Commerce Assoc: Low Carbon Fuel standard primer, https://necanews.org/product/ticket-low-carbon-fuel-standard-primer/
Friday, April 5 — 1-2 pm NH Food Alliance: What's Next For New Hampshire
https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/get-involved/network-cafe-series
Friday, April 5 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 5th — 8:30 am to 12 noon Pelham Clean Water Initiative: Understanding Watersheds and Cyanobacteria Conference at Pelham Town Hall, Pelham
Sunday, April 7 — 6 pm Plastics Working Group
(Here are the notes from the March 24 Plastics Working Group meeting. Many thanks to Carol Foss of Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies for facilitating and to Cynthia Walter for taking notes.
(Please go into the notes and add your local community updates so we can learn and be inspired by each other’s local actions.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
IMPORTANT: On April 8 at 5:30 pm we'll hold our 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts." Hear from Representatives Kat McGhee and Tony Caplan and Senator Debra Altschiller about the bills still standing and what they hope for in the remaining week.
Register at bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Wednesday, April 10 — 7 pm Climate Working Group
citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, April 12 — 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 12 — 6:30-9:30 pm
The Story of Plastic at the Community Theatre in Peterborough!
Saturday, April 13 - Tabling at Dover Public Library Earth Week event, Dover Plastic Reduction Group
Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event, Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
Bills to take action on:
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y
Take Action
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective, and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move on to either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y
The Network is a volunteer-driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
The building industry thought they had a slam-dunk with HB 1059, building codes that ignored updated energy codes. Thanks to all the letters and calls made by NH Network, they had to work supremely hard to keep their ground. We didn’t get those energy codes added, but we’ll have another opportunity in the Senate. See what Donald Kreis has to say: Calling B.S. on the Energy Conservation Code - InDepthNH.orgInDepthNH.org
https://indepthnh.org/2024/03/26/calling-b-s-on-the-energy-conservation-code/
AND
Keep pushing! This week we’re urging our Energy Committees and Municipal leaders to OPPOSE SB 437: relative to local authority to amend the state building code, that will “cross over” to have its hearing in the House on April 10. If the State rejects best practices, then each municipality should have the LOCAL CONTROL to opt for the building standards that will create living spaces that are more efficient to heat and cool, healthier to live in and save their residents money.
Link to NH Network website for additional detail on these bills: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Tuesday, April 2nd:
HB 602 (Senate Energy and Resources 9 am room 103) Relative to siting landfills. SUPPORT
HB 1386 (Senate Energy and Resources 9:15 am room 103) Relative to disposal of lithium batteries in landfill SUPPORT
HB 1620 (Senate Energy and Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to suspending new landfill permits until 2031 PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1302 (Senate Election 9:50 room 103) Relative to elected conservation commissions in towns OPPOSE
HB 1047 (Senate Commerce 10:10 SH) Relative to state outreach for residents without computers, tablets, or smartphones. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 3
SB 496 (House Health and Human Services 11 am room 203) Directs the DHH to establish climate and health protection programs. PRIORITY SUPPORT
UPDATE ON LAKE BILLS:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/lakes/FMfcgzGxSRSCHfDMGgWBhFgxHHrJNdfn
Feed Your Brain
Boston Globe Sustainability Week (free registration for April 22 to 25 webinars)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/Inmkdjm0EG0
Last Coal Plants Shutting Down
The Gas Industry Gutted Green Building Codes. Now, Republicans Want To Go Further.
GOP lawmakers are pushing back on programs designed to help states and cities modernize construction standards and save more energy.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/republicans-building-codes-climate_n_6605b8f8e4b05f4de3282cb4
Paul Bemis: There's nothing conservative about wasting heat (Network WG leader)
NH has become Massachusetts Dumping Ground
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/25/24
Overview
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Perhaps this case is known to some, but to others, it is new. Feel free to act as time is short. Joseph Stigliz is a highly respected economist and former government official. His argument is compelling.
Save Juliana — Our Children's Trust
JOSEPH STIGLITZ' STATEMENT FROM LINK IN ABOVE INFO
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/655a2d016eb74e41dc292ed5/t/65efa267091ae274cc2f73c8/1710203495510/DktEntry+7.3+Stiglitz+Decl+2024.02.12.pdf
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Link to these and other important events and meetings can be found on the calendar at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 24 6 pm Plastics Work Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Wednesday, March 27 8 am 2024 Climate Action Maple Breakfast with US Senator Maggie Hassan and the NH Maple Producers Association
Mobilize registration link: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/610462/
Wednesday, March 27 5pm Environmental Work Group
Zoom link at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/environment-working-group
Friday, March 29 2pm Legislation Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450 Passcode: 658454
Sunday, April 20 1 pm UCC Annual Earth Summit
Register: https://www.ucc.org/event/2024-ucc-annual-earth-summit/
The UCC's second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, "Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?" Additionally, the following panel of award-winning activists will speak about the multi-national struggle against the pollution of Formosa Plastics, one of the world's largest plastics producers:
-Sharon Lavigne, 2021 Goldman Prize Winner, Rise St. James
-Diane Wilson, 2023 Goldman Prize Winner, San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper
-Nancy Bui, International Monitor Formosa Alliance and Justice for Formosa Victims
This event will be both in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Along with The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, cohosts include the UCC's Council for Climate Justice, the National Setting of the UCC, and the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC.
Friday, May 17 The NH Food System Statewide Gathering is a day full of networking, learning, professional development (and, of course, delicious food!) shared amongst the most influential and innovative food system professionals in New Hampshire.
We will spend our time together in six dynamic breakout sessions, learning and connecting on a variety of food system topics, as well as strengthening our connections through networking activities, a locally-sourced lunch, and end-of-gathering celebration. The full schedule of the day will be available on April 1.
But don't wait, our early bird registration period closes on March 31!
Take Action
Please see separate Google Group email titled “Legislative Alert” and/or visit the NH Bill Actions page.
Feed Your Brain
Thank you for sharing your relevant articles. Feel free to forward to us any that you feel are important, new information, and should be shared.
March 20, 2024 - Municipal Energy Committee (Current solar activism in NH towns)
video recording, chat, meeting notes
The True Cost of Food (Network Environmental WG webinar)
Recording at newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Darren Woods is Wrong. The Past Matters (Important interview with the Exxon CEO)
PBS: The Story of Plastics Recycling Fraud
The National Funding Foundation is offering the Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
Virtual Online Program on June 17, 2024. Interested development professionals, administrators, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly. Please forward, post, and distribute this e-mail to your colleagues and listservs.
All participants will receive the National Funding Foundation's Certificate in Professional Grant Proposal Writing.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/17/24
Overview
This is a condensed Vacation version of the highlights for the Week of March 17-23, 2024. It may be shorter but contains lots of very important highlights and information. There are many relevant articles members have shared with the Network. Feel free to forward to us anything you feel is important and should be shared.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
March 20th Twofers!
March 20th, 3:00-4:00 pm on Zoom
Energy Working Group: the subgroup for members of Municipal Energy Committees and interested others.
Topic: Solar projects, big and small – opportunities, challenges, with opportunity to discuss our experiences. Discussion led by Paul Bemis (presenter of “Building Codes” earlier this month), with special guest Melissa Elander (presenter of “Funding Sources” last month).
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526 Passcode: 753869
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
March 20th, 5:00-6:00 pm on Zoom
The True Cost of Food
Presenter: Gene Jonas – organic farmer,
owner, and operator of Hungry Bear Farm, Wilton, NH
Why does local food cost more than what we buy from the grocery store? In this workshop, Hungry Bear Farm owner and operator Gene Jonas will share a holistic analysis of the costs of the industrialized food production systems that dominate the landscape today, and why buying local is actually better for you and your wallet.
Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
Sponsored by the NH Network Environment Working Group
THROUGHOUT THE STATE:
March 21, 6:30-7:30 pm, Save Money, Protect Health, Cut Waste - Paige Wilson on Composting and Dover Plastic Reduction Group on non-plastic alternatives - Dover Public Library https://dovernh.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/talking-trash-with-the-plastic-reduction-group/
March 22, 9:30 am, Solid Waste Working Group Meeting - Presentation by Signalfire Group (subsidiary of RRS) Principal Resa Domino on Extended Producer Responsibility (RPS) https://www.des.nh.gov/event/new-hampshire-solid-waste-working-group-meeting-3
March23, 9am - 3pm - Seacoast Environmental Film Festival, Kittery Community CenterSeacoast Environmental Film Festival - KITTERY LAND TRUST (weebly.com)- possible Tabling for NH Network and PWG (contact cawalter22@gmail.com)
March 26, Noon Hidden Toxics in Our Products & the Transition to Green Chemistry, UNH Sustainability Institute.
TODAY, March 18 is the last day to register by end of day today at bit.ly/FTG-communitysummit for the “Fix the Grid” full day workshop in Danville, NH. We'll be digging into energy democracy topics (including microgrids, demand response projects, and municipal utilities) in the morning, and then go into governance reform efforts in the afternoon. We also have communications experts 90West joining us for a messaging workshop!
Take Action
URGENT: SUPPORT SB 391
Link to the Action Alert URGENT: SUPPORT SB 391
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9508895?e=5f324ddf0a
LEGISLATIVE EDITION
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
There are 4 bills of interest that are having a public hearing this week, 3 of them were passed in the Senate, and the first one is still in the House. We are monitoring the first one, HB 609 The other 3 SB bills passed in the Senate, moved to the House, and are important enough to ask you to sign in and Support, write testimony or contact your Rep if you can.
Bills This Week
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Week of March 18, 20
Tue 3/19/24 9:45am SH 103
Senate Energy & Natural Resources
relative to the site evaluation committee for energy facility siting.
MONITOR
Some are concerned about less public input, but recommended OTP unanimously by House STE committee. Fixes an acknowledged need to streamline siting procedures for energy projects to meet future electrification needs while still providing meaningful public participation.
Public Hearing Tue 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 9:30am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to the use of renewable energy funds by the department of energy.
SUPPORT
Adds battery storage projects to uses of the renewable energy fund, deletes a required renewable generation incentive program, and authorizes a political subdivision incentive, rebate, or grant program using the fund. The bill also modifies the reporting date by the department of energy concerning the renewable energy fund. This bill is a request of the department of energy.
Public Hearing Tue 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 10:00 am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to administration of utilities by the department of energy.
SUPPORT
Makes various changes to the administration of public utilities and the duties of the department of energy. A housecleaning bill, which makes no meaningful changes to any programs
Public Hearing 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 10:30am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators.
SUPPORT
This bill is a request of the department of energy. This bill attempts to fix bottlenecks in the process for renewable energy projects to interconnect to the distribution grid by adopting best practices focused on engineering standards, review processes, time lines, cost responsibilities, information sharing and transparency, and dispute resolution.
Public Hearing 3/19/24
Thursday, March 21 there will be House and Senate Sessions to hear and vote on Bills that have passed to them. More Information to follow.
Enjoy the sunny day.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHOpeOcgpjb__LptVG2di615i0GKMKYkFT2kB8fyG4g/edit?usp=sharing
Feed Your Brain
Article:
Floodwaters inundate Maine, New Hampshire for fourth time since December https://wapo.st/49N4zpa
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/10/24
Four important announcements.
One, your work is making a difference. The Network continues to receive thanks (and accolades) for our legislative efforts and results. For example, progress on forest carbon bills HB1697, HB1709; prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS HB1649; health protection program SB496; moratorium on new landfills until 2031, HB1620.
Two, the next NHNetwork webinar is on March 20th from 5 to 6 pm
“The True Cost of Food” moderated by the NHNetwork Environmental Working Group
presents NH organic farmer Gene Jonas with The True Cost of Food
>> Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
Three, the United Universalist Church is taking the lead on many issues that mirror our goals, and they are offering monthly webinars.
This month’s March 21st meeting focus is Heating and Cooling. Future meeting topics include: “What’s New in Solar”, “Community Power and Choosing an Alternative Power Company”, and “Energy Policy In NH”. Click this link for more information: https://uuactionnh.org/
Four, if you were unable to attend the March 7 Network meeting on the significance of energy building codes, here is the recording: https://www.nhclimatehealth.org/our-past-events
It contains important information to support HB 1059 incorporating 2021 energy codes for future construction, the health and economic benefits of proper insulation and vapor barriers. PS Your NH Network letters are getting our legislators to reconsider the need for updating energy building codes – please share with your municipal leaders, as well!
In addition, here is a Washington Post article detailing the national effort to derail energy codes:
Overview
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 10 6 pm Plastics Working Group
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. NH NETWORK: Climate working group
Zoom: citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, March 15 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Zoom: To be announced.
Sunday, March 17 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing. (March 17, 31 and April 14, 28)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302 Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
Wednesday, March 20 3 pm Municipal Energy Committees - members and interested individuals
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526 Passcode: 753869
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Wednesday, March 20 5 pm NH Network monthly webinar: The True Cost of Food.
Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
March 21st 6:30-7:30 pm Dover Public Library (in-person), Save Money, Protect Health, Cut Waste -
Paige Wilson on Composting; Dover Plastic Reduction Group on non-plastic alternatives.
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t8B4--qUuf2BBvPg0kir-p3VzMrsYCLA/view?ts=65e13949
Saturday, March 23 9:30 to 5 pm Fix the Grid Summit
Our progress: In the last year, the Fix the Grid campaign has seen tremendous momentum grow in our efforts to accelerate a just transition to a clean, renewable, transparency electric system for our region. But we also know that the pandemic and the regional nature of our work have made it challenging to build connections between leaders in this movement. So, we're excited to announce our first-ever in person community summit!
Our plan: This will be a one-day event, located at the Danville Community Center in Southern New Hampshire. We'll provide coffee and bagels as well as lunch, and we'll have child care and interpretation services available.
Our ask: Join us! Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to come, and feel free to spread the word to friends and acquaintances who are also interested in how our electric grid and our energy system impact our lives and our future. bit.ly/FTG-communitysummit
Check out the Fix the Grid website for more information about our campaign!
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Please join us for this gathering in Concord with 350NH staff, volunteers, and community members! We are going to talk about telling our own stories to drive other people to join our efforts. RSVP here so we know how many people to expect! Snacks and coffee will be provided.
April 12 Clean Energy NH Crossover Event: Details to be announced.
Take Action
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills (NOT needed this week!)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills (NOT needed this week!) USUALLY (but not this week, see below) Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
-The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week: There are NO PUBLIC HEARING THIS WEEK, but lots of work to do.
A number of bills we care about are still in play. For the bills that matter to you, please write or call
your own Reps (you may know more about these bills than they do);
the members of the House or Senate committees involved (call, don’t write them);
And ESPECIALLY your own municipal leaders (Select Board or Town Councilors, and members of committees affected: planning, zoning, public works, agriculture, farmers, conservation, transportation, hazard mitigation, resilience…) Their word may have the strongest effect!
PRIORITY OPPOSE HB1059, Full House vote not yet scheduled.
HB1059 would update building codes, EXCLUDING energy codes, so that occupants for the life of the building would be paying 10% more in utility bills. Built structures create more emissions than transportation. We need buildings that conserve energy, limit emissions, cost the owner or renter less in monthly bills, and has significantly better air quality. WE MAY BE TURNING OPINION AROUND - CONTINUE YOUR EFFORTS. Get your municipal officials to weigh in. Insist that THE MOST RECENT ENERGY CODES be included in NH’s building codes.
PRIORITY OPPOSE HB1479, Headed for a full House vote, possibly March 14 (vote is split so far).
The ultimate gag order: Prohibits anyone receiving public funds – even municipal governments and nonprofits –from being allowed to “lobby, attempt to influence legislation, participate in political activity…” This would prevent knowledgeable people – local officials, environmental groups and other nonprofits – from advocating on behalf of a city or town, sharing their data and reports on the topics they know best. This affects environmental groups and many more, throughout NH.
Sample constituent letter (no copying, please!):
Dear Senator Innis and Reps. See, Aylward,and Andrus,
As a citizen who has been active in her local community for over forty years, I am very concerned about HB1437 and ask that you cast your vote against it.
Those serving in municipal governments, state boards, and nonprofits should be able to voice their concerns or offer information on pending legislation without fear of committing a crime (Class A misdemeanour) and being being personally liable for amounts "equal to 3 times the amount wrongfully paid or expended."
Municipalities and their associations representing their interests should be able to express their thoughts. As a taxpayer, I depend on my own town to do so. Laws should not be passed without municipalities being able to provide their analysis and opinions on how it affects them. How else would elected members of the General Court make informed decisions?
Some may believe that this bill only addresses governments but it goes further. Any other groups, including nonprofits who receive grants for any kind of work would be excluded as well, "Any recipient of public funds that wishes to engage in any of the activities which would require registration as a lobbyist under RSA 15:1, shall segregate public funds in such a manner that such funds are physically and financially separate from any other funds that may be used for any of these purposes. Mere bookkeeping separation of the public funds from other monies shall not be sufficient." (Quote from bill, part of which I have added bold text for my own emphasis.)
No one should live in fear of opening themselves up to lawsuits that could ruin them financially by providing to their members of the General Court, as part of their right to free speech.
Thank you for opposing this bill.
Sincerely,
M.T., resident of Webster, NH
OPPOSE HB1332-FN, Full House vote March 14 (MAJORITY so far: OUGHT TO PASS)
Would prohibit electric vehicles from parking in parking garages – cherry-picking one technology type (EVs) on the basis of weight and fire risk. SUVs and trucks are just as heavy; the Fire Marshall is content that SB430 will study EV safety.
HEADING FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION in their committees:
PRIORITY SUPPORT HB1636-FN, relative to creating the NH container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. House Commerce, Exec Session 10am Wed 3/13 LOB 302-4
SUPPORT HR 30, urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. Inspired by student activists.
Heading towards a 2nd Executive Session!! 10:00 AM Mon March 18• House Education LOB 205-7
From NH LAKES: Link for the Advocacy Alert: https://mailchi.mp/nhlakes/advocacy-alert-344533?e=31b0846a46
SUPPORT HB1390, relative to regulating wakeboarding and wake sports. These sports increase cyanobacteria bloom by churning up sediment, and they cause shore erosion. Executive Session 10:30 AM Wed 3/13• House Resources, Recreation and Development LOB 305
WORK SESSION: One can always can phone or write (especially to committee clerk), allowed to watch the session, but probably not allowed to speak.
SUPPORT HB1678, establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program. Bipartisan sponsorship. Work Session, House Committee on Finance Division 1 : 03/13/2024 02:30 pm LOB 212
POLICY AND MORE:
Although CACR 14 (providing a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations) was voted ITL for this year, you may want to watch Nick Germana’s video clip for inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpGg2W72Mno 2:20:22
Chris Skoglund (CENH) https://www.energy.nh.gov/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-homeowners/home-efficiency-rebates-program Dept of Energy call for recommendations for federal Home Energy grants by noon March 13
The NH Climate Action Plan of March 2024 is written!
Feed Your Brain
Steering Committee Notes: SteeringCmteAgenda/Minutes
Useful link from March 8’s weekly 2pm Legislative/Policy Meeting:
Chris Skoglund (CENH) https://www.energy.nh.gov/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-homeowners/home-efficiency-rebates-program
John Gage
Distant Dome: Advisory Ethics Opinions Reveal Sticky Issues On Influencing the Legislature - https://indepthnh.org/2024/02/24/distant-dome-advisory-ethics-opinions-reveal-sticky-issues-on-influencing-the-legislature/
Op-Ed:
Dark Money, Texas PAC Has Foothold On Half the GOP’s NH State Reps - https://indepthnh.org/2024/02/19/op-ed-dark-money-texas-pac-has-foothold-on-half-the-gops-nh-state-reps/
NH House Needs a Climate Science Intervention: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1InSSQHkauhN2PrYOub6QRB04Bul6gm5bgnUTsPcvphQ/edit?usp=drivesdk
No Gas No Coal: Click links for informative articles
You can see more context about how and why we are engaging ISO New England here and here. And you can see some of our reflections on the importance of keeping the pressure on here.
-
LINKS from Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks (next meeting Sunday, March 17 4 pm, see “Meetings & Events” above)
1. Storytelling for Social Change: March 17th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YUp3oCXJk
https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/350-storytelling-toolkit_EN.pdf
https://potentialenergycoalition.org/global-report/
2. Striving for Zero Waste: March 31st
3. Challenging the Extractive Mindset: April 14th
https://www.forwardthinkingworkplaces.com/get-out-of-the-extractive-mindset/
4. Rewilding/Plant Intelligence: April 28th
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-02-01/the-future-is-feral-and-climate-resilient/
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/3/24
GOOD NEWS: Please review the TAKE ACTION section below to view legislative successes and recommended action items.
ACTION ALERT
HB 1059 with amendment is the most recent bill moved from being dead in the water to viable due to Network support and organizations from Clean Energy NH to Municipal Association to AARP. OPPOSE unless 1059 includes Rebecca McWilliams’s amendment to include 2021 energy codes in NH’s building codes
Thursday’s March 7, 4 pm Network presentation in conjunction with NH Health Workers for Climate Action Network is a call to action for HB 1059.
Paul Bemis will explain why this represents a health risk and a markedly increased cost burden for occupants. An amendment to update the energy codes has been proposed, but it faces strong pushback. Senator Shaheen cautions that NH could fail to qualify for several federal funding programs, including workforce training if this bill passes WITHOUT the updated building codes.
Why is a homeowner paying premium prices to put in EV or solar hook-ups, when they could easily be included by the builder? Or, paying 10-20% more in utility bills?
Building Codes: Your health, your wallet, and energy efficiency
Register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
MORE GOOD NEWS
The NH Network is “suffering” a bit from its success. Specifically, we are receiving multiple requests to post meetings and opportunities. We are doing our best with an eye toward not burdening you with too many opportunities.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR MEETINGS, EDUCATION, and COMMUNITY
Monadnock Sustainability Hub
https://mailchi.mp/monadnocksustainabilityhub/novement2023-10524486?e=3852408a92
Northeast Resource and Recovery Association
https://mailchi.mp/nrrarecycles/fos-february-28-2024?e=dda0acd162
Overview
EXCITING - FOLLOW US!
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Follow our community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU WISH TO POST TO THE NETWORK’S FACEBOOK PAGE, here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwfGQbgezbL-jy7H_Z-IwoczA3uC88riaR5LR0TzW3JQ0zQg/viewform
Meetings and Event
Listed in the blue box above or visit the NH Network calendar for further information.
March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Meetings are being offered by NH for Climate Justice and No Gas No Coal
March 21st 6:30 pm Dover in-person meeting (Save money and reduce waste)
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Take Action
Legislative Alerts
Feed Your Brain
Returnable-reusable vs. Refillable
Senator Shaheen Updates
Federal Grants & Programs Announced
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics about sustainable living. All are welcome—informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31, and April 14, 28, 4 pm (See FEED YOUR BRAIN for details)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation. Resources from the talk are in the link.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9
These meetings are being offered by NH for Climate Justice and No Gas No Coal
March 4th, 7:00 pm: Demand Response Info Session (Virtual)
This webinar will explain some of the basics of our regional energy grid operators (ISO-NE) and "demand response," a mechanism they do not use often enough in their system. RSVP here.
March 5th, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm: Climate & Militarism Community Conversation (Virtual)
The climate crisis and the fossil fuel industry have impacted war and conflict across the globe. Join us for this conversation about the connections between war and climate. RSVP here for the Zoom link
March 6th, 12:00 pm-3:30 pm: Consumer Liaison Group Meeting
Attend the Consumer Liaison Group meeting to pressure our regional energy grid operators (ISO-NE). Click here for more information.
NH Network
Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Climate Working Group
Meetings will be on Zoom at citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Sunday, March 10, 6 pm NH NETWORK: Plastics Working Group
ZOOM LINK
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
March 21st 6:30 pm Dover in-person meeting (Save money and reduce waste)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t8B4--qUuf2BBvPg0kir-p3VzMrsYCLA/view?ts=65e13949
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Please join us for this gathering in Concord with 350NH staff, volunteers, and community members! We are going to talk about telling our own stories to drive other people to join our efforts. RSVP here so we know how many people to expect! Snacks and coffee will be provided.
Take Action
Good news: We continue to hear from a variety of sources that Network activism is having positive outcomes. In-person testimony, written testimony and sign-ups have moved the needle on multiple bills. For example, SB 303 relative to the use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy and SB 388 relative to administration of utilities by the Department of Energy are each OTP and have survived crossover to be reviewed by the STE Committee.
AND:
Two important bills will be voted without debate, both recommended ‘Ought to Pass with Amendment’ by the House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee: :
HB 1600, relative to participation in net energy metering,
HB 1431, relative to utility requirements for integrated distribution planning.
AND:
HB 1059 with amendment is the most recent bill moved from being dead in the water to viable due to Network support and organizations from Clean Energy NH to Municipal Association to AARP. OPPOSE unless 1059 includes Rebecca McWilliams’s amendment to include 2021 energy codes in NH’s building codes
Thursday’s March 7, 4 pm Network presentation in conjunction with NH Health Workers for Climate Action Network is a call to action for HB 1059. Paul Bemis will explain why this represents a health risk and a markedly increased cost burden for occupants. An amendment to update the energy codes has been proposed, but it faces strong pushback. Senator Shaheen cautions that NH could fail to qualify for several federal funding programs, including workforce training if this bill passes WITHOUT the updated building codes.
Why is a homeowner paying premium prices to put in EV or solar hook-ups, when they could easily be included by the builder? Or, paying 10-20% more in utility bills?
Building Codes: Your health, your wallet, and energy efficiency
Register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
BILLS THIS WEEK:
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Tuesday, March 5:
SB 543 (Energy and Natural Resources 9:45 am room 103) Establish the state environmental adaptation, resilience and innovation council. PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1293 (House Ways and Means 11 am room 202) Relative to the use of fertilizers to protect waterways. SUPPORT
HB 1709 (House Ways and Means 12:15 room 202) Establish carbon forest commission to examine the balance between timber harvesting and forest sequestration. SUPPORT
HR 30 (House Education 1:45 pm Room 205) Urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. SUPPORT
The 350NH Youth Team, with sponsorship from Representatives Wendy Thomas and Tony Caplan, submitted this climate literacy resolution to the NH House of Representatives.
While the resolution is not a bill and does not require the department to act, it details a set of topics that students feel should be included in a robust climate education. Passing HR 30 would show support for climate literacy, including the scientific, human, and economic impacts of climate change. It would give teachers and school boards a resource to reference in making decisions about climate change curriculum.
Wednesday, March 6:
HB 1578 (Environment and Agriculture 1 pm room 301) This bill repeals the certification program and the organic processors-handlers certification fund. PRIORITY OPPOSE
Continue to contact your state reps and/or have your town officers write. NOT TOO LATE TO KEEP UP THE NOISE - Executive Session on critical bills March 6
SB 437 onerous procedures would prohibit municipalities from adopting more stringent codes than the state’s. We allow municipal differences in other aspects. We pay homage to “local control.” Allow municipalities to make these decisions, and provide the state with examples of what works and what doesn’t. OPPOSE.
HB1486 would allow us to see on paper what would be the effect of a carbon price, to prepare for future carbon import fees. SUPPORT.
CONTINUE THE NOISE for Full House votes on hugely important bills March 7
HB 1036, relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge, an effort to remove the “Granite State Test” as the standard by which we evaluate energy efficiency measures, among other projects. Could introduce unnecessary uncertainty into the market and imperil programs like NHSaves. OPPOSE
HB 1623, relative to the state energy policy, which would move NH from a standard that prioritizes access to affordable energy without compromising public and environmental health to a narrow focus on “baseload” generation, implicitly prioritizing traditional fossil fuels. Could keep clean energy from being built. OPPOSE
HB 1332, relative to prohibiting electric vehicles from parking in parking garages. Singles out EVs and EV drivers based on clear misunderstandings or misrepresentations of the data on both vehicle weight (no different from many SUVs and trucks) and battery fires (being studied with SB430). OPPOSE
OTHER POSITIVE OUTCOMES FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE (late-night reading from the House Consent Calendar)
HB 1170-FN, requires public benefit and community impact assessments from the Department of Environmental Services. REFER FOR INTERIM STUDY. Rep. Megan Murray for Environment and Agriculture. The committee felt that the concept of public benefit, and net public benefit and community impact has merit to be further explored when looking at several factors around solid waste permitting and their relationship to human impacts. The committee would like to explore concepts around quantifying impacts to communities, including public health, community input and involvement, and assessment as it relates to the Department of Environmental Services. Vote 18-0.
HB 1386-FN, relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Judy Aron for Environment and Agriculture. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in cell phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices. When they are improperly disposed of the protective pouch around the battery can be punctured or damaged leading to chemical reactions that can cause fire or explosion. The fires caused by these batteries burn hotter and longer, and are difficult to extinguish. This bill prohibits the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities and incinerators because they have already been known to cause fires and create great damage to existing facilities in NH. The bill also cleans up and expands the definition of electronic devices prohibited in NH landfills. The amendment clarifies that no one will be held liable for disposing banned lithium-ion batteries accidentally. Several trade associations, Waste Haulers, NH Association of Fire Chiefs (NHAFC), and the NH Fire Marshall’s office support this bill. This bill is also consistent with the NH Solid Waste Management Plan adopted in 2022. Vote 18-0.
HB 1490, relative to the Solid Waste Management Act. OUGHT TO PASS. Rep. Peter Bixby for Environment and Agriculture. This bill was a request from the Department of Environmental Services to amend parts of RSA 149-M. The bill is a statute housekeeping bill which modifies the existing definitions of “abutter” and “end-of-life motor vehicle,” corrects a drafting error from the 2019 legislative session, and adds the term “termination” to the list of possible actions in the administration of the permit system. Vote 13-0.
HB 1620-FN, relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Nicholas Germana for Environment and Agriculture. As amended, this bill will suspend the issuance of new landfill permits until July 1, 2028. The Department of Environmental Services shall continue to accept and investigate applications. The period of this suspension will allow for more time for the legislature to consider rules and procedures that assure that landfills in the state will be sited properly, meet the need of public benefit, and advance New Hampshire’s solid waste goals. Vote 18-0.
HB 1687-FN, relative to disposal of construction and demolition debris from state construction projects. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Megan Murray for Environment and Agriculture. Even though there are already best practices in place around hazardous waste disposal and hazardous materials disposal on state construction projects, the amendment and the underlying bill further define the disposal of hazardous waste and hazardous materials as enumerated in the statute. This bill is relative only to state contracts and New Hampshire University System contracts. The bill, as amended, strengthens state contractual positions and will improve compliance with regard to disposal of construction and demolition debris from state construction projects. Vote 18-0.
Feed Your Brain
Returnable-reusable vs. Refillable
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition defines reusable packaging as "designed to be returnable and/or refillable." Upstream feels that when policy is written, there is a need to have specific, separate definitions of what is "returnable" and what is "refillable."
Returnable-Reusable Packaging is designed to be recirculated multiple times for the same or similar purpose in its original format in a system for reuse and is owned by producers or a third party and returned to producers or a third party after each use. We say "returnable-reusable" to avoid confusion with other types of returnables, like returnable cans in a bottle bill system, which are returnable, but not reusable.
Refillable Packaging is designed to be refilled by consumers multiple times for the same or similar purpose in its original format, and is sold or provided to consumers once for the duration of its usable life.
The main point: refillable packaging is owned by consumers while reusable packaging is owned by producers or a third party. Refillables, like BYO or refill at home, require a lot of consumer behavior change. Returnables eliminate the challenges of refillable packaging because they can mimic single-use packaging.
Senator Shaheen Updates
· Senator Shaheen opened the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending application! The deadline to submit FY25 CDS requests to her office is March 22nd and the application can be found HERE.
Please join one of the webinars below to learn more. For questions about CDS please email appropriations_shaheen@shaheen.senate.gov.
FY25 CDS Information Session with the NH Municipal Association
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 5th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N3Pr8lU8SoOquF2qQ1BnRQ#/registration
FY25 CDS Information Session with the NH Center for Nonprofits
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 6th from 1 pm – 2 pm
Registration here: https://www.nhnonprofits.org/events/partner-event-how-submit-congressional-directed-spending-0
· Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee, applauded Senate passage of a bill to keep the government open. This bipartisan agreement moves forward with the full-year appropriations legislation, including the CJS appropriations bill, which invests in a wide range of critical programs benefiting New Hampshire and the country.
· Senator Shaheen along with Senators Collins, King, and Kelley introduced bipartisan legislation to address PFAS contamination in private wells. The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program bill would ensure that states have the flexibility to use funding from the $5 billion provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities to help assist private well owners get rid of toxins in their drinking water.
· Earlier in the month, Senator Shaheen visited several sites along the Seacoast to tour the extensive damage from recent storms.
· In case you missed it! This week Senator Shaheen, NH Municipal Association, International Code Council, and ASHRAE held an information webinar about federal funding for building energy codes. You can find a recording of the webinar here.
Federal Grants & Programs Announced
The inflation Reduction Act open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. The Biden Administration released a technical assistance guide. This guide provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs.
Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. Please reach out if Senator Shaheen can help identify grants or write a letter of support for a federal grant.
· The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new $24 million funding opportunity for workforce training programs with a focus on training in clean energy jobs that do not require a four-degree. This funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will further expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network to include more union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools.
· The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) announced it is making up to $15 million available to drive recovery of spent consumer batteries at retailers that can be sent to recyclers.
· The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced the release of the 2024 Request for Proposals for the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF). They expect to invest approximately $140 million in grants—including approximately $96 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—to support nature-based solutions for coastal resilience that provide a first line of defense for coastal communities and ecosystems from increasing impacts due to rising sea levels and more intense storms.
· The IRS is excited to offer additional office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. You can find dates and registration links to the office hours below.
March 6, 2024
1-2:30 PM EST
March 13, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
March 20, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
March 27, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 3, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 10, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 17, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 24, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
· The 2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Grant, a program providing federal funds to assist with public outdoor recreational projects, is once again open for intents through the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreations.
· The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are launching a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income using underutilized renewable technologies including smaller-scale wind projects. Through the Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy (RAISE) initiative, USDA is setting an initial goal of helping 400 individual farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
· The Department of the Interior announced a $195 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade, protecting America’s national parks for generations to come.
· The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of approximately $26 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to help local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for the grant program until May 14, 2024.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/29/24
Invitation to Action from the NH Network's Plastics Working Group
Who would like to help develop an EPR Toolkit: Breaking It Down guide as an educational tool for legislators and possibly Solid Waste Working Group members?
Who would like to develop a PPT presentation on EPR (same as above)?
Contact Cindy, cheath58@gmail.com if interested in doing research, writing, presenting, promoting.
Overview
EXCITING - FOLLOW US!
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Follow our community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings: Listed in the blue box above or visit the NH Network calendar for further information.
Take Action
Legislative Alerts
Comment on state climate action plan
Feed Your Brain
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea and Talks
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Friday, March 1, 12 to 1 pm, A series of four workshops organized by Maine Conservation Voters will run weekly throughout the month. Topics range from creating powerful, joyful climate action movement to a regional approach to food system resilience to the fraud of Plastics Recycling
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ZXII9T7on00
Sunday, March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31 and April 14, 28, 4 pm (See FEED YOUR BRAIN for details)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation. Resources from the talk are in the link.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
Thursday, March 7, 3 pm HOW TO MAXIMIZE solar savings
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/kennedymc07%40gmail.com/FMfcgzGxRwxxJgxFrlJNbqQvWrmqSBrW
Thursday, March 7, 4 to 5 pm NH Network and Health Workers for Climate Action
Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, there has been a mass migration of humans from fresh outdoor air to inside buildings. Most of us spend more than 90% of our time indoors, and indoor air quality is directly linked to our health. Three building code bills before the State House this year will reduce the energy efficiency of newly built homes, and negatively affect indoor air quality and our health.
WHERE: A virtual event, register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
Monday, March 4, at 7 pm begins a series of workshops from From No Gas no Coal Campaign
Detailed information about how the campaign is putting pressure on ISO New England through the Consumer Liaison Group and by other means. If you know others who may want to be on this list, you can point them to nocoalnogas.org/iso where they can sign up for the email list at the bottom of the page.
UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Webinar: ISO New England and Demand Response Basics (presented by us!)
Monday, March 4th at 7pm; Register Here
This session will provide some introduction to ISO New England (the regional electrical grid operator, which is funded by us through unitemized charges on our electrical bills). We'll also discuss the basics of Demand Response, which we believe to be a powerful potential tool around which ratepayers can organize to increase energy democracy, ensure a more sustainable energy future, and more.
The March 6th Consumer Liaison Group meeting topic is Demand Response. This educational opportunity will help you navigate some of the jargon so that you can show up informed and ready to engage the conversation.ISO New England Consumer Liaison Group Meeting
South Portland, Maine and online via WebEx
Wednesday, March 6th; noon-3:30 (online session begins at 12:30)Register Here for in-person attendance
(deadline to register for in-person attendance is noon on Friday, March 1st)
If you DO miss the deadline, but still want to come, please contact Marla .Register Here to attend via WebEx (online)
(no registration deadline)
As you know, ISO-NE (the regional electrical grid operator) is required to engage with the public quarterly via the Consumer Liaison Group (CLG). Meetings are open to the public (with registration required). Activists from No Coal No Gas, our partners at Fix the Grid, and others and are changing the way the CLG holds its meetings AND making space within the CLG for frontline communities and residential ratepayers to have a say in regional energy planning and decisions.
As I mentioned above, the upcoming quarterly meeting is about demand response, a strategy that SHOULD be accessible to residential ratepayers (not just big businesses and industries), but ISO-NE has resisted engaging us about how we can get involved. We continue to insist that they develop tools that give us the information we need to reduce the use of peaker plants that burn fossil fuels.
Our advocacy has already changed the way that ISO-NE is thinking about managing the electrical grid, and we need to keep the pressure on.
You can see more context about how and why we are engaging ISO New England here and here. And you can see some of our reflections on the importance of keeping the pressure on here.
Saturday, March 23, 10 am to noon 350 New Hampshire: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement
We are holding a gathering at South Church in Concord to talk about finding your place in the climate movement, and telling your story to move others to take action. We are hoping to bring people together who are already working on climate issues in the state with people who are maybe newer to the work to build connections and get people plugged in!
Sign up: share this event
Take Action
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Feb 28, 2024
Here’s the link to this doc: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Feb 25, 2024
A pause in the action during NH school vacation week… Here’s a quick overview of some actions from this past busy week. See what has happened to the bills we have been following… PLUS important emails we hope you’ll write.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP - Due to your help, a number of bills are moving forward.
Items highlighted in green are our successes. An additional shout out for last week’s SB 391 Ought to Pass with Amendment, setting rules for timely connections to the grid.
1. NOT OVER YET - Please write…
Please continue to send letters to the NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Governor supporting the current status of Net Metering. (More at cleanenergynh.org/nem)
Time frame:
Continuous letters to Governor’s office and DOE through March 10th
Continuous letters to PUC through April 1
Content:
Ideally letters are sent as attachments (PDF or word),
Letters are strongest when include how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business (concrete examples are best)
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
More examples can be found in the comments submitted to the NH PUC at the bottom of this website for the NEM docket.
Recipients
NH PUC sent to: ClerksOffice@puc.nh.gov; puc@puc.nh.gov,
Governor’s Office sent to: governorsununu@nh.gov, jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov, Deanna.E.Jurius@nh.gov
Senate Bill 391 (SB391) - Send letters to the Governor and the NH Department of Energy requesting that they AMEND Senate Bill 391 in order to ensure an effective rulemaking at the NH PUC regarding the “interconnection of distributed energy technologies” this year. There is momentum – Crossover gives us another chance.
Time frame:
Continuous letter to Governor’s office through until May 1
Better to send in March and April.
Background:
This bill is the “twin” to Net Energy Metering as it ensures that projects that can NEM can actually get built in NH.
Interconnection is the multi-step of connecting solar and battery projects to the grid.
There are currently hundreds of projects in NH waiting to interconnect and the wait time is many years to get through.
This delay in interconnection is largely due to the lack of clear rules at the PUC that direct the NH electric utilities to complete the interconnection process within a certain timeframe.
The NH DOE has significantly interfered with the SB391 language in the Senate and removed all requirements in the bill language related to time frame and responsibility of the NH PUC.
The NH DOE has effectively rendered SB391 meaningless.
Attention critical of NH DOE’s actions in the senate being paid to both NH DOE and the Governor’s Office at this time is important to pressuring them to change position and repair the legislation.
Content:
Ideally letters are sent as attachments (PDF or word),
Letters are strongest when include how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business (concrete examples are best)
Sample community letter 1 to Governor
Recipients
NH PUC sent to: ClerksOffice@puc.nh.gov; puc@puc.nh.gov,
Governor’s Office sent to: governorsununu@nh.gov, Deanna.E.Jurius@nh.gov, jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov, joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov.
ASK YOUR SENATOR to add the “2021 Energy Codes” Amendment to HB 1059 to update the NH building codes which does not currently update the energy codes. There is momentum – Crossover gives us another chance.
Time frame:
Continuous letter to Governor’s office through until May 1
Better to send in March and April.
2. STATUS OF BILLS ACTED ON LAST WEEK
MULTIPLE ISSUES
Env, Energy HB 1697 (New Title) relative to forest carbon credit programs. Feb 22, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment Good, will set guidelines: protecting trees as carbon credits vs. need to harvest for the timber industry.
Env, Climate SB 496 directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program. Will go to full Senate Mar 07, 2024 with a Committee Report of Ought to Pass with Amendment
Everything! HR 30 urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. House Education | Mar 06, 2024 09:30 AM, LOB, Room 205-207, Executive Session
ENERGY
Energy, SB 550 for utilities to determine future needs for better planning; CENH reports favorable hearing this week.
Energy, HB 1600 to advance community power, Feb 20, 2024: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment and will go to Full House.
Energy, Nuclear HB 1465 relative to studies of nuclear energy technologies and renaming the office of offshore wind industry development. Feb 22, 2024, House: Referred to Finance
Energy, EVs HB 1472 relative to rebates of energy efficiency funds for electric vehicles. Feb 22, 2024, House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news
Energy, Renewable Portfolio HB 1644 requiring the department of energy to initiate an investigation of the benefits and key considerations regarding support for clean or non-carbon emitting power generation. Feb 22, 2024, House: Lay HB1644 on Table. Bad bill, threatened to advance nuclear while stalling renewables; halted for now…
ENVIRONMENT
Env, Water HB 1143 including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. Last action: Feb 22, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment The amendment requires strong actions to defeat cyanobacteria!
Env, Water HB 1294 (New Title) establishing a committee to study ways to facilitate municipal compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Feb 22, 2024, House: Referred to Finance Watch this bill – to enforce Clean Water Act, or to avoid it?
Env, Landfills HB 1145 prohibiting the private ownership of landfills. House Env & Ag | Mar 06, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Full Committee Work Session
Env, Landfills HB 1221 relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. House Env & Ag | Mar 05, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Executive Session
Env, Landfills HB 1632 relative to out-of-state solid waste. House Env & Ag | Mar 06, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Full Committee Work Session
Env, Plastics, Landfills HB 1630 relative to extended producer responsibility. Feb 22, 2024, House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news, but we can build on 1636 “bottle bill” as they did in Maine.
Env, Plastics, Landfills HB 1636 relative to creating the New Hampshire container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. Feb 22, 2024, House: Refer for Interim Study. Work is already beginning to improve and advance this bill. We kept it from being ITL’d
Env, Plastics HB 1207 relative to single-use disposable plastic foodware accessories. Feb 22, 2024, House: Refer for Interim StudyExpect work to be done this summer, so may not be dead.
Env, PFAS HB 1649 relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. Feb 22, 2024, House: Passed on House floor. Referred to Finance Comm, Div. 1, probably 3/13, stay tuned
Env, Food HB 1184 relative to making an appropriation to the organic certification program. Feb 22, 2024,House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news, would have paid for itself.
Env, Climate HB 1423 requiring the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in the state of New Hampshire. Feb 22, 2024, House: Indefinitely Postpone.
Feed Your Brain
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31 and April 14, 28, 4 pm
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
2. What’s New in Composting?: March 3rd
https://www.compostingvermont.org/
3. Storytelling for Social Change: March 17th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YUp3oCXJk
https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/350-storytelling-toolkit_EN.pdf
https://potentialenergycoalition.org/global-report/
4. Striving for Zero Waste: March 31st
5. Challenging the Extractive Mindset: April 14th
https://www.forwardthinkingworkplaces.com/get-out-of-the-extractive-mindset/
6. Rewilding/Plant Intelligence: April 28th
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-02-01/the-future-is-feral-and-climate-resilient/
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/18/24
Always good to start with some positive news. An update from Future Crunch. (You might have to subscribe to attain the full newsletter.)
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxRfHFmScVpXhZvrPcBXhzvGKk
Plastics Working Group
Recording of Unwrap the Future Presentation: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Summary:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y9NhCKI9HOovyS4jGIwwA8k3nvbcLj7t-QeTELyQ4v0/edit
Overview
See List at the Top of this Page
Take Action
Bill are below.
Comment on state climate action plan
Feed Your Brain
Truth and Lies about Recycling
Plastics Working Group event recording and minutes
Meeting and Events
Tuesday, February 20: UNH Changemaker Speaker Series- Threads of Change: Rethinking Fast Fashion Supply Chains (go to Network calendar to register)
Wednesday, February 21, 3 PM - MUNICIPAL ENERGY COMMITTEES - discussing the concerns shared by members of NH's energy committees (and interested individuals). (monthly, 3rd Wednesday) Convenor: Paul Bemis
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526
Passcode: 75386
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Wednesday, February 21, 5 PM ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
Meeting ID: 869 9226 6518
Passcode: 911367
Friday, February 23, 2 PM LEGISLATIVE POLICY - this and every Friday at 2 PM , a chance for discussion around the deeper implications and the history/context behind upcoming week's legislation & policy. Also and how to weigh in on bills that are still in play, even after their hearing. Convenor: Chris Skoglund
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Thursday, February 24, 10 AM 350 NH: Our Own Version of a NH Climate Action Plan (go to the Network calendar to register)
Thursday, March 7, 4 PM Full group meeting, Energy Working Group:
Jan & Feb meetings were presentations, in response to most-requested items in our Interest Survey: legislation and funding. (The recordings of those events, the slide decks and links to resources can be found at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING Please offer input on what would be a useful way to use this time together! A chance to discuss a particular topic, regroup after our first round of events, learn from members who have offered to share their expertise. PLEASE OFFER SUGGESTIONS.
NEED one or 2 people to take the lead for this meeting.
Join Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85280864415?pwd=YWl3UFloeUZHUWJ6b0pxT1M3OWJMZz09
Meeting ID: 852 8086 4415
Passcode: 480739
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keJUMFq935
Take Action
There are not many new bills this week, but there are important bills in committee or going to the full House that continue to need the support of your reps, YOUR TOWNS, and you. These are our final chances to support “good” bills and oppose “bad ones.”
Good News: Last week HB 1649, which regulates PFAS, SB 391 with amendment, and HB 1431, which promotes increased efficiency for the grid and rulemaking, are “ought to pass.” Thank you for your efforts on behalf of these bills!
HB 1649 restricts inclusion of PFAS in certain products.
SB 391 requires the PUC to begin rulemaking for the purposes of setting uniform procedures for distributed energy resources that are proposed for interconnection to the electrical infrastructure.
HB 1431 will restore a key planning requirement to utilities to make projections based on expected consumer demand including heat pumps, EVs etc.
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Bills This Week
Tuesday, February 20
SB 550 (Environment and Natural Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to an integrated distribution plan which will provide the state a detailed plan for future statewide electric demand. SUPPORT
Wednesday, February 21
HB 1371 (Municipal and County 1 pm room 307) Allow land use master plans to include waste reduction SUPPORT
HB 1503 (Resource and Recreation 1 pm room 305) relative to the use of and limits the definition of wetlands. OPPOSE
Further Action Needed
BY FEBRUARY 20: Write/contact your representatives, the appropriate committee, and encourage your town to participate on the following bills. All 3 bills will be “exec” in the Science, Technology and Energy committee at 10 am.
HB 1630 FN RECOMMEND FOR INTERIM STUDY. This is a complex, but critical bill that induces manufacturers to pay for price for waste in their products. It was “killed” in committee and its sponsors are hoping to enable further study with this recommendation.
HB 1630-FN is a bill that aims to establish an extended producer responsibility program for packaging in New Hampshire. The bill includes the creation of a packaging reduction and recycling program, which will be overseen by the Department of Environmental Services. Producers will be required to pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they use, and these fees will fund the program's administration, local government reimbursements for recycling costs, and educational initiatives. The bill defines various terms related to packaging and recycling, and it exempts producers with less than $1 million in gross revenue or less than one ton of packaging material sold from the requirements.
HB 1059 (subcommittee work group, House Commerce Committee 1 pm room 305) Senator Shaheen warns that this bill will jeopardize federal funding if this bill does not include up to date energy codes OPPOSE unless amendment is included to update building codes
HB 1036 Systems Cost Benefit (SBC) charge helps promote energy efficiency, and has an established calculation. This bill seeks to create an untested calculation for SBC. (Bill heard on 1/16 - review this date on the Network website for more information) OPPOSE
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
HB 1623 Looks harmless but could be a blank check against incentives for renewable energy initiatives and state’s ability to pursue federal funds! (Bill heard on 1/30 - review this date on the Network website for more information) OPPOSE
HB 1600 Support Community Power Coalition of NH and other Community Power Aggregator’s ability to participate in net metering. (Bill heard on 1/29 - review this date for more information) SUPPORT
Thursday, February 22 There is a SENATE FLOOR SESSION 1-8 pm..
The Senate will meet in full session at the State House at 1 pm.
=>> You can livestream the House Session here.
HB 1644 (Science, Technology and Energy, on the consent calendar) requires the Department of Energy to initiate an investigation of the benefits and key considerations regarding support for clean or non-carbon emitting power generation. A full study of the costs, merits and emissions of various energy forms would be wise, but this bill promises to classify nuclear energy (which doesn’t emit carbon) as a “RENEWABLE” source, qualifying towards our Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25%, so that NH currently would be EXCEEDING our RPS standard. Potentially, strangles incentives, growth of solar, wind, hydro, thermal. put wind, solar, thermal, hydro out of business. Please ask STE members and your Representative(s) to put HB1644 on “the regular calendar” (not just “consent”) for full discussion in the House.
OPPOSE “consent” calendar as it will bundle this bill with many others.
Feed Your Brain
Truth and lies about recycling.
We've known for some time that recycling of plastics was almost entirely an empty promise. The plastics industry has known that for a lot longer -- they did the original research. It's not pretty, but it's valuable new documentation. Very thorough.
https://climateintegrity.org/plastics-fraud
Hidden toxins seminar March 26 at 12 Noon
Hidden Toxics in Our Products & the Transition to Green Chemistry
UNH Sustainability Institute
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/11/24
Meetings and Events
Sunday, 2/11 6 pm Plastics WG
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Monday, 2/12 7 pm Network Monthly Meeting: Unwrap the Future II: Global and Local Solutions
https://actionnetwork.org/events/unwrap-the-future-ii
Monday, 2/12 1 pm Updating the NH Climate Action Plan
Wednesday, February 14, 7 pm Network Climate WG
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Thursday, February 15 2:30 pm NH Saves Webinar Button Up Home Energy workshop
Friday February 16, 2 pm Network Energy WG
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/nh-network-news-updates-2024
Wednesday February 21, 7 pm Network Steering Committee
Wednesday, 2/21 5 pm Environmental WG
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
Addendum
If you're a member of a MUNICIPAL ENERGY COMMITTEE (or are interested in municipal energy actions):
The working group for Municipal Energy Committee members will meet WEDNESDAY, February 21 at 3 pm:
Topic: Municipal Energy Committees - members and interested individuals
Time: Feb 21, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Third Wed, 3pm
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526
Passcode: 753869
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89088364526# US (New York)
+16469313860,,89088364526# US
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Take Action
THIS WEEK WE ARE ASKING MEMBERS TO WRITE COMMENTARY ON 4 Game Changing BILLS .
(DETAILS ARE LISTED BELOW. )
An easy way to participate:
New bills for this week
Tuesday, February 13:
SB 390 (Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to defining critical habitat. SUPPORT
HB 1059 (Executive Departments and Administration 10:30 am room 305) Relative to state building codes. PRIORITY OPPOSITION. Detailed suggestions listed below.
Wednesday, February 14:
HB 1221 (Environment and Agriculture 10 am room 303) Relative to solid waste and landfill. SUPPORT
HB 1314 (Recreation and Resources 1 pm 305) Relative to comprehensive state development plan. SUPPORT
HB1145 (Envir. and Agric. 1 pm room 301) Prohibits private ownership of landfills. SUPPORT
HB 1632 (Envir. and Agric. 2 pm room 301) Relative to out of state solid waste . SUPPORT
HB 1620 (Envir. and Agric. 2: 45 pm room 301) Moratorium on landfills permits until 2031. PRIORITY SUPPORT.
Details for opposing HB 1059
Request to “Amend HB1059 so that it includes the 2021 energy codes for commercial and residential structures.”
Background
HB1059 would adopt the entire 2021 International Construction Code (ICC), except for the Energy Code. Due to pressure from state builders and contractors, this bill would keep the less efficient 2018 version of the energy code in place. In previous legislative negotiations, builders had agreed to hold NH codes at 2-3 years behind the most modern/efficient versions available. While the builders are concerned about their costs, utility bills for occupants (home owners, renters) would be 9-10% higher over the long lifetime of a building. Builders can add these costs to the purchase price – utility savings for the occupants would balance out such additions to the purchase price within 3-4 months.
Reasons to support the 2021 Energy code for commercial and residential buildings:
1. Consumer interests were not represented during the review and adoption of the building energy code by the NH Building Code Review Board.
2. Failure to advance to current energy code passes costs onto consumers. While weaker codes save builders and contractors costs, they force higher energy costs upon homeowners and also renters. These costs are exceptionally hard on lower income families who are not able to participate in the design of buildings.
3. Builders regularly claim “if building occupants want the more efficient builders, they can ask for it when they hire the builders.” However, most homeowners and renters do not contract for the homes and buildings they occupy.
4. Less efficient buildings are more costly to own, and are less resilient during extreme weather (will get hotter and colder during heatwaves and cold spells that correspond with major power outages). (can delete this sentence.)
5. More efficient buildings are less of a burden for our grid-capacity.
Legislative Alert for bills that have already had their hearing.
(SB 391, HB 1600, and SB 437)
These bills need comment from your town officials, energy committees, local businesses and/or you.
Find your State Senator’s contact information here.
Find your State Representatives’ contact information here.
Find members of any Senate committee: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
SB 391 (more on SB 391 below*)
Encourage town officials and local businesses to send their opposition on their letterhead – and/or by phone call or email. Also contact NH DOE and Gov Sununu and Eversource “concerning Interconnection Bill SB 391 being heard on Thursday by the full Senate.” OPPOSE SB 391 before Thursday’s vote, February 15th.
It is useful to let the DOE and the Governor hear from the public that there is broad disappointment in state agencies blocking clean energy development. SB391 will crossover to the House, and we will need the governor's signature in the end. Broad support now from the grassroots can make a difference!
Governor: governorsununu@nh.gov;
DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov; joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov
HB 1600
SUPPORT HB 1600 relative to participation in net energy metering, before Tuesday, Feb 20 committee work & executive session
Initial bill presented on January 29: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills.
Encourage the House Science, Technology & Energy committee to support Community Power Coalition of NH and other Community Power Aggregator’s ability to participate in net metering.
SB 437
OPPOSE SB 437 relative to local authority to amend the state building code.
Initial bill presented on February 7: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Keep contacting the Senate Committee on Executive Departments & Administration to ALLOW ambitious local codes. SB437 would insist on one set of (outdated) codes for the entire state. Ask for local control – industry should not be allowed to dictate the floor and ceiling for codes. When municipalities innovate, the entire state can learn. NO DATE has been posted, but consider contacting the committee now.
* OPPOSE SB 391 before Thursday’s vote, February 15th.
Initial bill presented on January 23: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Request the NH Department of Energy (DOE) work with Senate sponsors of SB391 to remove this bill from the February 15th Senate consent calendar, so it will get another chance for discussion.
Remind these parties that SB391 was amended on February 7th by the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee with input ONLY from the DOE -- rather than any other parties that had a direct relationship to the bill.
During the original bill hearing, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee learned that interconnection delays are costing customers 10s of millions of dollars a year.
The amendment adopted last week would not provide any guarantee of relief for those waiting to have their solar projects interconnected into the grid. Reject the amendment. Pass the original bill.
Reasons that DOE is the wrong government entity to lead this process – give this process to the PUC
NH DOE has not yet undertaken the development of their own administrative rules that govern their activities and actions; they do not yet have a formal process for leading investigations.
NHDOE has already studied interconnection of solar and other distributed energy resources. DOE issued a report, judged to be a very poor report and a missed opportunity.
NHDOE already has several unfinished investigations and studies on other energy topics, which theyare unable to complete due to lack of sufficient staff.
The amended SB391 lacks a clear timeline. Meanwhile communities, businesses and individuals are waiting months if not years for their projects to be interconnected.
A study is not even necessary. The NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) can begin the process of developing final interconnection rules by starting with model standards. There is NH precedent for using model standards.
Notes: Interconnection is the process by which solar and other distributed energy resources are safely connected to the grid. There are no interconnection rules for the NH. Currently, projects have been installed, inspected and ready for months (or more than a year!) before being interconnected to the grid.
Rules issued by the PUC will clarify interconnection deadlines and speed solar deployment in NH significantly. Our businesses, municipalities, residences and the state economy depend on interconnection.
Original bill: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2024&v=SI&id=2095&txtFormat=html
Amendment: - https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billtext.aspx?sy=2024&txtFormat=amend&id=2024-0536S
Addendum
Comment by 2/20 on NH State Climate Action Plan
You can access the public notice at the following NHDES website:
I have provided a copy of the public notice in this email, below.
You can download a copy of the draft list of priority measures at the following NHDES website:
Instructions for submitting comments: NHDES will accept comments on its draft priority measures until 4 PM, February 20, 2024. Only written comments will be accepted.
Comments may be sent by mail or email (email is preferred). Please include your name, organization, mailing address, email address, and telephone number with your submittal.
By email: cprg@des.nh.gov. Please include the following text in the subject line: “Public Notice - Draft Priority Measures for New Hampshire’s Priority Climate Action Plan.”
By Mail:
NHDES Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
Attention: Kurt Yuengling, Air Resources Division
NHDES Permitting and Environmental Health Bureau
P.O. Box 95
Concord, NH 03301-0095
Feed Your Brain
Beer, sheep and solar - fun opportunity
Maine and Casella operations
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/cdosouJrA5Q
Workshop in Costa Rica Visions in time of transition (May 2024)
https://www.braveearth.com/experiences/2024/5/20/vision-in-times-of-transition-harnessing-vision-for-resilience-regeneration-amp-climate-solutions
Email chain re: Ashland waste treatment bond
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/1-l5nmPBmHE
Bruce's Weekly Update — 2/4/24
OVERVIEW
Meetings
Energy Transition NH (in person) (2/04)
NH Network Steering Committee (2/07)
NH Associations of Conservation Commissions (2/07)
Energy WG/legislation (2/08)
League of Conservation Voters (2/09)
Plastics WG (2/11)
NH Network Webinar: Unwrap the Future II: (2/12)
Take Action
See below
Feed Your Brain
Update on Maine’s playbook and efforts for implementing EPR
Update on California’s EPR legislation
Monadnock Sustainability Hub monthly newsletter (filled with local successes and information)
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Sunday, February 4 - 1:30 to 3:30 PM: In person panel discussion: The Energy Transition - What Does it Mean for the Granite State? (click this link for directions to Henniker event) https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Wednesday, February 7 - 12 NOON: NH Association of Conservation Commissions Lunch and Learn Series: Learn about NH DES Mapping tools.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJvqmmjqTKTrVmBMCzlbxGwhL
Wednesday, February 7 - 7:00 PM: NH Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83305855677?pwd=Q2xVRVVpNUdZQlF3WXJlMWExaTdhdz09
Friday, February 9 - 2:00 PM: Energy Working Group: Legislative and Policy updates
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Friday, February 9- 5:00 PM: League of Conservation Voters at Teetotallers 2 Capital Plaza, Concord
Sunday, February 11 - 6:00 PM: Plastics Working Group meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Monday, February 12 - 7:00 PM: NH Network Presentation: Unwrap the Future II - Global and Local Solutions Plastics Pollution REGISTER
Wednesday, February 14 - 7:00 PM: Climate Working Group monthly meeting
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
* Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408
TAKE ACTION
The House took another step toward a carbon-free economy this week when they adopted HB1499 in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion. The bill would create a committee to study the creation of a civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps. Now, onto the Senate.
Instructions
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Bills This Week
Tuesday, February 6
-HB 1386 (Enviro and Agric 1:10 pm room 301) Prohibits disposal of lithium batteries in solid landfill (SUPPORT)
-HB 1376 (Enviro and Agric 2:00 pm room 301) Prohibits false labeling of recycling logo. (SUPPORT)
-HB 1681 (Enviro and Agric. 3:00 pm room 301) Prohibits sale of products labeled as biodegradable (SUPPORT)
Wednesday, February 7
-HB 1360 (Resources, Recreation 2 pm room 205) Enables to the state to declare short term speed limits on NH lakes during periods of high water to avoid shoreline erosion (SUPPORT)
-SB 437 (Executive Dept and Admin 9:15 am room 103) Relative to local authority to amend building codes. LIMITS local authority control over energy codes (OPPOSE)
-SB 373 (Executive Dept and Admin 9 am room 103) Relative to state building codes and lack of date energy codes (OPPOSE)
-HB 1114 (Resources, Rec and Dev 11 am room 305) Extending commission to investigate PFAS (SUPPORT)
-HB 1415 (Resources, Rec and Dev 3 pm room 305) Imposing liability for PFAS usage (SUPPORT)
IMPORTANT UPDATES
PLEASE TAKE ACTION: Protect Net Metering
Net Energy Metering (NEM) promotes cost savings, empowers customer choice, stimulates economic growth, and enhances environmental sustainability while contributing to a more reliable and resilient energy grid. Entities with net metering are credited for the energy they put back on the grid, and that makes net metering financially possible.
This policy has been helping local people and municipalities go solar in New Hampshire since 1998, and supports locally generated small-scale hydropower.
But now, the policy that supports local renewable energy is at risk of a rollback. Early next year, New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will decide on how much those who generate local power should be compensated in Docket 22-060. This decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment.
Overwhelmingly, new generation sources built just over the last decade have been built because of net metering. Without net metering, New Hampshire will not build the resources needed to electrify the economy.
In early March 2024 the PUC (NH Public Utilities Commission) will decide how much NH homeowners, businesses, and municipalities will get paid for their investment in solar power on their property. Currently payment for net metering is at 75%. If the PUC lowers this payback rate, we may see an end to new solar projects in the state.
VERY IMPORTANT
Much of the energy policy (or lack thereof) in our state comes from regulatory or administrative bodies, like the PUC or the Department of Energy. These agencies do NOT have the decision-making transparency we find at the State House; it is difficult to influence them, and they are powerful. Please:
1. Send written testimony to: clerksoffice@puc.nh.gov
and be sure to reference Docket 22-060
To see what others have said, go to https://www.puc.nh.gov/Regulatory/Docketbk/2022/22-060.html
Spoken testimony begins at #59, and written testimony follows.
2. Have your municipal leaders give testimony ON OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD (this could come from your town manager, town council, energy committee…) The testimony of your town’s officials bears the greatest weight!! Here’s the snail mail address: 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 10, Concord, N.H. 03301-2429
3. PLUS: Please also have your town officials respond to the call for input to the NH Climate Action Plan, cprg@des.nh.gov. Remember: the official comments from our municipal officials have the greatest power to influence policy.
HAPPY NOTE
Your letters at the end of 2023 got the attention of the Department of Energy and the PUC. They are reconsidering their actions, knowing that we are watching and we care.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to cleanenergynh.org/nem
(Thanks to CENH for much of this information.)
FEED YOUR BRAIN
- Maine’s EPR (extended producer responsibility) law and its progress.
Here are the (robust) meeting notes. (Go to point 2 for the summary)
- Monadnock Sustainability Hub monthly newsletter
(filled with local successes and information)
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/27/24
Overview
Meetings and Events
NH Network: Plastics Working Group (1/28)
NH Network: Environment Working Group (1/31)
NH Citizens Climate Lobby (1/31)
NH Funding Sources for Municipalities and Businesses (2/01)
NH Network: Energy Working Group: Legislation sub group (2/02)
NH Food Alliance (2/2 -12 pm)
Take Action
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Join the Network Environment Working Group
Feed Your Brain
Join the Active Hope book club
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 28 - 6:00 PM Plastics Working Group Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Wednesday, January 31, 4:30 PM Environment Working Group: Second meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87453733155?pwd=iBKNBUPO7xR8fmrT8fjHZ0ynzubj1m.1
Password: vE4TeM
Wednesday, January 31 - 7:00 PM Monthly Citizens Climate Lobby NH volunteers meeting
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Thursday, February 1 - 4:00 PM NH Funding Sources for Municipalities and Businesses
Funding abounds for environmental and energy projects, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and more. But how is a municipality to make sense of the alphabet stew of possibilities? Learn from a panel of experts who give such advice to communities, businesses, individuals and organizations throughout New Hampshire.
Melissa Elander, North Country energy circuit rider, Clean Energy NH
Current funding opportunities for municipalities, schools, nonprofits
Nora Hanke, Program Manager, Monadnock Sustainability Hub
Elective pay, EVs and more – including for businesses & residents
Elizabeth McKenna, Policy & projects, Office of US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
Who can offer guidance? and the Justice 40 factor
A virtual event, registration at: bit.ly/NHNfunding .
Friday, February 2, Noon to 1:00 PM - NH Agriculture and Strategic Plan: Introduction and Input Session
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/DEZTR5ge0ac
Take Action
Environment WG: If you are keen on joining the Environment Working Group for our second meeting, please use this poll to help us establish a time that will work best for most of those interested.
Rob Pinsonneault and Emily Thompson Co-Chairs, NHN Environment Working Group
Monday, January 29
HB 1431 (Science, Technology and Energy STE 9 am room 302) Will restore a key planning requirement eliminated last year. Essential to business operation, reliability and safety.
SUPPORT
HB1576 (STE 1 pm room 302) Relative to allowing property owners to opt out of public utilities
MONITOR
HB 1600 (STE 2 pm room 302) Relative to net energy metering. Critical for support of community power. PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1644 (STE 3 pm room 302) MONITOR
Tuesday, January 30
HB 1623 (STE 10 am room 302) Relative to state energy policy, but in fact may be a poison pen bill against renewables. PRIORITY OPPOSE
HB1416 (Transportation 10:40 am room 203) Prohibits non EV cars from parking in EV allotted spaces. SUPPORT
HB 1332 (Transportation 11 am room 203) Prohibits EV vehicles from parking in public garages OPPOSE
HB 1464 (Public Works 11 am room 201) Needed to keep funding for highways and EV usage) SUPPORT
HB 1302 (Municipal and County 11 30 am room 301) Opposed by NH Association of Conservation Commission. More detail to follow. OPPOSE
HB 1267 (Executive Department 1:45 pm room 210) Prohibits ESG (environment, social and governance) consideration for government investments. OPPOSE
Wednesday, January 31
HB 1131 (Resources, Recreation Committee 10 am room 304) Funding to control cyanobacteria blooms under NH clean lakes program. SUPPORT
HB 1229 (Resources, Recreation 2 pm room 304) Awareness for new property owners of lakeshore property SUPPORT
Feed Your Brain
From Cindy Heath - Active Hope Book Club
Here is the reading list for this year’s Active Hope Book Club, sponsored by the Cornish Library. This is a short series of 4 books highlighting solutions for a positive environmental future for the Earth and for us.
The first session is coming right up, just a week away, kicking off with E. O. Wilson’s Half Earth, which inspired the Half Earth Biodiversity Foundation, which maps the species of the Earth to inform ecosystem protection efforts.
Hope you’ll consider joining for one or all - read and explore with fellow readers or just come to listen in! If your local library doesn’t have the books, they are likely available on a streaming service.
2024 Active Hope Book Club
Thursdays, Feb 1, 22, March 14, April 4
6:30 pm, Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302?omn=87223328479
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
2024 Book Selections
February 1, 630 pm - Half Earth, E.O. Wilson
Despite the Earth's perilous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life.
Edward Osborne Wilson, sometimes credited as E.O. Wilson was an American biologist, researcher, theorist, and author. His biological specialty is myrmecology, a branch of entomology. A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, Wilson is known for his career as a scientist, his advocacy for environmentalism, and his secular-humanist ideas pertaining to religious and ethical matters. He was the Pellegrino University Research Professor in Entomology for the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He is a Humanist Laureate of the International Academy of Humanism.
Online Resource to Learn More:
February 22, 6:30 pm - Deep Economy, Bill McKibben
In this powerful and provocative manifesto, Bill McKibben offers the biggest challenge in a generation to the prevailing view of our economy. For the first time in human history, he observes, "more" is no longer synonymous with "better"—indeed, for many of us, they have become almost opposites. McKibben puts forward a new way to think about the things we buy, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the money that pays for it all. Our purchases, he says, need not be at odds with the things we truly value.
Bill McKibben is founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 for action on climate and justice. His 1989 book The End of Nature is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change, and has appeared in 24 languages. He’s gone on to write 20 books, and his work appears regularly in periodicals from the New Yorker to Rolling Stone. He serves as the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and he has won the Gandhi Peace Prize as well as honorary degrees from 20 colleges and universities. McKibben helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, which has organized protests on every continent, including Antarctica, for climate action. He played a leading role in launching the opposition to big oil pipeline projects like Keystone XL, and the fossil fuel divestment campaign, which has become the biggest anti-corporate campaign in history, with endowments worth more than $40 trillion stepping back from oil, gas and coal.
Online Resource to Learn More:
March 14, 6:30 pm - Drawdown
The 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world. "At this point in time, the Drawdown book is exactly what is needed; a credible, conservative solution-by-solution narrative that we can do it. Reading it is an effective inoculation against the widespread perception of doom that humanity cannot and will not solve the climate crisis. Reported by-effects include increased determination and a sense of grounded hope." --Per Espen Stoknes, Author, What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming
Online Resource to Learn More:
April 4, 6:30 pm - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Author Barbara Kingsolver and her family abandoned the industrial-food pipeline to live a rural life—vowing that, for one year, they'd only buy food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat.
Barbara Kingsolver was born in 1955, and grew up in rural Kentucky. She earned degrees in biology from DePauw University and the University of Arizona, and has worked as a freelance writer and author since 1985. At various times in her adult life she has lived in England, France, and the Canary Islands, and has worked in Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, and South America. She spent two decades in Tucson, Arizona, before moving to southwestern Virginia where she currently resides.
Bruce's Weekly Update – 1/20/24
Overview
Join the monthly Network meeting on January 22nd: A Day in The Life of A NH Lobbyist.
Legislative Updates
HB 1697: The Network opposed this bill as it would decouple NH from RGGI. It has been amended to avoid this outcome.
HB 1486: Some well deserved praise and outcomes from a Network member
Bravo John (and to the other four advocates for HB1486, Carbon Pricing -proxy for NH),
I think the five testimonial were very well done and complimented each other on covering the essential points of pricing the true costs of carbon emissions from fossil fuels. The questions by the House Executive and Administrative Committee were well answered and I think quite well received by most of the committee. John, your specific testimony was compelling information that was integrally important to understanding how Carbon Pricing works.
You (and others) being invited back to help inform a new sub-committee was the best possible outcome, don't you think? Can this happen in this legislative season?
Meetings and Events
NH Network Event: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist (1/22)
A Guide to a Healthier Planet (1/23)
NH Network Working Group Meetings
January 26th (Friday) - 2:00 PM Energy Working Group Policy/Legislative Subgroup
January 28th (Sunday) - 6:00-7:30 PM - Plastics Working Group
Climate Action Plan - Input Requested (multiple dates)
Investment in Conservation and Climate Resilience (2/09)
Take Action — (Details listed below)
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Feed Your Brain
Webinar on International Plastics Treaty 1/31/24
Casella Gives Dalton landfill update
Circuit Rider job opportunities at Clean Energy NH
Meetings and Events
Monday, January 22 7:00 PM — NH Network: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist
Register: https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/wtm1gcWBJAA
Tuesday, January 23 — 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM Recalibrating our Circular Economy. A guide to a healthier planet.
Register: https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/lul5qNcLr5U
Friday, January 26th — 2:00 PM
Energy Working Group - Policy/Legislative Subgroup
Sunday, January 28th — 6:00-7:30 PM
LAST CHANCE for a zoom opportunity to suggest & learn about projects for the NH Climate Action Plan: (Federal funds available.)
Register for this online session Wednesday, January 24 | 6:30 PM
Register for the February session Thursday, February 8 | 3 PM
We want to hear about local and regional projects that will benefit communities most in need, and address the barriers to implementing those projects. All ideas are welcome — from workforce solutions to building a cost-sharing program to increase weatherization efforts for low- to moderate-income people to developing a coalition to buy solar power for buildings, etc.
Share this information with those in your municipal government.
Register for the Greater Connecticut River Valley Conversation
Thursday, January 25 | 5:30 PM
Claremont, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the Greater Monadnock Conversation
Thursday, January 25 | 6 PM
Winchester, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the first North Country Region Conversation
Wednesday, January 31 | 5 PM
Berlin, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the Greater Manchester Conversation
Thursday, February 1 | 5 PM
Manchester, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the second North Country Region Conversation
Wednesday, February 7 | 5 PM
Colebrook, NH | PDF Flyer
February 9th —11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Monday 1/22
HB 1697 (STE Committee room 302 10 am) Suspends NH’s participation in emission reduction for two years. (PRIORITY OPPOSE)
HB 1700 (STE room 302 1 pm) Seems well intentioned, but question logic and necessity of this bill (OPPOSE)
HB 1472 (STE room 302 2:30 pm) Incentivize NH EV market through Hoods for Cash program (Priority SUPPORT)
CACR 14 (Environment and Agriculture room 301 2:30 pm) State shall support and maintain a clean and healthy environment. (This is a work session following the initial public hearing, and will not take public comment.)
Tuesday, 1/23
SB 307 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9 am) Requires NH utilities to research if “Twin States” bill benefits ratepayers and seeks to streamline transmission bottlenecks. (SUPPORT)
SB 391 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9:15 am) Relative to the electrical grid and streamlining the process for customers with renewable energy, ie, solar. (SUPPORT)
SB 451 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9:30 am) Relative to an expedited track for certain applications to the site evaluation committee. (SUPPORT)
-SB 540 ( Energy and room 103 9:45 am) Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage.
Wednesday, 1/24
HB 1333 (Executive and Admin room 306 10 am) Prohibits state agencies from buying or leasing EV for 10 years (OPPOSE)
HB 1161 (Education room 205 1:45 pm) Prohibits use of public school infrastructure funds to purchase electric vehicle. (OPPOSE)
Feed Your Brain
Environment Defense Fund free webinar on January 31, 11 to 12:30 on international plastic treaty.
Presenter is the head of the Asian Environmental Network - great opportunity for global commentary.
Update on Dalton landfill
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/5tGI_CnyzEI
CENH is currently hiring THREE full time Circuit Riders.
Monadnock Region Circuit Rider - based in Southwestern NH and working with municipalities in that region. Our current Monadnock Circuit Rider, John Kondos, is retiring this spring and is excited to help a new team member build on his work to date.
Sullivan County Circuit Rider - based in Western NH and working with municipalities in that region. Sullivan County is a new region for our Circuit Rider program, so our new Circuit Rider will be building relationships and supporting projects from the ground up, with support from our current team and many partners.
Small Business Technical Assistance Circuit Rider - based in Concord and serving small businesses and farms statewide, the Small Business TA Circuit Rider will work with our existing Small Business Circuit Rider to assist business owners in applying for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which can cover up to 50% of costs for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
More information and detailed job descriptions can be found online at cleanenergynh.org/careers-in-energy.
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/13/24
Overview
Please note there are two new working groups meeting this week. An Energy Committees Subgroup of the Energy Working Group and an Environment Working Group. Further details on each group’s agenda are below.
Meetings and Eventw
Plastics Working Group 1/14
NH Network Steering Committee 1/17
NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan 1/17
Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum 1/18
Energy Working Group/Energy Committees Subgroup 1/18
Energy Working Group/Legislative Subgroup 1/19
Environmental Working Group INITIAL meeting 1/19
NH Network Event: A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist 1/22
Take Action
Details offered below.
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Unlimited time and energy - here are recommendations on a variety of bills from NH American Friends
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcmXhPNpgNrkgkXzfgGBJSvc
Feed Your Brain
New Hampshire Bulletin legislative overview on environment and energy bills.
Lebanon's new policy that basically says that any time a city staff person or department wants to buy a fleet vehicle, it must be an EV unless they can explain convincingly why that's not possible. The official title is ADM-149: Electric Vehicle and Equipment Procurement
Emissions outcome of the war in Gaza
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 14, 6:oo pm - Plastics Working Group
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mYCIOA1kBqcpkdAUZ5o5-fi5dWwadezCp_o6pfH51oE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Meeting ID 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
Wednesday, January 17 5:30 to 7 pm NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan
The NH Department of Environmental Services received a federal grant to update their 2009 "climate action plan." The 2009 plan is insufficient and ineffective in meeting the goals we know we need to combat the climate crisis in 2023.
This is a chance to fight for a better plan with goals and priorities that focus on climate JUSTICE.
Attend listening sessions with NHDES (the Department of Environmental Services) and we encourage you to attend to advocate for projects in your town. Click here for a schedule If you can't make it to a meeting but have ideas you want shared with NHDES, let us know here and we can take that feedback with us.
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ghh5et3/lp/44047962-82eb-4699-a525-8bb9a729428b
Thursday, January 18 8:30 am to 1:00 pm - Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum
Register here: 2024 YOUTH FORUM ON CLIMATE ACTION AND CLEAN ENERGY · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire (mobilize.us)
Please join us at the 2024 Youth Forum on Climate Action & Clean Energy in Concord on Thursday, January 18th at the Bank of NH Stage. All are welcome to attend this free event, and we’ll focus on a variety of policy areas including winter sports/outdoor economy, climate/public health, workforce/training, innovation/nature, and civic engagement/protecting democracy. We’ll have high school and college students on the stage engaging with policymakers on all of these topics.
We are pleased to announce that we’ll be joined by former Undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions for Massachusetts as our keynote speaker!
Thursday, January 18, 4:00 pm Energy Working Group/Energy Committees Sub Group
Here is the proposed agenda including getting to know one another, exploring municipal solar, community solar, power aggregation. Agenda is in the attachment.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83680429410?pwd=dUV2dTNNenhHaXcwQWZiM3ArWGd0dz09
Meeting ID: 836 8042 9410
Passcode: 535691
Friday, January 19 2:00 pm, Energy Working Group/Legislative Subgroup (will zoom most Fridays during the NH legislative session)
Friday, January 19 6:00 pm, You cordially invite you to the first meeting of the NH Network Environment Working Group.
This working group will be dedicated to advancing environmental freedom by addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation and economic disparity. Our mission is to empower all Granite Staters, ensuring equitable access to environmental resources and safeguarding ecosystem services critical to human health and well-being. Through collaborative initiatives, advocacy, and education, we will strive to amplify the voices of those disproportionately affected by environmental harm. Grounded in principles of both fairness and self-reliance, we will work together to challenge policies that perpetuate disparities. By fostering partnerships, raising awareness, and mobilizing grassroots efforts, we envision a sustainable and just New Hampshire where every individual, irrespective of background, can thrive.
Topic: Environmental Working Group - initial meeting
Time: Jan 19, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89945332000?pwd=T0pUWGNNL0o3dkJ1ZmtRYXY2b3VKQT09
Meeting ID: 899 4533 2000
Passcode: 781855Environmental WG
Monday, January 22 7:00 pm NH Network: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist (Register below)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/wtm1gcWBJAA
Friday, February 9 11:00 am -12:30 pm Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Tuesday 1/16
SB 320 (hearing 9:45 am Senate Energy and Natural Resources) LOB Room 103. Requiring the PUC to establish gas and electric performance incentive mechanisms (PRIORITY SUPPORT)
HB 1036 (hearing 10 am Science, Technology and Energy -STE (LOB room 302 Relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the system benefit charge (PRIORITY OPPOSE)
SB 430 (hearing 1 pm Senate Transportation room 101)
Relative to establishing a commission to study the impacts of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and e-mobility devices on first responder response, the environment, building and fire codes, and life and safety property protection.
Wednesday 1/17
HB 1103 (Hearing 1 pm Resources and Recreation room 305) Relative to revising the penalties of the shore-land protection act. Makes it easier NHDES to enforce these provisions.(SUPPORT)
Thursday, 1/18
HB1103 (R,R and D 1 pm room 305)
Would make it less burdensome for DES to enforce the act. The Dept. would not have to prove that the violation caused damage or that the violator made a good-faith effort to correct the problem before issuing a fine. (Support)
HB 1113 (R, R and D 2 pm room 305)
This bill modifies requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems when a property is sold. If system is not approved by DES or approved more than 20 years ago, a detailed septic evaluation by a NH permitted septic system designer. would be required If system is found in failure, DES and local health officer must be notified and this must be included on the site assessment report. Failed systems would need to be replaced prior to close of the property.
(Support)
HB 1171 (Hearing 2:45 Health and Human Services room 210) Extending the commission to study environmentally-triggered chronic illness. (SUPPORT)
HB 1486 (Hearing 2 pm Executive Department and Administration, LOB room 306) (SUPPORT)
Summary: HB1486 will require state procurement decisions related to transportation, building HVAC, and energy efficiency to anticipate a future steadily rising federal carbon price on fossil fuels. This will provide economic justification for increased investments in energy efficiency and in favor of electrification (EVs and heat pumps) and clean energy options (PVs, wind, and storage).
The justification for this is an economic one. Carbon pricing is spreading around the world. Canada is using CF&D to reach $135/tCO2 in 2030, and the EU is at $85/tCO2 and rising and in the process of implementing a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). In total, 73 countries and regions are pricing carbon, covering 23% of global fossil fuels. That is triple the coverage of just a decade ago. CBAMs will highly motivate US businesses to push for a federal carbon price. Our state would be wise to anticipate a US federal carbon price in procurement decisions using a proxy price that aligns with the IPCC's minimum in the 1.5˚C target path.
More details can be found in “The Growing US Carbon Price Gap” in bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf.
Feed Your Brain
Overview by New Hampshire Bulletin on energy and environment issues this session
Overview of energy legislation this session
Emissions outcomes of the war in Gaza
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/6/24
Overview
Meetings
Plastics working group 1/07: legislative review
Legislative info session with Nora Jones 1/07 (Conservation Law Foundation)
Climate working group 1/10
Kent Street Coalition annual legislative overview 1/11
Energy WG/legislative subgroup 1/12
Plastics working group 1/14
NH Network Steering Committee 1/17
NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan 1/17
Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum 1/18
Energy WG/ subgroup
Energy WG/legislative subgroup
Environmental working group INITIAL meeting 1/19
Network presentation: A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist 1/22
Take Action
Best: Attend a hearing and testify.
Better: Call or write representatives on the committee.
Good: Weigh in that you SUPPORT or OPPOSE a bill.
Monday 1/9
HB 1047 (STE 9:15 AM)
HB1230 ( STE 10:00 AM)
HB1294 (E&A 11:00 AM)
HB 1499 (STE 1:00 PM)
CACR 14 (E&A 1:00 PM)
HB1630-FN (E&A 1:30 PM)
HB 1398 (E&A 2:00 PM)
Tuesday 1/10
Wednesday 1/11
HB 1423 (RR&D, 11:20 AM)
HB1477 (RR&D 2:00 PM)
Feed Your Brain
Bills Target Out of State Trash: Editorial
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 7, 6 pm - Plastics Working Group
Plastics working group to focus on legislative activity and strategizing. Legislative Focus Session with Nora Jones (Conservation Law) Join Zoom Meeting
Nora Bosworth from the Conservation Law Foundation will review Tony Caplan's "Skip the Stuff" bill (HB 1207-FN) and Karen Ebel's PFAS bill (HB 1649-FN). In addition, we will begin the work of identifying areas to target in testimony that our members will offer in support of each bill and determine who might provide such testimony.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85600087090?pwd=f41yuGnC0xxZ5PLa2f7NSl6liDEyCw.1
Wednesday, January 10, 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Thursday, January 11 6th Annual Kent Street Legislative Overview
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcdTXtpDPpCfvcpcmJktfDfj
Thursday, January 11 7 pm NH Sierra Club Volunteer Night
NH Sierra Club is continuing monthly meetings on zoom to create a community of like minded Granite Staters to plan, act and grow a community-based move...
Wednesday, January 17 5:30 to 7 pm NH DES and NH Listens: in Updating the NH Climate Plan
The NH Department of Environmental Services received a federal grant to update their 2009 "climate action plan." The 2009 plan is insufficient and ineffective in meeting the goals we know we need to combat the climate crisis in 2023.
This is a chance to fight for a better plan with goals and priorities that focus on climate JUSTICE.
Attend listening sessions with NHDES (the Department of Environmental Services) and we encourage you to attend to advocate for projects in your town. Click here for a schedule If you can't make it to a meeting but have ideas you want shared with NHDES, let us know here and we can take that feedback with us.
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ghh5et3/lp/44047962-82eb-4699-a525-8bb9a729428b
Thursday, January 18 8:30 to 1 pm for the Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum.
Register here: 2024 YOUTH FORUM ON CLIMATE ACTION AND CLEAN ENERGY · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire (mobilize.us)
Friday, January 19 Energy Working Group
February 9 11 am -12 30 pm Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Best: Attend a hearing and testify.
Better: Call or write representatives on the committee.
Good: Weigh in that you SUPPORT or OPPOSE a bill.
Monday 1/9
HB 1047 (9:15 STE) relative to establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1230 ( 10:00 STE) relative to establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1294 (E&A 11:00) relative to prohibiting the state of New Hampshire from enforcing the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. OPPOSE
HB 1499 (STE 1:00 pm) establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps. SUPPORT
CACR 14 (E&A 1 pm) elating to the environment and natural resources. Providing that the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. SUPPORT
HB1630-FN (E&A 1:30pm) Title: relative to extended producer responsibility. SUPPORT
HB 1398 (E&A 2 pm) relative to utility recovery of costs associated with net energy metering. OPPOSE
Tuesday 1/10
HB 1697 ( 9 am Science, Technology and Energy) suspending New Hampshire's participation in emissions reduction credit programs for a period of 2 years. OPPOSE
HB 1207 (C&CA, 1:15 PM) Title: relative to single-use disposable plastic foodware accessories. SUPPORT
HB 1636 ( C&CA 1:45 PM) Title: relative to creating the New Hampshire container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. SUPPORT
HB 1649 (C&CA, 2:15 PM) Title: relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. SUPPORT
Wednesday 1/11
HB 1423 (RR&D, 11 20 am) requiring the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in the state of New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1477 (RR&D 2:00 PM) Relative to environmental surety bonds for businesses that pose a significant risk to the state's natural resources.
Feed Your Brain
Bills Target Out of State Trash:
By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN for the Concord Monitor:
https://www.concordmonitor.com/Committee-report-on-unlimited-service-area-landfills-53425433
THESE ARE FROM LAST WEEK
IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM
Senate Bill 2440: To prohibit the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service ware, expanded polystyrene loose fill, and expanded polystyrene coolers, and for other purposes.
6 out of 9 co-sponsors are from New England, and this begins to address foam packaging as well as food service foam.
Woo Hoo!!!
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3440/text
There is a 2020 report from NRDC that gives a lot of information about health impacts of the Clean Air Act:
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/clean-air-act-101#successful
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/iec-benefits-costs-us-air-pollution-regulations-report.pdf
And here is a scientific paper, from 2012 so not as current, that gives more detail from the public health perspective:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4133758/
Granite State Banks: Missing The Green Boat?
by Robert L. Pinsonneault — December 1, 2023 17:30
Green banks have hit the scene in a big way in the wake of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 — and it was a long time in coming. The IRA established a long sought-after 1 national green bank with monies from the newly minted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) worth $27 Billion. The national green bank is tasked with disbursing these via a host of innovative financial products managed by public, public-private, or non-profit institutions at the state and local level. But what really is this new, climate friendly national bank? How does it 2 3 actually work? And can the residents of New Hampshire actually benefit from its largesse?
Greening the Green
According to the EPA, green banks tend to be institutions that are mission-forward, meaning they encourage the investment of private capital towards projects and products that are meant to advance the common good. To be eligible for funding from the GGRF, these investments must 4 be aimed at the “deployment of clean energy”, go across sectors (e.g. commercial, residential, public, and transportation), and help to “bridge market gaps”. The state of Connecticut was not 5 only the first in New England, but indeed the entire Nation, to offer green banking services starting in 2011. The bank is a quasi-public agency, meaning that they “leverag[e] ratepayer 6 funds with private capital to offer low-cost, long-term financing for clean energy projects.” In so 7 doing, the Connecticut Green Bank anticipated most of the requirements of the GGRF, but it remains unclear to what extent stakeholders, particularly denizens of rural communities, will have ready access to these green loans.
Green Loan Fairness
One of the greatest challenges facing the transition to a clean energy economy is the availability of project financing for rural, low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. These localities, 8 including a hefty percentage of New Hampshire towns (and not just north of the Notch) carry a greater energy cost burden than their urban counterparts — as much as 40 percent higher in some
cases. The cause of this unequal burden can be attributed in large measure to economies of 9 scale; cities have more people, and therefore more ratepayers to help defray the costs of energy infrastructure maintenance or installation. The Connecticut Green Bank model will simply not work in Lancaster or Pittsburgh or Bethlehem or Ossipee because there aren’t enough ratepayers in those places to make loans through a quasi-public green bank viable. And yet, it is clear that those are the communities that need the most help. Enter the GGRF. This fund would provide more of the up-front financing than the traditional quasi-public model, making it easier for low population, LMI locations like Lancaster, NH to successfully apply for, and benefit from, loans that will help to introduce efficient and renewable energy infrastructure to these over-burdened communities. One way to ensure this occurs is to have a sliding maximum income threshold beyond which individuals or communities would not be eligible for financing. The rich cannot be getting richer as a result of green banking.
Ensuring Efficiency
Government waste is a big topic here in New Hampshire, and most folks, whether rural or citizens of the Southern Tier, don’t have much of an appetite for throwing good money after bad. Therefore, any green bank that is built on GGRF funding must be structured to ensure loans only go to those projects that actually work, that satisfy energy needs today. The challenge, of course, is to balance this with an inviolable requirement of the GGRF: real, demonstrable decreases in emissions from energy infrastructure. To find this balance, loans from a Granite Green Bank would only go to projects that have seen success in other northern New England states. These include projects like those sponsored by Efficiency Maine, which seems to fulfil the promise of its name by incorporating greenhouse gas emissions reductions in their definition of efficiency, thereby prioritizing renewable sources. Maine is able to do this on the authority of their state’s 10 climate change goals, which is where New Hampshire runs in trouble. Our state does not yet have a climate action plan on the books, and until it does, no amount of financial enticements or promises of fairness will be enough to make a Granite Green Bank a reality.
Archived Weekly Updates & Meeting Minutes
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/22/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Week of April 21 to 26
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS including movies, webinars and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link will for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-Wednesday, April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Wednesday, April 24 4 to 5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Wednesday, April 24 Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-Friday, April 26 11:30 to 12:15 pm Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Friday, April 26 6 pm
A DECADE OF ADVOCACY WITH LCV AND CLIMATE ACTION NH – TIME TO CELEBRATE!
Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event on Friday, April 26th at the NH Audubon in Concord!
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
-Thursday, May 2 7 to 8 pm Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure.
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 22-26
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 22
SB 386 (STE Committee 9 am ) EXECUTIVE SESSION write committee members directly
relative to establishing a committee to study power generation SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 23
HB 1103 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 ) Relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. SUPPORT
SB 431 (House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee 12 noon.) Actively supported by the Water Sports Industry Association, a national industry group, SB 431 bill does not provide a reasonable compromise for balancing the opportunity for wake surfing with protecting the fragile health of our lakes here in New Hampshire. OPPOSE
The members of the House RR&D Committee must hear from YOU about why SB 431, as currently written, does not provide a reasonable compromise to restore and preserve the health of our lakes.
The proposed 200-foot setback for wake surfing is just 50 feet more than New Hampshire's 150-foot safe passage law for all boating activities–a standard created over 60 years ago before the advent of wake surfing on our lakes. Due to wake surfing’s markedly higher wave heights and wave energy, the proposed 200-foot distance is inadequate to secure the needed protections for shorelines that prompted the existing 150-foot standard. Recommend a 300 foot minimum to protect shore lines
SB 437 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:00 am) EXECUTIVE SESSION - Write committee members directly.
-relative to local authority to amend the state building code. OPPOSE. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES
SB 365 (The House Commerce committee 1:45 pm) Public hearing
-relative to the sale or use of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles, scooters, or personal electric mobility devices. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 24
SB 543 (The House Public Works & Highways committee 11:30 am) Public hearing
-Establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council. SUPPORT
SB 373 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:30 am) Public hearing
-relative to the state building code which limits local municipal control OPPOSE unless 2021 energy codes are included. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES.
Thursday, April 26
HB 1139 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9 am) Relative to location of septic systems at high water mark SUPPORT
HB 1490 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am) Relative to the management of solid waste SUPPORT
ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS
SB 391 | Electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
The amendment to SB 391 mandates that the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 60 days, provide updates to the House and Senate every six months, and submit final rules within a further 15 months. The bill now heads back to the Senate, where they body will either concur with the changes made by the House or form a committee of conference to produce a final version to send to the Governor for signature.
Please reach out to your Senator and ask them to support more aggressive timelines that reflect the urgency of interconnection delays for NH residential and commercial generators.
HB 1036 | Assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge
- CENH Position: Oppose
Notably, HB 1623 is an extreme attempt to shift our energy policy away from a balanced approach that includes public and environmental health, to a focus solely on "baseload" generation. This shift could undermine sustainable and distributed clean energy solutions. We strongly encourage you to join us in opposing this bill by reaching out to committee members.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (THIS IS A SUMMARY FROM CLEAN ENERGY NH)
HERE ARE UPDATES ON MANY BILLS WE FOLLOWED LAST WEEK.
SB 303 | Use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
SB 388 | Administration of utilities by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
SB 451 | An expedited track for certain applications to the Site Evaluation Committee
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - N/A. Bill was deferred for additional work, indicating complexities that require more time to resolve.
SB 540 | Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage
CENH Position - Monitor
Committee Recommendation - Interim Study
-Here are bills we recommended last week. At present, they have not moved to Executive session so you can still voice your opinion on these. YOU CAN GO TO THE NETWORK "BILLS OF INTEREST" FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.
HB 1600 | Participation in net energy metering
- Support
HB 1623 | The state energy policy
- Oppose
HB 1431 | Utility requirements for integrated distribution planning
- Support
Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan. This is his opinion)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information: