What’s Happening at the NH Network!

LEGISLATIVE EDITION - Week of February 1

NH Network Webinar— Unwrap the Future IV: The Power of Policy 

Monday, February 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM 

Register at  https://bit.ly/UnwrapIV

Join us for an illuminating discussion on national and local progress Towards Zero Waste, PFAS, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) from municipalities from across the country.  Guest speakers include Maia Corbitt, Texans for Clean Water, Kirstie Pecci, Executive Director , Just Zero, and Representative Lori Gramlich, Asst Majority Leader (D).

REMARKS given at UTILITIES PRESSER by REP. KAT MCGHEE

January 28, 2026 

Thank you all for being here today. I’m Representative Kat McGhee, I’ve served on the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee for 8 years.

While we’re standing out here all bundled up, I want everyone to take a moment to think how dangerous this cold would be if you couldn't afford to pay your utility bills. Energy policy and utility regulation matter to our bottom line, and as the saying goes personnel is policy. 

Here in Concord, Republican state leaders claim to be following an ‘all of the above’ energy strategy. But what they’re doing is actively attacking our local energy supply and the programs Granite Staters rely on to lower their energy costs.

We’re here to sound the alarm that your state government, under Kelly Ayotte and Republican leadership, has no plan to bring down high electric costs. In fact, the GOP energy policies we are seeing this year are designed to take away choice, put local energy generators out of business, and move energy dollars out of the NH economy and into the pockets of fossil fuel giants. None of this lowers costs. 

The state’s latest 10-year energy strategy report failed to list any actionable goals. Its section on Lowering Costs says high costs can be tied to a lack of local energy supply. Yet the bills being filed by my republican colleagues can only be seen as an attack on our precious local energy infrastructure like hydro, biomass, wind, and solar. These local energy sources do more than deliver energy; they lower costs and demand. 

Back in 2022, House Republicans held a press conference because electricity prices had doubled; they were asked by the Union Leader – ‘what would you do specifically to lower costs’... Speaker Packard replied, ‘we’re not going into specifics here today’. Here we are 4 years later, and New Hampshire Republicans still have no specifics.

New Hampshire businesses who need to lower their energy costs came to us for help and were denied. 153 towns who voted to add solar tax exemptions to their energy strategies were told that State House Republicans know better; just yesterday Republicans on my committee overrode the local control of those 153 towns and rejected the will of their voters.

Republicans claim they know better, and yet, they have no plan, except to keep eliminating local clean energy and driving up further reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. 

Kelly Ayotte has given us lip-service, not leadership, when it comes to lowering energy prices. She knows high energy costs are on voter’s minds, but she gets her talking points on energy policy from the same party leaders who have pushed us in the wrong direction.

Just yesterday, the governor announced a political appointee from the Dept of Energy as her nominee to head up the Public Utilities Commission. Since the Dept of Energy was created 5 years ago, it has been engaged in a power struggle with the Public Utilities Commission, absorbing all its people and failing to understand the importance of an independent Public Utilities Commission - one free from political influence. This political move obliterates the bright red line we were promised would remain between the Dept of Energy and the Public Utilities Commission. And how does blurring this line bring us any closer to better rate-setting and lower energy costs? 

This is a wake-up call for Granite Staters that life will get more expensive if Republicans are left in control of the corner office and the State House. Now is a time for our elected leaders to protect local energy supply and to increase New Hampshire’s energy independence. If we do nothing, we all pay. 

Comments from NH Network:  HB 1002 is the bill Rep McGhee is speaking about.  Please alert your Rep to be on the lookout for this bill coming up on the House Floor at a future date.  Ask them to ensure the bill is on the “Regular Calendar” so it can be discussed before a vote, and ideally OPPOSED.

Important testimony and background to the outcome of HB  1455 by John Gage.  We will keep you posted for next steps  (Public Support 8;  Public opposition  373) 

Member of the Network joined Sam Evens Brown of Clean Energy NH, spokespersons for Eversource, Liberty Utilities, Community Power Coalition NH, and other prominent state energy leaders who testified against the bill and warned that the bill would lead to higher and more volatile energy prices, increase our state's dependence on fossil fuels, and let out-of-state polluter corporate interests control the NH legislature. (public hearing link).

From John Gage, NH Network Steering Committee:

With all the state energy matters already covered by others, John focused his testimony on ALEC and its out-of-state corporate polluter influence on state legislators.  Rep. Vose challenged John when he said ALEC reimbursed state legislators for expenses to attend its national events, John provides more detail - see below.

Copy and paste this link to read the remainder of John’s remarks:

https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/cJ5XBSiv2ew

~  ~  ~

For those who want the most up-to-date energy legislation and information, consider becoming a subscriber to CENH and receive their weekly update.

~  ~  ~

OVERVIEW

MANY THANKS TO THE COLLABORATORS SUSAN RICHMAN AND REINMAR SEIDLER IN PRODUCING THE WEEKLY SUMMARIES.

1.  HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY FOR LEGISLATION.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE AND SENATE  BILLS.

3. UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH FEBRUARY 5TH

4. MEETINGS:  NETWORK AND BEYOND 

5. ACTION ITEMS:  SCHOOLS AND REUSABLE UTENSILS 

6. FEED YOUR BRAIN:  PEAKBUSTING,  NPR PFAS PODCAST

1. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY for legislation

Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills  (detailed information on how to testify, offer written comments or sign in to support/oppose a bill is offered.)

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 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 

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

How to Testify in Person at a Committee Hearing: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your name and town or city.  Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

Give written copies of your speech to the committee’s aide.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026:

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year. The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at  Granite Place (GP) 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301.

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

You can click on the bill number (for example, SB XXX) to access further information from Fast Democracy.

  This link will take you directly to the Network Excel sheet for current bills.   

         https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y

Many bills had their first hearings.  We are filling in the columns on the far right indicating next steps.  You can still write to the Committee about a bill if it's headed for a work session or an Executive Session (where the committee votes on the bill).  Write to your own Reps or Senator once the bill is headed to the Senate or House floor for a vote.  

Abbreviations you may see:

OTP Ought to pass

OTP-A  Ought to pass with Amendment

ITL Inexpedient to legislate (bill is dead for this term)

CC Bill is on the Consent Calendar, where a bunch of bills are voted up or down without debate.  (Sometimes you can get your legislator to move a bill out of the Consent Calendar, so it can have debate.)

Roll Call Vote (happens seldom) - you get to see how each legislator voted.

Interim Study - in some cases, truly means further study of a bill.  In other cases it could simply be “death with dignity” for the bill.

We KNOW this is alot.    Please do what you can,  For any email sent  to legislators, please copy and paste ccs for Gov Ayotte & Exec Council:

governorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov

karen.liothill@nh.gov

Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

If you have the energy for energy-related bills - send also to the Dept of Energy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Directory of Policy and Programs:

Jared.S.Chicoine@energy.nh.gov

Christopher.J.Ellmsjr@energy.nh.gov

 joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov

LEGISLATIVE  ACTION ITEMS:

Contact your representatives to oppose any decrease in the Business Enterprise Tax, HB 155.  For more detail, copy and paste the NH Fiscal Policy Institute link below.    

https://nhfpi.org/resource/business-enterprise-tax-rate-decreases-have-lowered-revenue-with-limited-economic-benefit/

You will find a thumbnail discussion of the following bills on the Network Excel Spreadsheet:    

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y

Monday, February 2

HB 1742  HOUSE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY  3:00 PM, GP 229  Relative to the protection of customer-generators from inadvertent enrollment in third-party electricity supply programs. SUPPORT

Tuesday, February 3

SB 562   SENATE COMMERCE  9:45 am  SH 100  Relative home damage and mitigation program.  Go to Network January 27th excel sheet to read a further explanation.  SUPPORT

SB 536  SENATE ENERGY AND RESOURCES 9:10 am  SH 103   Relative to the solid waste facility site evaluation committee.  SUPPORT

SB 593  SENATE ENERGY AND RESOURCES  9:20 am  SH 103   Relative to the solid waste facility site evaluation committee.  OPPOSE

SB 562  SENATE COMMERCE 9:45 am SH 100   Relative to a home damage mitigation and resiliency program.  SUPPORT

SB 565   SENATE ENERGY AND RESOURCES  10:45 am  SH 100  Relative to reports and notices by the commissioner of the insurance department regarding insurance risks associated with extreme weather. SUPPORT

HB 1290   HOUSE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY   11:00 am GP 229  Relative to customer energy storage. SUPPORT

HB 1054  HOUSE ENVIRONMENT AND AGR.  1 pm  GP 153.   Establishing a committee  to study the decline of insect populations in New Hampshire.   SUPPORT

HB 1534   HOUSE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND ENERGY  2:00 pm GP 229  Relative to utility default service. SUPPORT

Wednesday, February 4th

HB 1056  HOUSE COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS  11:15 am GP 229   Establishing a commission to study the impacts of reinsurance on the cost and availability of property insurance in New Hampshire.   SUPPORT

HB 1141   HOUSE RESOURCES AND RECREATION  1:30 PM  GP 228   Prohibiting the extraction of groundwater for the purpose of bottling in plastic bottles.   SUPPORT

HB 1148   HOUSE RESOURCES AND RECREATION   2 pm GP 228  Adding cyanobacteria and algae blooms to the study of the exotic aquatic weeds and species committee.   SUPPORT

MEETINGS   February 1, 2026

-A LINK TO A RELIABLE LIST OF CLIMATE READING SOURCES (FROM NEWSPAPERS TO PODCASTS) IS OFFERED IN THE FEED YOUR BRAIN SECTION

Network Survey Results.  Thanks all, for your strong participation in our survey.  On February 12 we’ll share the statistics and hold an “Advisory Board” (or focus group) meeting.  Some of you have already volunteered, and we’ll email you a personal invitation, but all are welcome Feb 12 at 5 pm.  (There is no commitment to future meetings.)   We look forward to a discussion of the Survey, and your suggestions for strengthening the impact of NH Network in our state.   

Join us by zoom:  

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81386043251?pwd=WUnbg7Mfydja0u630vYJsyoDYXPcXp.1

Meeting ID: 813 8604 3251   Passcode: 775120

NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy, and climate, and working groups will have overlapping goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All are welcome to participate. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee meets bimonthly.   Its mission is long-range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  TBA

-The Climate WG meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on February 3rd.

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm.  The next meeting will be Sunday, February 22nd The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Energy WG meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 2 pm. (Note new time!) The next meeting is February 18th. A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee, you are still welcome to attend.  Specific focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, and related initiatives.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-Food Alliance February 6  series of workshops.   The NH Food Alliance team is launching 2-3 new workgroups as part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan implementation. Join the February Network Café to hear the top contenders and cast your vote for which workgroups you want to see launched! 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBZlRrpTTLTshFJJJPlKNtvzn

-NOFAs Vermont February 14th 44th Annual Conference:  multiple workshops

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBZmcDpczXLgtCXqsqcGhJplX

-Carsey’s Center for Impact Finance has launched two free, ten-week courses on solar development.  Created for mission-driven developers, these courses are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Power Accelerators, an initiative supporting community solar development in underserved communities.

• Developing Commercial Solar for Community Facilities

• Developing Community Solar

-Green Energy Alliance has a series of webinars on heat pumps, EV cars, etc starting on January 13th and continuing through the spring

https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/events

-From 350NH: 

January 31st, 1:00pm-5:30pm: Work That Reconnects in person

• Join us for an afternoon at South Church in Portsmouth to hearten yourself for the work ahead. Questions: Kendra@350nh.org and Register here.

February 3rd - March 10th: Run for Climate Trainings for Candidates

• Local elections are some of the best opportunities.  Our friends at Lead Locally are hosting a free online candidate training for leaders who are running for office (or considering it!) Sign up here to attend the training series. 

TAKE ACTION

Help your schools save money with Cafeteria Coaching, from the Plastics Working Group During Covid, many schools have shifted away from reusables to disposable utensils and trays.

A school can save $1300 - $3800 per year by switching to reusable utensils and trays, based on a standard 100 students served, a low estimate.  Waste is cut by 500 – 1600 pounds per year when a school switches to reusables. 

Learn more!  Go to https://www.10towns.org/resources/cafeteria-coaching 

Fill out a request for a coaching form.

See also:  www.plasticfreerestaurants.org/faq  We pay restaurants and schools to stop using plastic AND

https://upstreamsolutions.org/blog/how-reusables-can-help-restaurants-save   See the true cost of single-use foodware, and the potential savings from switching to reusables. 

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our electeds could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

FEED YOUR BRAIN

Peakbusting and how to avoid it

● Peakbusting means using as little electricity as you can during “peaks” - the hottest and coldest hours of the year. To make this easier - we do it together! ○ We are doing this to make the world safer and healthier for everyone. 

● If you sign up to do peak-busting with No Coal No Gas we will: 

○ Tell you when the peaks are happening! 

○ Have practice days and trainings 

○ Connect you with a “block” or a team of people in your community! ○ Stay in communication to figure out how we to build power 

○ Support each other to get everyone the resources they need 

Are there other ways I can help? 

Yes! Go to tinyurl.com/peakbusting to get involved!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g_Hox7w3730EAymYvEpaTjTXAJwuRRAvlHD5NIndzo8/edit?tab=t.0

~ ~ ~

-PFAS Forever chemicals:  NHPR 4 part  podcast

https://play.meg-aphone.fm/montsjagqx6ccxq8bowuyw?mc_cid=e698a278f9&mc_eid=f3fb87b43c

~ ~ ~ 

Why Global Warming Can Bring More Heat And More Cold - Forbes.   

This article is  a bit “folksy” to start, but the second half is informative, and helpful in answering “How can these frigid temperatures be global warming?”

~ ~ ~ 

-On January 27th, U.S. District Judge McCafferty imposed a preliminary injunction preventing the state of NH from ending its motor vehicle inspection program. In the absence of court intervention, the program was set to be discontinued on Saturday -- but now it will continue.

https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-01-28/nh-car-inspections-judge-grants-preliminary-injunction-against-repeal?mc_cid=6283505c8d

~ ~ ~ 

-The on-going debate over landfills

https://www.concordmonitor.com/2026/01/26/my-turn-nhdes-casella-landfill-violations/

~ ~ ~ 

 -A recording of our recent climate science update with local experts is now available at

• NH Network Events page:  newhampshirenetwork.org/events#h.4nflku29lbwl

• YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=t_DRLXpUw-o

We've added links to the Zoom chat and the scientific reports our guests co-authored and summarized for us on the events page.

~ ~ ~ 

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XXUpTPQquoD-m317VM3zBlm_z1bp-2hj/edit

What’s Happening at the NH Network!

                   LEGISLATIVE EDITION - Week of January 25th

NH Network Webinar— Unwrap the Future IV: The Power of Policy 

Monday, February 9th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Zoom

-For those who want the most up to date energy legislation and information, consider becoming a subscriber to CENH and receive their weekly update.

~  ~  ~

-OVERVIEW:

MANY THANKS FOR THE COLLABORATION  OF SUSAN RICHMAN AND REINMAR SEIDLER IN PRODUCING THE WEEKLY SUMMARIES.

1. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY FOR LEGISLATION.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE AND SENATE  BILLS.

3. UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH JANUARY 28th

4. MEETINGS:  NETWORK AND BEYOND 

5. FEED YOUR BRAIN:  PEAKBUSTING AND HOW TO HELP THE GRID

6. FEED YOUR BRAIN:    NETWORKS’S 2026 SCIENCE UPDATE FROM NH WEBINAR

1. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY for legislation

Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills  (detailed information on how to testify, offer written comments or sign in to support/oppose a bill is offered.)

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 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 

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

How to Testify in Person at a Committee Hearing: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your name and town or city.  Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

Give written copies of your speech to the committee’s aide.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026:

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year. The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at  Granite Place (GP) 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH.

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

You can click on the bill number (for example, SB XXX) to access further information from Fast Democracy.

  This link will take you directly to the Network Excel sheet for current bills.   

         https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y

Many bills had their first hearings.  We are  filling in the columns on the far right indicating next steps.  You can still write to the Committee about a bill if it's headed for a work session or an Executive Session (where the committee votes on the bill).  Write to your own Reps or Senator once the bill is headed to the Senate or House floor for a vote.  (THIS WEEK COMMENT ON HB 723 AND HOUSE BILL 1002).

Abbreviations you may see:

OTP Ought to pass

OTP-A  Ought to pass with Amendment

ITL Inexpedient to legislate (bill is dead for this term)

CC Bill is on the Consent Calendar, where a bunch of bills are voted up or down without debate.  (Sometimes you can get your legislator to move a bill out of the Consent Calendar, so it can have debate.)

Roll Call Vote (happens seldom) - you get to see how each legislator voted.

We KNOW this is alot.    Please do what you can,  For any email sent to legislators, please copy and paste ccs for Gov Ayotte & Exec Council:

governorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov

karen.liothill@nh.gov

Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

If you have the energy for energy-related bills - send also to the Dept of Energy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Directory of Policy and Programs:

Jared.S.Chicoine@energy.nh.gov

Christopher.J.Ellmsjr@energy.nh.gov

 joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov

LEGISLATIVE  ACTION ITEMS:

Paint Bill action 2026   Click the link for further details to encourage the governor NOT to veto this bi-partisan bill.  The governor claims this is another tax on residents.  Please respond.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lP28dykTlYtFV3H6i-a2jYtqkqg7O-N6l7mWgfDpbPQ/edit?tab=t.0

HB723 - Full Senate to Vote on the Repeal of the Statewide Utility Data Platform (Clean Energy NH)

The bill was re-referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee in the Fall and was inexplicably voted Ought to Pass out of Senate Finance without a hearing earlier this month. 

Stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, consumer advocates, nonprofits, and industry representatives, have spent nearly six years collaborating on a statewide energy data platform designed to provide easy access to gas and electric data to make energy and cost-saving projects easier. A repeal would stop current work on governance and vendor procurement and eliminate a foundational tool for data-driven energy planning, cost control, and efficiency investment, with implications for affordability, resilience, and economic development.  A cost-benefit test required by the Public Utilities Commission has found that the benefits of the platform will exceed its costs by two or three times. HB723 would repeal the platform wasting years of work and hundreds of thousands of dollars of ratepayer dollars already spent developing it. 

Because the platform enables consumer empowerment, competitive services, and effective local and statewide energy strategies, stakeholders should oppose HB723. Unfortunately, since this bill has already passed the Senate once, we expect it to do so again and it will head to the Governor’s desk. 

Action Needed: Contact Senators this week in opposition and start contacting the Governor and urge her to veto this bill.

-In support of legislation for a Network’s sister organization, NH Healthy Climate:

“Last year, policymakers in Concord decided to end annual vehicle inspections and maintenance requirements. This move requires New Hampshire to become the first state to petition to fully withdraw from the Ozone Transport Commission, a regional air pollution control organization established in the Clean Air Act.  Open the following link for more information.”

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQfBZffrgWLpFWnRkRljrcKcpdH?compose=DmwnWsdHGvWPDzrGpbVCvzhmrqcJVLvpfKfvVNCdBvNnBRFczJDMxZvXQlqtSlWqrmxfHQNZHqXb

Monday, January 26

HB 1718   STE Committee  1 pm  GP 229  relative to authorizing energy storage in connection with net metering   SUPPORT

Tuesday, January 27

-SB537    Senate Energy and Resources  9:20 am Room 103  repealing the authorization for the PUC to approve alternative forms of regulation  OPPOSE

-HB 1703  House Transportation  11 am GP 234   Relative to establishing a registration fee for bicycles and electric bicycles using state or municipally funded bike paths, trails, or roadways.   OPPOSE

-SB 562 Senate Commerce  11 am  Room 100  relative to a home damage mitigation and resiliency program.  SUPPORT

-HB 1738  STE Committee  1 pm GP 229   relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative.   SUPPORT

Wednesday, January 28

HB 1159  Executive Department and Admin  10:00 am GP 231  relative to updating the state building code.  PRIORITY OPPOSE

HB 1180  Executive Department and Admin.   10:30 am GP 231   Updating the definition of the state building code to include the International Energy Conservation Code 2024   PRIORITY SUPPORT

HB 1271  Executive Department and Admin.   11:30 am  GP 231   relative to third-party code review and inspection services for building permits  SUPPORT

HB 1783   Resources and Recreation  3 pm  GP 228   Updating the definition of the state building code to include the International Energy Conservation Code 2024.   SUPPORT

Thursday, January 29

HB 1455    STE Committee  3 pm  GP  158   Relative to the criteria for reliable energy sources.  OPPOSE

                                            NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee next meets   Its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  TBA

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, January 25th. The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Plastics WG  January 25th  6 pm meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697   Please join us to learn actions to protect yourself at home, and to move the NH Legislature to adopt measures already taken by the other New England states.  

• Pollution from the plastics industry is a major force behind the heating of the planet.

• The industry releases about four times as many planet-warming chemicals as the airline industry, according to the paper from scientists at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.

• Its emissions are equivalent to those of about 600 coal plants — about three times the number that exist across the U.S.

• And if plastic production remains constant, by 2050 it could burn through nearly a fifth of the Earth’s remaining carbon budget — the amount of carbon dioxide climate scientists believe can be burned without tipping the climate into unsafe territory. www.beyondplastics.org/news-stories/plastics-heats-world-four-times-as-much-as-air-travel

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on February 3rd.

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting is February 19th. A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

                              BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-Carsey’s Center for Impact Finance has launched two free, ten-week courses on solar development.  Created for mission-driven developers, these courses are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Power Accelerators, an initiative supporting community solar development in underserved communities.

• Developing Commercial Solar for Community Facilities

• Developing Community Sol

• 
  

From Beyond Plastics:  Take (or Share) the Grassroots Advocacy Training Later This Month
Our grassroots organizing training helps folks learn how to create real, lasting change to protect our health and environment in their communities. The training is just one, two-hour session held over Zoom. It's free of charge and we're offering it at three times to make sure it's accessible to all. Pick the session below that works best for you, or, if you've already taken the training, help us spread the word!

• Saturday, 1/24 at 1:00 PM ET US

• Tuesday, 1/27 at 7:00 PM ET US

• Thursday, 1/29 at 7:00 PM ET US

-Green Energy Alliance has a series of webinars on heat pumps, EV cars, etc starting on January 13th and continuing through the spring

https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/events

-From 350NH: 

January 11th, 18th, and 25th, 8:00pm- 9:00pm: 350NH Youth Team Meetings

• The youth team meets on Sunday evenings over zoom. Email pat@350nh.org to get involved with their campaign to hold polluters accountable.

January 21st, in the afternoon: tour of data center in Holyoke, MA

• Mark your calendar and join us for a rare opportunity to see how a data center functions. Email Kendra@350nh.org for details.

January 31st, 1:00pm-5:30pm: Work That Reconnects in person

• Join us for an afternoon at South Church in Portsmouth to hearten yourself for the work ahead. Questions: Kendra@350nh.org and Register here.

February 3rd - March 10th: Run for Climate Trainings for Candidates

• Local elections are some of the best opportunities.  Our friends at Lead Locally are hosting a free online candidate training for leaders who are running for office (or considering it!) Sign up here to attend the training series. 

                                         TAKE ACTION

-Plastics WG  Presentation on January 25th meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-If you are an organization then there are important opportunities to install Public Level 2 EV Chargers.

Request for Information: Support Program Design and Administration of a Potential Rebate Program for Public Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is seeking to address electric vehicle (EV) charging needs in New Hampshire (NH) communities and travel and tourism areas that remain unresolved through private or prior grant investment.

Using Volkswagen Mitigation Trust (VW Trust) funding, NHDES is considering a potential rebate program for entities to install public Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), also known as EV charging infrastructure, in NH. NHDES is also considering the possibility of soliciting a third-party entity to administer such a rebate program. Read more here.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to the NHDES Mobile Sources Section Team at MS-grants@des.nh.gov, no later than January 31, 2026. Responses to this RFI must be provided as attachments to an email.

Rolling Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are Open

Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program

NHDES is seeking proposals for eligible diesel vehicle, engine or equipment (unit) replacements or marine shore power installation projects utilizing approximately $7.5 million of VW Trust funds for this August 2025 RFP. Applications will be accepted on a rolling monthly basis until March 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or until all funds have been obligated, whichever comes first. Read the Request for Proposals and Amendment #1 to learn more.

New Hampshire Clean Diesel Grant Program

NHDES is making approximately $315,000 in remaining EPA DERA funding available for non-road vehicle, equipment or engine replacement projects, newer engine model year on-road vehicles if replacing with electric vehicles, and truck stop/parking space electrification projects. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026.  Read the Request for Proposals to learn more.

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our electeds could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

                                                                    FEED YOUR BRAIN

 Peakbusting and how to embrace it:

● Peakbusting means using as little electricity as you can during “peaks” - the hottest and coldest hours of the year. To make this easier - we do it together! ○ We are doing this to make the world safer and healthier for everyone. 

● If you sign up to do peak-busting with No Coal No Gas we will: 

○ Tell you when the peaks are happening! 

○ Have practice days and trainings 

○ Connect you with a “block” or a team of people in your community! ○ Stay in communication to figure out how we to build power 

○ Support each other to get everyone the resources they need 

Are there other ways I can help? 

Yes! Go to tinyurl.com/peakbusting to get involved!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1g_Hox7w3730EAymYvEpaTjTXAJwuRRAvlHD5NIndzo8/edit?tab=t.0

 A recording of our recent climate science update with local experts is now available at

• NH Network Events page:  newhampshirenetwork.org/events#h.4nflku29lbwl

• YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=t_DRLXpUw-o

We've added links to the Zoom chat and the scientific reports our guests co-authored and summarized for us on the events page.

(Excerpts from John Gage comments)

Citizen input is under-appreciated in most energy and climate matters, and efforts at science-based policy suffer as a result.  Bill HB1114 is an attempt to remedy this.  The public session for this bill was held last week, and the executive session will be held on January 29th.   This is a perfect time to send a brief email with a subject like "Please support HB1114 - respect public input" to the Legislative Administration Committee members (stepheneboyd@gmail.com, greghillnh@gmail.com, jeanine.notter@gc.nh.gov, Stephanie.Payeur@gc.nh.gov, bethrichardsforward3@gmail.com, vanessa@vanessa4nh.com, Shane.Sirois@gc.nh.gov, Carrie.Sorensen@gc.nh.gov, lenturcotte@metrocast.net, kevin.verville@gc.nh.gov, Alice.Wade@gc.nh.gov, janet.wall@gc.nh.gov).  For a brief message body, check out some of the thoughts about the bill via the previously submitted testimony at gc.nh.gov/house/committees/remotetestimony/submitted_testimony.aspx and select these menu options:

Our power is in numbers.  We need more citizens to engage on the climate issue to get what we all need for a sustainable New Hampshire, as well as cheap, reliable energy.

An example of how it goes when not enough of us engage, and public input is ignored

The hearing for HB1542 was held last week……..and this is a bad bill.  It will render the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard toothless by eliminating the collection of polluter fees from utilities if they fail to achieve the minimum required clean energy mix in their default service.  The fees currently collected negligibly affect ratepayers' bills, and are the best tool we have today to encourage utilities to clean up the energy they provide.  The revenue collected goes into the Renewable Energy Fund, which is used to promote clean energy deployment in the state, yielding energy diversity and reducing the state's reliance on fossil fuels.  Please watch the public input on the bill - notice the overwhelming public opposition to the bill, and the seeming indifference of the majority on the STE Committee to that testimony:  youtube.com/live/91exdzUJG0c?si=9QdJARzp8iBSgZEP&t=12947.

The public overwhelmingly opposed HB1542 online (88 opposed, 3 in favor), and only 1 of the 8 people who testified supported the bill.  But chances are good that, unless the STE Committee feels much more pressure from the public, this bad bill will be supported by the majority of the Committee (down party lines) and passed by the NH House (similarly, down party lines).....

Others testified about why the bill is bad.  They noted the benefits of the Renewable Energy Fund, and the reasons the state should work to promote clean energy deployments.  I spoke last, and the Committee does not like hearing the same information repeated.  So I began my testimony against the bill by saying I agreed with the reasons others had given in opposition to it.  Then I attempted to explain how this bill would undo a financially sound approach that is helping prepare the state for a federal carbon price…….

I provided a one-page handout (page 3 of The Growing US Carbon Price Gap) and spoke about the need for NH to acknowledge what is happening with carbon pricing around the world.  The rapid spread of carbon pricing, rising prices, and the introduction of CBAMs that penalize free-polluting countries (like the US), make it increasingly likely that all countries will soon price carbon.  This is important; not only must the US soon adopt a carbon price for the world to have any chance of achieving safe, science-based climate pollution-reduction goals, but it will be highly motivated to do so by the EU and other trading partners' CBAMS.  So our state should prepare (via energy efficiency, electrification, and clean energy) and encourage Congress to price carbon in a way that protects NH citizens and businesses (a steadily rising carbon fee on fossil fuel production, with cash back to households, and a CBAM).  See the article or recorded presentations for more on that at carboncashback.org/carbon-price-gap. 

If you want to show support for that, everyone can email Congress at cclusa.org/write-cfd.  Community, business, and elected leaders can endorse the Carbon Cashback policy at cclusa.org/endorse.  And please contact me if you have any questions or would like to get more involved in working climate policy at the federal level.

Now, a note about our event

In his introduction to "Our Climate Futures," Professor Siedler reviewed the last 800,000 years of CO2 concentrations, providing a perspective on the current level of 426 ppm in the atmosphere:

climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-atmospheric-carbon-dioxide

"The climate has always changed" (and we know that and what caused those changes through science)

For the last few million years, the Earth has been in an "ice age," which is defined as when the Earth has some year-round ice coverage, and has been very gradually cooling.  And for the last one million years or so, the Earth has exhibited a 100,000-year cycle of greatly exaggerated warmer and cooler periods within the current ice age:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-dlIie4gFq6-UadazgjcZtUptIZBRzVwsLzCXZxko1Y/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.g2071f5786edb37a8_0

This 100,000-year cycle is called the Milankovitch Cycle (MC), and is driven by changes in Earth's orbital shape (due to interactions with other planets) and axial orientation changes (precession and wobble), which cause the Earth to receive more or less annual energy input from the Sun, with the resulting global temperature swings amplified by two positive feedbacks: changes in the amount of greenhouse gases in the air (mainly CO2), and changes in the reflectivity of the Earth's surface due to the amount of snow and ice coverage (albedo).  Those two amplifying factors greatly exaggerate the initial temperature swings from the MC.

The MC has driven the 100,000-year cycle of relatively brief (2000 - 10,000-year) warm periods and longer, colder periods, and the resulting greenhouse gas and albedo changes have amplified the MC-driven temperature changes.  Here's how those amplifying feedbacks worked:

1. Warmer water holds less CO2.  As the Earth warms from the MC, oceans warm.  Less CO2 can be dissolved in that warmer water, and the extra CO2 ends up in the air. The CO2 concentration rose and fell, following slightly behind the temperature rise and fall from the MC.  Once in the air, the additional CO2 acts as an additional warming force.  (Conversely, when the MC enters a cooling phase, cooling oceans can absorb more CO2, and the concentration of CO2 in the air declines).

2. The reflectivity of the Earth determines how much of the Sun's energy reaches the surface and is absorbed as heat, and how much is immediately reflected back into space.  A cooler Earth has more ice coverage, which reflects more sunlight back to space.  A warmer Earth has less ice coverage, and the greater exposed surface absorbs more energy.

As Reinmar noted, the long-term changes driven by the MC operate over durations of thousands of years.  But in the last 200 years, the CO2 concentration has risen by 50% mainly due to our burning fossil fuels, reaching levels not seen in millions of years.  Additional CO2 is a warming force, and science has proven that this is the main cause of all the warming since 1900.  This IPCC chart shows all the significant climate forcing changes since 1750, with current values from satellite measurements of outgoing radiation showing CO2 is the main warming forcing driving the current global warming (IPCC AR6 WG1 Figure 2.10):

This has, without any reasonable doubt, caused the global warming since 1900 (climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus):

I hope you enjoyed the "Our Climate Futures" event!  All of us on the NH Network steering committee thank you so much for your continued advocacy for state and federal policy changes to address climate pollution, and for efforts to make our legislators represent our interests over the interests of polluting industries that mislead about their pollution.

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XXUpTPQquoD-m317VM3zBlm_z1bp-2hj/edit

 What’s Happening at the NH Network!

               LEGISLATIVE EDITION - Week of January 18th

-WHILE THE LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION, WEEKLY SUMMARIES WILL BE SENT IN TWO  

                          PARTS:  LEGISLATIVE AND MEETING/OPPORTUNITIES.

-Thank you to the many who have completed the survey.  The site will be live until Monday at midnight, so if you haven't yet responded, now is your chance.  The information you are providing helps guide our future actions and supplies potential funding sources with a vision of our work in New Hampshire.

Here's the link:  NH Network Survey    Please fill out and return by Jan 19, 2026.

NH Network Webinar:  Our Future Climates: A 2026 Science Update for NH and NE

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:00-6:30 pm. This evening will explore  how the climate is already changing in NH and in New England, what we can reasonably anticipate for the future, and how we know what we know.  

We’ve invited two special guest speakers, both experts on the climate of our region and our state:  

• Dr Mary Stampone, NH State Climatologist (University of NH) 

• Dr Stephen Young, Department of Geography & Sustainability (Salem State College, MA)

Each has published recent research on local/regional climate changes and anticipated impacts. They’ll share results of their work, and there will be time for questions and comments.

 Registration required: RSVP at  bit.ly/2026-nh-climate-update.

Please share this invitation widely, especially with your legislators, business leaders, and climate skeptics.  

-For those who want the most up to date energy legislation and information, consider becoming a subscriber to CENH and receive their weekly update.

~  ~  ~

-OVERVIEW:

1. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY FOR LEGISLATION.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE AND SENATE  BILLS.

3. UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH JANUARY 23rd

4. MEETINGS:  NETWORK AND BEYOND 

5. DES GRANT AND CITIZEN INPUT SURVEYS

1. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY for legislation

Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills  (detailed information on how to testify, offer written comments or sign in to support/oppose a bill is offered.)

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 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 

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

How to Testify in Person at a Committee Hearing: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your name and town or city.  Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

Give written copies of your speech to the committee’s aide.

2. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026:

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year. The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at  Granite Place (GP) 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH.

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

The NH Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the number of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

You can click on the bill number (for example, SB XXX) to access further information from Fast Democracy.

  This link will take you directly to Network Excel sheet for the following bills.

https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y

Friends, 

We KNOW this is alot.  (Perhaps, this onslaught is intentional.)   Please do what you can,  For any email sent  to legislators, please copy and paste ccs for Gov Ayotte & Exec Council:

governorAyotte@governor.nh.gov

Joseph.D.Kenney@nh.gov

karen.liothill@nh.gov

Janet.L.Stevens@nh.gov

John.A.Stephen@nh.gov

David.K.Wheeler@nh.gov

If you have the energy for energy-related bills - send also to the Dept of Energy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Directory of Policy and Programs:

Jared.S.Chicoine@energy.nh.gov

Christopher.J.Ellmsjr@energy.nh.gov

 joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20   

HB 1621   House Environment and Agriculture  10:00 AM, GP, Room 153, Requiring a baseline environmental impact study to be completed prior to development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities.   SUPPORT

HB 1622    House Environment and Agriculture  10:00 AM, GP, Room 153,  requiring the state to develop additional solid waste disposal capacity.  SUPPORT

HB 1273  House Municipal and County Government 10:`15 am, GP, Room 154, enabling municipal support and incentives for residential flood resilience improvements.  

HB 1468 House Municipal and County Government  10:25 am, GP, Room 154, relative to municipal flood resilience planning and the use of planning grants.  PRIORITY SUPPORT

HB 1542 House Science, Technology, and Energy at 1:00pm in Granite Place Room 229.  This bill would eliminate meaningful enforcement of NH’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by setting the alternative compliance payment (ACP) for all RPS classes to $0.    PRIORITY OPPOSE

HB 1602   House Environment and Agriculture  1:00 PM, GP 153,  creating a safe battery recycling stewardship program.  SUPPORT

SB 628  Senate Transportation  1:30 PM, SH 122-123, enabling curbside electric-vehicle charging. Do we have a position on this bill?  

 HB 1789 House and Environment and Agricultural  2:00 pm, GP 153,  relative to extended producer responsibility. (Extended Producer Responsibility means producers and not the municipalities  are responsible for the packaging waste they produce.)  PRIORITY SUPPORT

HB 1002   House Science, Technology, and Energy  3:00pm, GP 229, repealing the solar energy systems tax exemption. PRIORITY OPPOSE 

HB 1721  House Science, Technology, and Energy  2:00pm GP 229, relative to limiting new system enrollment and adjusting compliance payments under the renewable portfolio standard program.       OPPOSE  

SB 440  Senate Commerce   10:00am SH 100, relative to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.   SUPPORT 

Wednesday, January 21

HB 1603 House Resources, Recreation and Development  9:30 AM  GP 228,   requiring state agencies to provide current and verifiable evidence of a species presence before imposing any land use restriction related to that species' habitat. PRIORITY OPPOSE

Thursday, January 22

HB 1114  House Legislative and Administration 10:15 am  GP 234,  relative to the documentation and preservation of public comment reports by standing legislative committees.  In other words,encouraging committees to review and take into consideration public comment.  PRIORITY SUPPORT

HB 1679 House Commerce and Consumer Affairs 11:00 am GP 229, establishing a beverage container redemption program. SUPPORT

UPDATES ON LEGISLATION PRESENTED  IN PREVIOUS NETWORK SUMMARIES:

-HB 1301 which increases fees on lake moorings passed with no opposition from the committee. Proceeds are to combat cyanobacteria.  The full house will vote on it in the coming weeks.

-The Senate passed another bill aimed at regulating waste: House Bill 451, establishing a drop-off paint can recycling program, passed 13-11. 

-Senators also considered two more waste-related bills held over from last year on the consent calendar: House Bill 171, establishing a moratorium on new landfills, was voted inexpedient to legislate[ITL] while Senate Bill 226, which also called for a moratorium on new landfills as well as the study of incineration as a disposal method, was referred for interim study.   (ITL means it is dead for this year.  Interim study may be revived after further study.)   

HB 221, a broadly focused bill,  would have undermined the cost-benefit test that sits at the core of the NHSaves program. However, late in the 2025 session, the bill became something of a “Christmas tree” that included elements of HB710 (utility owned small nuclear; CENH was monitoring), SB112 (utility power-purchase agreements; CENH was opposed), and SB228 (low-income community solar; CENH supported). This bill has now been sent back to the House for a final vote. Another bill (SB447) has been introduced in 2026 which largely mirrors the language in the Omnibus that the Senate just approved.  OPPOSE - UPDATE FORTHCOMING

-The summary and meeting recording of our Jan 15 Energy WG. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy

                                                NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee next meets   Its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  TBA

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, January 25th. The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Plastics WG  January 25h meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on February 3rd.

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting is January 15th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

                                 BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-Carsey’s Center for Impact Finance has launched two free, ten-week courses on solar development.  Created for mission-driven developers, these courses are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Power Accelerators, an initiative supporting community solar development in underserved communities.

• Developing Commercial Solar for Community Facilities

• Developing Community Sol

From Beyond Plastics:  Take (or Share) the Grassroots Advocacy Training Later This Month
Our grassroots organizing training helps folks learn how to create real, lasting change to protect our health and environment in their communities. The training is just one, two-hour session held over Zoom. It's free of charge and we're offering it at three times to make sure it's accessible to all. Pick the session below that works best for you, or, if you've already taken the training, help us spread the word!

• Saturday, 1/24 at 1:00 PM ET US

• Tuesday, 1/27 at 7:00 PM ET US

• Thursday, 1/29 at 7:00 PM ET US

-Green Energy Alliance has a series of webinars on heat pumps, EV cars, etc starting on January 13th and continuing through the spring

https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/events

-From 350NH: 

January 11th, 18th, and 25th, 8:00pm- 9:00pm: 350NH Youth Team Meetings

• The youth team meets on Sunday evenings over zoom. Email pat@350nh.org to get involved with their campaign to hold polluters accountable.

January 21st, in the afternoon: tour of data center in Holyoke, MA

• Mark your calendar and join us for a rare opportunity to see how a data center functions. Email Kendra@350nh.org for details.

January 31st, 1:00pm-5:30pm: Work That Reconnects in person

• Join us for an afternoon at South Church in Portsmouth to hearten yourself for the work ahead. Questions: Kendra@350nh.org and Register here.

February 3rd - March 10th: Run for Climate Trainings for Candidates

• Local elections are some of the best opportunities.  Our friends at Lead Locally are hosting a free online candidate training for leaders who are running for office (or considering it!) Sign up here to attend the training series. 

-If you are an organization then there are important opportunities to install Public Level 2 EV Chargers.

Request for Information: Support Program Design and Administration of a Potential Rebate Program for Public Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is seeking to address electric vehicle (EV) charging needs in New Hampshire (NH) communities and travel and tourism areas that remain unresolved through private or prior grant investment.

Using Volkswagen Mitigation Trust (VW Trust) funding, NHDES is considering a potential rebate program for entities to install public Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), also known as EV charging infrastructure, in NH. NHDES is also considering the possibility of soliciting a third-party entity to administer such a rebate program. Read more here.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to the NHDES Mobile Sources Section Team at MS-grants@des.nh.gov, no later than January 31, 2026. Responses to this RFI must be provided as attachments to an email.

Rolling Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are Open

Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program

NHDES is seeking proposals for eligible diesel vehicle, engine or equipment (unit) replacements or marine shore power installation projects utilizing approximately $7.5 million of VW Trust funds for this August 2025 RFP. Applications will be accepted on a rolling monthly basis until March 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or until all funds have been obligated, whichever comes first. Read the Request for Proposals and Amendment #1 to learn more.

New Hampshire Clean Diesel Grant Program

NHDES is making approximately $315,000 in remaining EPA DERA funding available for non-road vehicle, equipment or engine replacement projects, newer engine model year on-road vehicles if replacing with electric vehicles, and truck stop/parking space electrification projects. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026.  Read the Request for Proposals to learn more.

https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-12-12/as-federal-money-for-climate-friendly-home-projects-disappears-a-community-creates-its-own-program

                                            TAKE ACTION

-Plastics WG  Presentation on January 25th meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our electeds could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

-

                                                 FEED YOUR BRAIN

Educators Book Club: Bill McKibben & Here Comes the Sun

January 22, 2026 — 4pm PT/ 7pm ET

Kick off the year with Third Act Educators and Bill McKibben for a Book Club discussion of Here Comes the Sun—and a conversation about hope, solar power, and climate action.       RSVP for Jan. 22

Informative articles from Indepth New Hampshire

https://indepthnh.org/2026/01/12/north-country-environmental-services-to-pay-1-9m-to-settle-solid-waste-violations-in-bethlehem/

https://indepthnh.org/2026/01/13/preventing-county-and-state-owned-land-to-be-used-for-carbon-capture-debated/

https://indepthnh.org/2026/01/13/support-for-limiting-neonic-pesticide-use-heard-by-house-committee/

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XXUpTPQquoD-m317VM3zBlm_z1bp-2hj/edit

What’s Happening at the NH Network! 

LEGISLATIVE EDITION - Updated Week of January 11th

NH Network Webinar:  Our Future Climates: A 2026 Science Update for NH and NE

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, 5:00-6:30 pm. This evening will explore how the climate is already changing in NH and in New England, what we can reasonably anticipate for the future, and how we know what we know.

We’ve invited two special guest speakers, both experts on the climate of our region and our state:  

• Dr Mary Stampone, NH State Climatologist (University of NH) 

• Dr Stephen Young, Department of Geography & Sustainability (Salem State College, MA)

Each has published recent research on local/regional climate changes and anticipated impacts. They’ll share results of their work, and there will be time for questions and comments.

 Registration required: RSVP at  bit.ly/2026-nh-climate-update.

OVERVIEW

1. NETWORK SURVEY: TO BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 15TH.  

2. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY FOR LEGISLATION.

3. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE AND SENATE  BILLS.

4. UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH JANUARY 20TH.  

5. MEETINGS:  NETWORK AND BEYOND 

6. DES GRANT AND CITIZEN INPUT SURVEYS

1. NETWORK SURVEY:  We need your feedback! We want to improve...

Here's the link:  NH Network Survey   Please fill out and return by Jan 15, 2026.

Thank you from the NH Network Steering Committee

2. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY for legislation

Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills  (detailed information on how to testify, offer written comments or sign in to support/oppose a bill is offered.)

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 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 

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

How to Testify in Person at a Committee Hearing: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

3. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026:

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year. The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at “GP,” or Granite Place.  To get to Granite Place, navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. From I-93 N or S, take exit 15W. At the lights, take a right to head north on Route 3 / Bouton St. At the next set of lights, stay straight as the road turns into N. State St. At the next set of lights, take a left onto Penacook St. At the stop sign, take a right turn onto Rumford St. Granite Place is the next left turn. Navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. There is ample parking in front of the building, with easy access to the front entrance. Additional parking is available at the rear of the building, with direct access to Level 2. Legislators and the public may use either the front or rear parking lots. 

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

The NH Network is a volunteer-driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the number of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

You can click on the bill number (for example, SB 539) to access further information from Fast Democracy.

Monday, January 12  

HB 1810  Ways and Means GP 159 11:30 am  Road salt fee.  SUPPORT 

Tuesday, January 13

NH SB 449: Senate Energy and Natural Resources 09:10 AM, SH, Room 103,  relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy  SUPPORT

NH SB 538 --  Senate Energy and Natural Resources  09:20 AM, SH, Room 103, Relative extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.SUPPORT

SB 590 FNSenate Energy and Natural Resources  at 9:00am in State House Room 103. This bill would allow municipalities to use existing municipal revolving funds to support energy services delivered through an approved municipal electric aggregation plan.

CENH Position “Municipal electric aggregation is a proven tool for lowering energy costs and expanding consumer choice, but many communities lack flexible, low-risk ways to cover start-up and administrative costs. SB590 provides a practical, fiscally responsible solution by allowing municipalities to use existing revolving funds—without creating new mandates or programs—to facilitate energy services under an approved aggregation plan.”  SUPPORT

HB 1068  Environment and Agriculture  GP 103  10 am  Limits neonicotinoids that can leach into lakes creating ripe conditions for cyanobacteria blooms.  SUPPORT

NH SB 449: Senate Energy and Natural Resources 09:10 AM, SH, Room 103,  relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy  SUPPORT

NH SB 538 --  Senate Energy and Natural Resources  09:20 AM, SH, Room 103, Relative extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects.SUPPORT

HB 1607  House Public Works  GP 228  10:30 am  Relative to use and storage of road salt SUPPORT

Wednesday, January 14

NH HB 1301    House Resources, Recreation and Development  Room 228, Hearing 11:30 AM)   Increasing certain mooring fees and directing such funds to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. SUPPORT

NH HB 1477 House Resources, Recreation and Development, GP, Room 228, Hearing 2:30 PM. Establishes new regulations for anchored seasonal platforms on public waters, limiting use to legal owners of adjacent shorefront property, with specific exceptions for government and conservation agencies.  Fees collected would go to the Navigation Safety Fund and Cyanobacteria Mitigation Fund.    SUPPORT

Thursday, January 15

HB 1198  House Commerce Committee  GP 229  1: 15 pm  Establish paint product stewardship program  SUPPORT

HB 1080  House Commerce Committee  GP 229  1:30 pm Prohibit products from intentionally adding polyfluoroalkyl substances  SUPPORT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20

HB 1542-FN House Science, Technology, and Energy at 1:00pm in Granite Place Room 229.

This bill would eliminate meaningful enforcement of NH’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by setting the alternative compliance payment (ACP) for all RPS classes to $0.  

The ACP is the core backstop that ensures the Renewable Portfolio Standard functions as intended by encouraging real procurement of renewable energy. Setting the ACP to zero would effectively nullify the RPS by allowing electric suppliers to opt out of compliance at no cost, undermining long-standing state policy and destabilizing existing renewable energy markets.  OPPOSE

HB 1221 FN  House Science, Technology, and Energy  at 2:00pm in Granite Place Room 229.

This bill would effectively close New Hampshire’s (RPS) to new renewable energy projects, cap REC eligibility for existing systems, and mandate ongoing reductions in compliance payments as eligible systems decline.

 HB1721 would fundamentally unwind the state’s RPS by prohibiting new system enrollment after a brief transition period, limiting REC eligibility to a maximum of 20 years These provisions would eliminate the incentive structure that supports new renewable development, undermine long-standing investment expectations for existing projects, and steadily drain the REF. As the Department of Energy has noted, reduced ACP revenue would directly shrink or eliminate REF-funded programs and jeopardize staff capacity that supports RPS compliance, net metering administration, and low- and moderate-income energy initiatives. OPPOSE  

HB 1002  House Science, Technology, and Energy at 3:00pm in Granite Place Room 229.– This bill would repeal New Hampshire’s longstanding property tax exemption for solar energy systems.  The solar property tax exemption is a stable, widely understood policy that reduces barriers to private investment while preserving local control—municipalities retain full authority over tax rates and valuation practices. Repealing this exemption would increase costs for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities that have invested in solar in reliance on existing law, undermining policy certainty and discouraging future in-state energy investment. The change would be especially harmful to schools, nonprofits, and small businesses for whom predictable operating costs are essential  OPPOSE

SB440–Senate Commerce  at 10:00am in State House Room 100. This bill would clarify and strengthen municipalities’ ability to adopt energy efficient and clean energy districts, providing a clear local pathway to finance cost-saving energy and resilience improvements.   Energy efficient and clean energy districts give cities and towns a voluntary, locally controlled tool to help property owners reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and invest in resilience without new taxes or mandates. SB440 removes uncertainty around district adoption and implementation, helping municipalities confidently use this authority to support private investment, lower operating costs, and strengthen local economies.  SUPPORT 

 UPDATES ON RECENT LEGISLATION:  ONCE KNOWN, HEARING DATES WILL BE SHARED

The House voted to send HB219 to the Senate. This bill makes a number of changes that would weaken the state’s already extremely modest RPS law, ultimately reducing the value of a Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) and reducing revenue for renewable energy generators.   It allows wind energy to be exempt from government procurement mandates and clarifies the definition of solar energy to specify that it must produce electricity to qualify. 

Moreover, the bill proposes changes to the Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) structure for renewable energy credits. In fiscal years 2026 and 2027, after covering administrative costs and allocating $1 million for incentive projects, all remaining REF funds will be transferred to the General Fund, further impacting available funds for REF projects starting in FY 2028.  OPPOSE

Tell the Senate Energy Committee that they should reject this harmful bill.

HB 221, a broadly focused bill,  would have undermined the cost-benefit test that sits at the core of the NHSaves program. However, late in the 2025 session, the bill became something of a “Christmas tree” that included elements of HB710 (utility owned small nuclear; CENH was monitoring), SB112 (utility power-purchase agreements; CENH was opposed), and SB228 (low-income community solar; CENH supported). This bill has now been sent back to the House for a final vote. Another bill (SB447) has been introduced in 2026 which largely mirrors the language in the Omnibus that the Senate just approved.  OPPOSE - UPDATE FORTHCOMING

SB 106   which would expand net metering to 5MW for groups of commercial customers, and stabilize the program by creating a rolling 20-year term for all new net metering customers was an ITL vote in the NH House of Representatives. This procedural maneuver was taken to ensure that a new version of the bill which was reintroduced in the Senate (SB449) cannot be accepted to be heard in the House.   Hopefully, senators can find a path forward for SB449 and similar net metering legislation this session.

SB 540 received broad support from both parties for plug-in solar.  Details need to be clarified, but it seems this bill will move forward.

MEETINGS   January 11, 2025

-A LINK TO A RELIABLE LIST OF CLIMATE READING SOURCES (FROM NEWSPAPERS TO PODCASTS) IS OFFERED IN THE FEED YOUR BRAIN SECTION.

NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee next meets December 29th.  Its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting is January 15th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, January 25th. The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Plastics WG  January 26th meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on February 3rd.

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

Tuesday, January 13th 2 30 pm  Regional Blueprint for For America’s Clean Energy Future

https://forum.canarymedia.com/canary-media1/regional-blueprints-for-america-s-clean-energy-future?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--n9DAc5Z50SBR6G-IZ-ZcMIlRcGdX2iU96h6bFs5n3sK2rtlcQbEIf_gBLegOAAEWgkmWYv0WXmdQ324SV2Iy9FOfOiw&_hsmi=397561585&utm_content=397561585&utm_source=hs_email

From NORTHEAST RECYCLING COUNCIL:   U.S. Plastics Pact     U.S. Plastics Pact Launches Next Phase of Reuse in Retail Initiative to Bring Scalable, Cost-Effective Real-World Implementation to U.S. Stores. Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) by January 16th, 2026 to let them know you would like to get involved with the Reuse in Retail Initiative (RRI).

Green Energy Alliance has a series of webinars on heat pumps, EV cars, etc starting on January 13th and continuing through the spring

https://www.greenenergyconsumers.org/events

-From 350NH: 

January 11th, 18th, and 25th, 8:00pm- 9:00pm: 350NH Youth Team Meetings

• The youth team meets on Sunday evenings over zoom. Email pat@350nh.org to get involved with their campaign to hold polluters accountable.

January 14th, 7:00pm-9:00pm: Work That Reconnects online

• Joanna Macy’s practices to support activists and anyone facing the great struggles of our time. Join us for a short form of these practices for two hours. Register here.

January 15, 6:00pm-7:00pm: Salem Chapter meeting

• Help us plan our next event! Email jennifer@350nh.org to get the Zoom link.

January 21st, in the afternoon: tour of data center in Holyoke, MA

• Mark your calendar and join us for a rare opportunity to see how a data center functions. Email Kendra@350nh.org for details.

January 31st, 1:00pm-5:30pm: Work That Reconnects in person

• Join us for an afternoon at South Church in Portsmouth to hearten yourself for the work ahead. Questions: Kendra@350nh.org and Register here.

February 3rd - March 10th: Run for Climate Trainings for Candidates

• Local elections are some of the best opportunities.  Our friends at Lead Locally are hosting a free online candidate training for leaders who are running for office (or considering it!) Sign up here to attend the training series. 

-If you are a organization then here are important opportunities to install Public Level 2 EV Chargers.

Request for Information: Support Program Design and Administration of a Potential Rebate Program for Public Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment in New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is seeking to address electric vehicle (EV) charging needs in New Hampshire (NH) communities and travel and tourism areas that remain unresolved through private or prior grant investment.

Using Volkswagen Mitigation Trust (VW Trust) funding, NHDES is considering a potential rebate program for entities to install public Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), also known as EV charging infrastructure, in NH. NHDES is also considering the possibility of soliciting a third-party entity to administer such a rebate program. Read more here.

Responses to this RFI must be submitted electronically to the NHDES Mobile Sources Section Team at MS-grants@des.nh.gov, no later than January 31, 2026. Responses to this RFI must be provided as attachments to an email.

Rolling Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are Open

Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program

NHDES is seeking proposals for eligible diesel vehicle, engine or equipment (unit) replacements or marine shore power installation projects utilizing approximately $7.5 million of VW Trust funds for this August 2025 RFP. Applications will be accepted on a rolling monthly basis until March 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or until all funds have been obligated, whichever comes first. Read the Request for Proposals and Amendment #1 to learn more.

New Hampshire Clean Diesel Grant Program

NHDES is making approximately $315,000 in remaining EPA DERA funding available for non-road vehicle, equipment or engine replacement projects, newer engine model year on-road vehicles if replacing with electric vehicles, and truck stop/parking space electrification projects. Projects must be completed by September 30, 2026.  Read the Request for Proposals to learn more.

https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2025-12-12/as-federal-money-for-climate-friendly-home-projects-disappears-a-community-creates-its-own-program

Carsey’s Center for Impact Finance has launched two free, ten-week courses on solar development.  Created for mission-driven developers, these courses are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Community Power Accelerators, an initiative supporting community solar development in underserved communities.

• Developing Commercial Solar for Community Facilities

• Developing Community Sol

TAKE ACTION

-Plastics WG  Presentation on January 26th meeting will feature a presentation of "The Plastic Pollution Solution: No Plastic Bags Please!"  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our elected could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

-Sign Up Now: Beyond Plastics’ 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Trainings Begin in January!   

We invite you to join us in the year ahead. New and returning advocates alike can deepen their skills, build confidence, and grow their grassroots advocacy within a caring community committed to ending plastic pollution. To help you plan, all of our quarterly 2026 training dates are now available to choose from!

Our free, two-hour online trainings will designed to guide you through:

• From local action to lasting change: Learn how to start or support a group in your community to pass local laws or policy that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful change.
  
  

• Bridge science with grassroots action: Turn scientific knowledge into effective local efforts that protect communities, influence state-level policy, and build momentum that contributes meaningfully to the broader national dialogue.
  
  

• Discover how to join the Beyond Plastics Network: A community for ongoing learning and connection with others from all across the country doing the same work. Build relationships, share ideas, and get the support you need - when you need it - to take action in your community.
  
  

We encourage you to sign up for them all! Each quarter will feature a fresh science-to-action theme, along with highlights about local groups doing impactful work.  Within each quarter, choose the date that works best for you and click below to register via Zoom. Once you register, keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from Rebecca Martin (no-reply@zoom.us) and don’t forget to add it to your calendar.  

January

Saturday, 1/24 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Tuesday, 1/27 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Thursday, 1/29 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uwR3ODIhs1EVGC83aezzEWa9OTwSgx7OgOcBtqNiuYw/edit?tab=t.0

What’s Happening at the NH Network!

-WHILE THE LEGISLATURE IS IN SESSION, WEEKLY SUMMARIES WILL BE SENT IN TWO  PARTS:  LEGISLATIVE AND MEETING/OPPORTUNITIES.

-OVERVIEW:

1. NETWORK SURVEY: TO BE SUBMITTED BY JANUARY 15TH.  

2. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY FOR LEGISLATION.

3. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS.

4. UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH JANUARY 15TH.  (The week of the 12th will have updates.)

1. NETWORK SURVEY:  We need your feedback! We want to improve...

Here's the link:  NH Network Survey   Please fill out and return by Jan 15, 2026.

Thank you from the The NH Network Steering Committee

2. HOW TO COMMENT OR TESTIFY for legislation

Link to NH Network website:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills  (detailed information on how to testify, offer written comments or sign in to support/oppose a bill is offered.)

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 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 

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. 

How to Testify in Person at a Committee Hearing: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

3. 2026 LEGISLATIVE LOCATION FOR HOUSE BILLS

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026:

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year. The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at “GP,” or Granite Place.  To get to Granite Place, navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. From I-93 N or S, take exit 15W. At the lights, take a right to head north on Route 3 / Bouton St. At the next set of lights, stay straight as the road turns into N. State St. At the next set of lights, take a left onto Penacook St. At the stop sign, take a right turn onto Rumford St. Granite Place is the next left turn. Navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. There is ample parking in front of the building, with easy access to the front entrance. Additional parking is available at the rear of the building, with direct access to Level 2. Legislators and the public may use either the front or rear parking lots. 

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

The NH Network is a volunteer driven organization.  At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the number of bills can be overwhelming.  Choose to help where you can.

You can click on the bill number (for example, SB 539) to access further information from Fast Democracy.

4.  UPCOMING BILLS THROUGH JANUARY 15th.   

HERE BELOW ARE THE BILLS YOU CAN TESTIFY ON, THE WEEK OF JANUARY 5.  

Fuller explanations for each bill are on the Network website, www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

Wednesday, January 7th - The following bills already had hearings, and are leftovers from the 2025 session.  They are going to be voted up or down by the full Senate, so for these bills please contact your own senator to support or oppose bills. 

SB 111  This bill incentivizes energy storage and will help stabilize the grid.  But the actual motion on the Senate floor is to kill the bill - so we urge our Senators to OPPOSE the motion.

HB 171  This bill calls for a moratorium on landfill expansion. But the actual motion on the Senate floor would declare the bill ITL (Inexpedient To Legislate). We support a moratorium, so this motion should be denied.  OPPOSE

HB 221 The system benefits charge helps pay for NH Saves energy efficiency and bill assistance for low-income households - but HB 221 would give the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) power to limit or cancel without input or oversight.  OPPOSE

HB 707 Another confusing bill which seems to support a landfill moratorium, but forces Bethlehem to accept landfill expansion. The town has signed an agreement that promised no expansion.  OPPOSE

HB 451 Bipartisan paint recycling program.  SUPPORT

HB 723 Seeks to repeal statewide platform that would simplify customer use data collection.  OPPOSE

HB 639  This bill seeks to enable crypto mining and to limit a town’s option to reject a facility. A medium sized center can use up to 3-5 million gallons of water a day, and produces noise pollution 24 hours a day.  OPPOSE.  Rep. David Preece wrote in October 2025: “HB 639’s nondiscrimination clause would bar towns and cities from even modestly restraining crypto activities that could destabilize local power grids, drive up electricity costs, or draw speculative capital away from productive uses. It’s not economic freedom — it’s freedom for speculators at the expense of workers and communities.”

Thursday, January 8th and after - Bills having their first hearings, please testify as described above.    

SB 539  Senate Energy and Resources (E & R) 1 pm Room 103. This bill restructures how biomass is categorized into the Renewable Portfolio Standards. Biomass is not a renewable.  OPPOSE

SB 592  Senate E & R  1:15 pm Room 103.  Adds habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors to town inventories.  SUPPORT

SB 540  Senate E & R  1:30 pm  Room 103.  Allows portable solar generation devices.  SUPPORT

SB 599   Senate E & R  1:45 pm  Room 103.  Renewable Energy Fund. Information to follow.

SB 447   Senate E & R  2 pm  Enables utility companies to develop and operate advanced nuclear resources  Information to follow

Tuesday, January 13

NH SB 449: Senate Energy and Natural Resources 09:10 AM, SH, Room 103,  relative to the participation of customer generators in net energy  SUPPORT

NH SB 538 --  Senate Energy and Natural Resources  09:20 AM, SH, Room 103, Relative extending net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects. SUPPORT

Wednesday, January 14

NH HB 1301    House Resources, Recreation and Development  Room 228, Hearing 11:30 AM)   Increasing certain mooring fees and directing such funds to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund. SUPPORT

NH HB 1477 House Resources, Recreation and Development, GP, Room 228, Hearing 2:30 PM. Establishes new regulations for anchored seasonal platforms on public waters, limiting use to legal owners of adjacent shorefront property, with specific exceptions for government and conservation agencies.  Fees collected would go to the Navigation Safety Fund and Cyanobacteria Mitigation Fund.    SUPPORT

-A LINK TO A RELIABLE LIST OF CLIMATE READING SOURCES (FROM NEWSPAPERS TO PODCASTS) IS OFFERED IN THE FEED YOUR BRAIN SECTION.

NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee next meets December 29th.  Its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on January 6th, 

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting is January 15th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, January 25th. The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

-Balcony Solar: Bringing the Sun Home – Zoom event

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 @ 7:00 PM EST

In the 2025 legislative session, Utah became the first state to legalize balcony solar. On Wednesday, January 7, Stewardship UT is hosting a virtual event with the bill sponsor, Republican Representative Ray Ward, who will talk about what excited him about balcony solar, and what it took to get the bipartisan support necessary to pass the legislation. There will also be ample time for Q&A.  

The New Hampshire version of a "balcony solar" bill (SB 540 - relative to portable solar generation devices) will be heard on January 8th 1:30 PM before the Senate Natural Resources Committee.      Register HERE

KSC’s 8th Annual NH Legislative Overview Meeting

We will hold Kent Street Coalition’s 8th annual NH Legislative Overview on Thursday, January 8th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, via Zoom. 

From NORTHEAST RECYCLING COUNCIL:   U.S. Plastics Pact     

U.S. Plastics Pact Launches Next Phase of Reuse in Retail Initiative to Bring Scalable, Cost-Effective Real-World Implementation to U.S. Stores. Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) by January 16th, 2026 to let them know you would like to get involved with the Reuse in Retail Initiative (RRI).

TAKE ACTION

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our electeds could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

-Sign Up Now: Beyond Plastics’ 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Trainings Begin in January!   

We invite you to join us in the year ahead. New and returning advocates alike can deepen their skills, build confidence, and grow their grassroots advocacy within a caring community committed to ending plastic pollution. To help you plan, all of our quarterly 2026 training dates are now available to choose from!

Our free, two-hour online trainings will designed to guide you through:

• From local action to lasting change: Learn how to start or support a group in your community to pass local laws or policy that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful change.
  
  

• Bridge science with grassroots action: Turn scientific knowledge into effective local efforts that protect communities, influence state-level policy, and build momentum that contributes meaningfully to the broader national dialogue.
  
  

• Discover how to join the Beyond Plastics Network: A community for ongoing learning and connection with others from all across the country doing the same work. Build relationships, share ideas, and get the support you need - when you need it - to take action in your community.
  
  

We encourage you to sign up for them all! Each quarter will feature a fresh science-to-action theme, along with highlights about local groups doing impactful work.  Within each quarter, choose the date that works best for you and click below to register via Zoom. Once you register, keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from Rebecca Martin (no-reply@zoom.us) and don’t forget to add it to your calendar.  

January

Saturday, 1/24 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Tuesday, 1/27 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Thursday, 1/29 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uwR3ODIhs1EVGC83aezzEWa9OTwSgx7OgOcBtqNiuYw/edit?tab=t.0

-The high cost of electricity in NH:   

https://indepthnh.org/2025/12/20/distant-dome-affordability-is-dependent-of-the-whims-of-corporations/

“New Hampshire clean energy program goes national with federal funds

In a rare federal win, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen secured $3M to expand the program, which helps towns and small businesses adopt clean energy and save money.”  

Read how Clean Energy NH’s Circuit Rider program will be replicated nationally, with special kudos to Melissa Elander and Sarah Brock.

-https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/new-hampshire-circuit-riders-federal-funding

-Clean energy construction is dominating despite the president’s policies

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/us-new-wind-solar-batteries-2025-trump?amp%3Butm_medium=email&amp%3Butm_campaign=canary&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--GQE4DCs5AD0UnfLwIQx6GHpBL9JesMWGPfbnY5WpNqUw1285xkMFyZIaLV-_wg21-wQApMpiRMfzd403NGm_ir7U-oQ&_hsmi=395290736&utm_source=newsletter

-NH’s biggest solar array, but we are still behind

https://granitegeek.concordmonitor.com/2025/12/16/big-solar-is-better-late-than-never-but-boy-is-it-late/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Here%20is%20your%20Granite%20Geek%20newsletter&utm_campaign=CM%20granitegeek%20Dec%2011%202025%20%28Copy%29

What’s Happening at the NH Network! 

EVENTS:  https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events

LEGISLATIVE EDITION   Week of January 5th

Have you noticed we're not asking for a donation, but we DO want and need your feedback! 

Aside from attendance numbers, your answers to this survey are the only metric we currently have for how we serve your needs.  

Let us know what you find valuable at NH Network  -  and what more we could be doing. 

Help us assess the accomplishments and organization of our first 5 years, as we create a strategic plan for future goals and organizational structure.  Thank you in advance!   

Here's the link:  NH Network Survey    Please fill out and return by Jan 15, 2026. 

~The NH Network Steering Committee

It has been a while since we have “exercised” our legislative muscles.  To get back in shape, here is a review on how to testify.  (Please note there are bills listed after this review.)

—>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 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

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 carries influence.  Seek to contribute within your comfort zone. (And seek to expand the boundaries of your CZ, when you feel like it.)

How to Testify on a Bill in Person at a Committee Hearing

1. Show up before the hearing starts and prepare to give a 2-minute, concise talk. Sign up before the hearing on the sign-up sheet (also specify your position - support or oppose - there, in addition to having done so online before 8:00 am on the day of the hearing per step 2 above).

2. When you are called to testify:  greet and thank the committee for hearing you, state your name, town, qualifications (e.g. member of your town's energy committee), your position on the bill, and the reasons.  Try not to repeat what you've heard in previous testimony in the hearing, but you can mention you agree with specific previous points made.

3. You may deliver a hard copy.  Best to provide a copy for each member of the committee.

4. After you speak for the time granted to you by the Committee Chair, committee members may ask you questions.  It's better to be clear and brief in your statement and hope for more time to get to some details of interest in Q&A than it is to try to speed-talk your way through a lot of material in your statement or be cut off before you get to your main point.

5. Some committee chairs are NOT happy with verbatim reading from a script.  Be prepared to speak from notes on the critical points, if you notice that's what others are doing.

When you choose to testify in person,  please note the legislative change of location for 2026

Testifying at the Senate is in the State House, same as last year..  The Legislative Building, however, is closed for renovations.  These meetings will occur at “GP,” or Granite Place.  To get to Granite Place, navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. From I-93 N or S, take exit 15W. At the lights, take a right to head north on Route 3 / Bouton St. At the next set of lights, stay straight as the road turns into N. State St. At the next set of lights, take a left onto Penacook St. At the stop sign, take a right turn onto Rumford St. Granite Place is the next left turn. Navigate to 1 Granite Place, Concord, NH 03301. There is ample parking in front of the building, with easy access to the front entrance. Additional parking is available at the rear of the building, with direct access to Level 2. Legislators and the public may use either the front or rear parking lots. 

PLEASE EMAIL THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS and cc the governor, whether or not you attend. Please try to use your own words and/or arguments.  Letters that seem to be copied and pasted are dismissed.

How to Submit Your Position on a Bill Online

Pick a bill from the "NH Bills of Interest" listed below.  Information you'll need about the bill (committee name, hearing date, bill number) is provided there.  Then browse to the appropriate Online Testimony Submission page:

House:  gencourt.state.nh.us/house/committees/remotetestimony/default.aspx 

Senate:  gencourt.state.nh.us/remotecommittee/senate.aspx

• Step 1.  Personal Information:  (Enter Your Name, Town, Email)

• Step 2.  Select Date of the Hearing:  (choose from the calendar)

• Step 3.  Select Bill:

  • Select the Committee: (choose from the drop-down menu)

  • Choose the Bill:  (choose from the drop-down menu)

  • I am:  A Member of the Public

  • I'm Representing:  Myself

  • Indicate Your Position on this Bill:  I Support (or Oppose) this Bill

• Step 4.  For the House, you may optionally upload a PDF or type in additional written testimony.  For the Senate, see sending testimony via email  at https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx

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 own reps or senator 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.

HERE BELOW ARE THE BILLS YOU CAN TESTIFY ON, THE WEEK OF JANUARY 5:

The explanation for each bill is on the Network website,  www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills

Thursday, January 8th - bills having their first hearings, please testify as described above.

SB 539  Senate Energy and Resources (E & R) 1 pm Room 103. This bill restructures how biomass is categorized into the Renewable Portfolio Standards. Biomass is not a renewable.  OPPOSE

SB 592  Senate E & R  1:15 pm Room 103.  Adds habitat strongholds and wildlife corridors to town inventories.  SUPPORT

SB 540  Senate E & R  1:30 pm  Room 103.  Allows portable solar generation devices.  SUPPORT

SB 599   Senate E & R  1:45 pm  Room 103.  Renewable Energy Fund. Information to follow.

SB 447   Senate E & R  2 pm  Enables utility companies to develop and operate advanced nuclear resources  Information to follow

The following bills for Wednesday, January 7th already had hearings, and are leftovers from the 2025 session.  They are going to be voted up or down by the full Senate, so for these bills please contact your own senator to support or oppose bills. 

SB 111  This bill incentivizes energy storage and will help stabilize the grid.  SUPPORT

HB 117 There is a motion to support a moratorium on landfill expansion. This bill will deny this motion. We support a moratorium, so this bill should be ITL’ed (Inexpedient To Legislate).  OPPOSE

HB 221 Limits further exploration of the system benefits charge.  OPPOSE

HB 707 Another confusing bill which seems to support a landfill moratorium, but forces Bethlehem landfill to accept landfill expansion. The town has voted against expansion.  OPPOSE

HB 451 Bipartisan paint recycling program.  SUPPORT

HB 723 Seeks to repeal statewide platform that would simplify customer use data collection.  OPPOSE

HB 639  This bill seeks to enable crypto mining and to limit a town’s option to reject a facility. A medium sized center can use up to 3-5 million gallons of water a day, and produces noise pollution 24 hours a day.  OPPOSE.  Rep. David Preece wrote in October 2025: “HB 639’s nondiscrimination clause would bar towns and cities from even modestly restraining crypto activities that could destabilize local power grids, drive up electricity costs, or draw speculative capital away from productive uses. It’s not economic freedom — it’s freedom for speculators at the expense of workers and communities.”

-A LINK TO A RELIABLE LIST OF CLIMATE READING SOURCES (FROM NEWSPAPERS TO PODCASTS) IS OFFERED IN THE FEED YOUR BRAIN SECTION.

NETWORK MEETINGS  

The mission of the Network is environment, energy and climate, and working groups will have overlapping  goals.  Feel free to “sample” different groups.  All welcome your participation. Minutes of previous meetings are posted on each WG’s webpage, available at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/working-groups-overview

-The Steering Committee next meets December 29th.  Its mission is long range planning for the Network.  Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.  

-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, next meeting on January 6th, 

Are you concerned about climate change?  Join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 7pm to connect and collaborate with like-minded groups and individuals.  Our objective is to help groups, leaders, and citizens across New Hampshire share information and actions to help address climate pollution at the town, state, and federal levels.

https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.  

-Energy WG meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3 pm. The next meeting is January 15th.  A monthly meeting of people who have town or city energy committees, to get together and learn from each other, strategize together, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend.  Specifically focus is on community power, EV charging stations in one’s town, solar discounts, etc.  

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09

-Plastics WG meets monthly on Sunday at 6 pm, although the next meeting will be Sunday, January 25th. The focus of the Plastics Working Group is to address the intersectionality of climate change, human health, environmental justice, waste management, and pollution aspects of plastics and the petrochemical industry. To this end, the Plastics Working Group engages in local, state, and federal initiatives.    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697

BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES

 Balcony Solar: Bringing the Sun Home – Zoom event Wednesday, January 7, 2026 @ 5:00 PM MST. 

In the 2025 legislative session, Utah became the first state to legalize balcony solar. On Wednesday, January 7, Stewardship UT is hosting a virtual event with the bill sponsor, Republican Representative Ray Ward, who will talk about what excited him about balcony solar, and what it took to get the bipartisan support necessary to pass the legislation. There will also be ample time for Q&A.  

Register HERE

From NORTHEAST RECYCLING COUNCIL:   U.S. Plastics Pact     

U.S. Plastics Pact Launches Next Phase of Reuse in Retail Initiative to Bring Scalable, Cost-Effective Real-World Implementation to U.S. Stores. Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) by January 16th, 2026, to let them know you would like to get involved with the Reuse in Retail Initiative (RRI).

TAKE ACTION

-Lead Locally is running a free online training program for potential climate candidates and we would really love your help identifying climate champs who are ready to take the next step on the path from advocate to decision maker.

Folks can sign up directly here or you can nominate a colleague you think should participate and we'll follow up to encourage them to join.

Our jobs would all be easier if our electeds could stand up to the utilities and we would really appreciate your help identifying folks who can do this! 

The training will take place weekly on Tues 6-8 (ET) from Feb 3rd- March 10th. Each session will cover topics like fundraising, field programs, campaign planning, messaging, and climate policy and finish with a panel of elected officials who can speak to the issue we covered. We need thousands of people to step up and run for local office so that we can make progress at the city and state level. 

Feel free to email me here or @ lila@leadlocally.org with any questions. Share pack lives here for more details.

-Sign Up Now: Beyond Plastics’ 2026 Grassroots Advocacy Trainings Begin in January!   

We invite you to join us in the year ahead. New and returning advocates alike can deepen their skills, build confidence, and grow their grassroots advocacy within a caring community committed to ending plastic pollution. To help you plan, all of our quarterly 2026 training dates are now available to choose from!

Our free, two-hour online trainings will designed to guide you through:

• From local action to lasting change: Learn how to start or support a group in your community to pass local laws or policy that informs, inspires, and drives meaningful change.
  
  

• Bridge science with grassroots action: Turn scientific knowledge into effective local efforts that protect communities, influence state-level policy, and build momentum that contributes meaningfully to the broader national dialogue.
  
  

• Discover how to join the Beyond Plastics Network: A community for ongoing learning and connection with others from all across the country doing the same work. Build relationships, share ideas, and get the support you need - when you need it - to take action in your community.
  
  

We encourage you to sign up for them all! Each quarter will feature a fresh science-to-action theme, along with highlights about local groups doing impactful work.  Within each quarter, choose the date that works best for you and click below to register via Zoom. Once you register, keep an eye on your inbox for a confirmation email from Rebecca Martin (no-reply@zoom.us) and don’t forget to add it to your calendar.  

January

Saturday, 1/24 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Tuesday, 1/27 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

Thursday, 1/29 - Volunteer Grassroots Training

FEED YOUR BRAIN

-RELIABLE AND USEFUL RESOURCES FOR CLIMATE, ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT >> (LINK)

-The high cost of electricity in NH:   

https://indepthnh.org/2025/12/20/distant-dome-affordability-is-dependent-of-the-whims-of-corporations/

Clean Energy NH’s Circuit Rider program will be replicated nationally

“New Hampshire clean energy program goes national with federal funds

In a rare federal win, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen secured $3M to expand the program, which helps towns and small businesses adopt clean energy and save money.”  

Read how Clean Energy NH’s Circuit Rider program will be replicated nationally, with special kudos to Melissa Elander and Sarah Brock.

-https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/new-hampshire-circuit-riders-federal-funding

-Clean energy construction is dominating despite the president’s policies

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/us-new-wind-solar-batteries-2025-trump?amp%3Butm_medium=email&amp%3Butm_campaign=canary&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--GQE4DCs5AD0UnfLwIQx6GHpBL9JesMWGPfbnY5WpNqUw1285xkMFyZIaLV-_wg21-wQApMpiRMfzd403NGm_ir7U-oQ&_hsmi=395290736&utm_source=newsletter

-NH’s biggest solar array, but we are still behind

https://granitegeek.concordmonitor.com/2025/12/16/big-solar-is-better-late-than-never-but-boy-is-it-late/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Here%20is%20your%20Granite%20Geek%20newsletter&utm_campaign=CM%20granitegeek%20Dec%2011%202025%20%28Copy%29