Weekly Updates
News, Upcoming Meetings & Events, & Recent Meeting Notes
Click on any date below to see Bruce's update for that week.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of December 15th
Exciting opportunity: Thursday, December 19th the Energy WG will be hosting Cat Byers, NH Community Loan Fund director of federal programs, climate action and financing community energy projects. To learn more about work focused on economically marginalized communities, visit their website at https://communityloanfund.org/ (Meeting zoom link is listed below)
NH 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.
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Generally meetings will be on Tuesdays. Next meeting is December 17th at 4 pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of the month at 3pm. Next meeting is December 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.
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. The next meeting is December 24th . All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is December 25 (likely to change) and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is January 2nd.
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 every other Sunday at 6 pm. The next meeting will be Sunday, January 26th 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
Friday, January 3rd 12- 3pm In preparation for the 2025 legislative session, join us to hear from New Hampshire’s most well-informed food policy minds at the 2025 NH Agricultural Policy Forum. Each speaker will provide insights on the state level legislation being considered this session, as well as what individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses can do to get involved in the legislative process and support positive change in our food system.
-January 15, 3:30 pm Volunteer Opportunity. EPA Region 1 will be hosting a one-hour, virtual, recorded information session where you can learn more about participating in a community Air Sensor Loan Program Information Session.
This is an opportunity to work with the U.S. EPA New England on outdoor air quality monitoring.
EPA Region 1 is offering community-based organizations the opportunity to borrow PurpleAir sensors as part of an air sensor loan program. These units are user-friendly, Wi-Fi-enabled, stationary sensors that collect (PM) data, specifically PM2.5, and can transmit the data wirelessly to an online map, where you can observe the amount of PM in the air in real-time. Take a look at The loan program can be a useful community education tool since it provides a uniform framework for investigating outdoor air quality, which can empower communities to reduce emissions of and exposure to harmful PM pollution. The first round of applications are due by April 1st, 2025.
Register
- New Hampshire Wildlife Webinar series beginning February 5th.
ACTION ITEMS
-Challenges for Fish and Game. Consider contacting your representative
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Update from notes from Kennedy McGrath, our social media liaison and UNH student.
Instagram: Almost 1 year old
Currently 144 followers, 64 posts, and 275 OTHER accounts reached in the past 90 days
Everything that goes to Instagram also goes to FB. We are doing well posting relevant information in different, easy to understand ways. We also advertise our events and engage with other partner organizations’ accounts. Some areas we could explore more are reels (short videos) and how to get new people to discover our account.
Something we are trying to put together in the spring is a symposium event for the NHN and partner organizations throughout NH at UNH to get students involved. This would take place sometime at the beginning of April and we would invite everyone to come to table in the MUB GSR after one or two keynote speakers. We are also hoping to write some grants to fund food and new merch for this event. This will also require developing some kind of framework for what would be expected of students if they wanted to participate- we briefly mentioned the idea of a student working group that would meet independently and have someone report back to the steering committee or some other group. This would also be a chance to advertise my role and try to find someone new to fill it. We are hoping to partner with the student senate on this to get the space rented for free, so more details will come at the start of next year.
-Learn about Municipal NH, a non-partisan, non-profit, that is a one stop shop for NH citizens. Founded in 1941 for the purpose of exchanging information to facilitate more efficient and effective local government. NHMA supports effective municipal government by leveraging the collaborative strengths of New Hampshire cities and towns through education, training, advocacy, and legal services. NHMA is known as the premier source of information and support needed for town and city officials to effectively serve the public.
-Extending timeline for NH residents hurt by PFAS.
https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/12/13/lawmakers-aim-to-give-new-hampshire-residents-harmed-by-pfas-more-time-to-file-lawsuits/?emci=21c20326-ccb8-ef11-88d0-000d3a9d5840&emdi=366056db-49b9-ef11-88d0-000d3a9d5840&ceid=149101
-How climate change might be affecting NH winters
-Some ‘repeat” articles from the 12/08 summary.
-Boston Globe editorial by John Gage on how to combat climate disinformation in the NH State House
-Ayotte and her existing positions on renewable energy and landfill options.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of December 8th
NH Network Webinar Monday, December 9th 6 pm
Join us to learn the current status of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts, associated issues of environmental injustice and effects on climate change.
It takes 2,000 gallons of water to make just 1 pair of jeans. 87% of materials used to make clothing are landfilled — one truckload every second. The fashion industry causes 35% of the plastic waste in the oceans and only 1% of clothes are recycled into new garments.
Please join us to learn from Dr. Julia DeVoy PhD, MBA (Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Students, Boston College and Principal Investigator, Aftermath Learning Lab) about the current status of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts, and associated issues of environmental injustice.
REGISTER at actionnetwork.org/events/aftermath-of-fast-fashion
TIME SENSITIVE:
The Plastics WG is working on a campaign to encourage Hannafords (and eventually other chains) to eliminate single use plastic bags. The goal is to have individuals speak with store managers this week (or when you can…), and then we’ll plan a meeting with Hannaford’s corporate leaders at the beginning of 2025, when a bill will come before the NH Legislature. Attend this Sunday’s meeting at 6 pm for information and an action plan.
Dec 8 Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85743425668?pwd=X9cAtGWpCNmE4DOe6pXc4JSxw9Lyrd.1 Meeting ID: 857 4342 5668 Passcode: 254504 Find your local number:https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdOO7PLw5X
VISIT THE NETWORK WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
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.
NETWORK MEETINGS
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm. The next meeting will be Sunday, December 8th concerning plastic bags (see above for Dec 8 zoom link) and January 26 for the next general meeting. 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.
ZOOM LINK (for all general meetings –Copy this link into your online calendar so you don't have to hunt for it) https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
--Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Generally meetings will be on Tuesdays. Next meeting is December 10th at 4 pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. The next meeting is December 10th . All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of the month at 3pm. Next meeting is December 19th, focussing on solar ordinances and permitting. The Municipal Energy WG has 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.
Sarah Brock of Clean Energy NH offers information and orchestrates a great discussion. Sarah shares,
“I think it could be timely and of interest to talk about solar ordinances and permitting. My team can invite towns who have some recent experience with this topic, we can all share experiences, interests and concerns. And we'll be able to offer the mid-winter cohort as a structured next step for committees who are interested.”
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is January 2nd.
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.
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is January 22nd and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
-Friday, December 13th 1:30 to 3 pm Clean Energy New Hampshire (CENH)’s annual event, introducing us to the NH legislative season: LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW AND ADVOCACY TRAINING for 2025
-CCAP Kick-off Events – NHDES will provide stakeholders and the public with a plan for development of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP): the next deliverable under this planning grant.
We invite you join either of these sessions, hosted by NH Listens and NHDES:
December 11, 2024 from 9 to 11:30 am, in person at the NHDES offices in Concord
December 10, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 pm, Virtual (via Zoom)
For more information, please visit the updated NHDES CPRG website which:
Serves as a portal to explore the EPA CPRG grant requirements and to review all the work that has been done to date in NH.
Provides links to email the NHDES team, sign up for updates, and register for upcoming events.
Will also host materials and be a workspace for future engagement during the development of the CCAP.
-Join the League of Conservation Voters and partners on Tuesday, December 10th, 11:30 am to 1 pm - Clean Energy and Climate Action Advocacy in 2025 - New Hampshire & Congressional Outlook. In-person (with food) Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 21 Centre Street, Concord, NH
Register here: Clean Energy and Climate Action Advocacy in 2025–A New Hampshire and Congressional Outlook · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire. Key opportunities for continued advocacy for climate action and clean energy investments will be an important part of the discussion.
Speakers will provide insight and analysis on the 2025 New Hampshire and national policy landscape with continued funding for energy efficiency investments, advocacy for more renewable energy sources and the development of offshore wind as just a few of the topics at hand. The program will also provide updates on the federal funding outlook from both the infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.
TAKE ACTION
-Consider supporting John Swan in his on-going legal fight with Casella
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/john+swan/FMfcgzQXJZvgwhLmJxjvRKccdTLNBgCN?compose=jrjtWvNcnvkJMbmtWBnpSSQmHxdhlnlkHbKNNZjzfWmJLbPzCQjBwPLLRwTMqnWhFNGfBqCW
-Challenges for Fish and Game. Consider contacting your representative
https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/11/18/fish-and-game-director-warns-budget-cuts-would-carry-direct-negative-impacts-on-services/
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Boston Globe editorial by John Gage on how to combat climate disinformation in the NH State House
John shares “Why are renewable energy deployments and energy efficiency efforts not going fast enough? People want two things: cheap energy and less pollution. Their tolerance for government spending to achieve those things is limited: we can not subsidize things enough to make clean energy and energy efficiency grow as fast as we need them to. Subsidies work, but by themselves, they are not strong enough to do what is necessary to drive the progress of clean energy and energy efficiency at the rate we need. So we must also work on this problem from the other side of the equation: we must make fossil fuels more expensive by putting a cash-back pollution fee on their production and import.
What are the impediments to doing this? The fossil fuel industry artificially generates the main headwinds.
I've written about their two-faced strategy (sounding like good guys while working to delay solutions): notnotter.org/the-game.
And how the problem manifests itself at the state level:
Boston Globe - How to move beyond climate disinformation in the N.H. State House
Concord Monitor - The NH House Needs a Climate Science Intervention
And I've created a 6-minute talk about how we can work together to help our elected leaders do what we need them to do for our safety (close the growing US carbon price gap with an equitable, business-friendly, and durable policy):
6-minute recording: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-2024
One-pager: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf
-Inside Climate News Weekly Update:
“They knew,” the plastic industry: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/climate/plastic-industry-internal-documents.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
-Funding and other useful information for Energy projects, NH DOE Newsletter: https://00035106230039933826.googlegroups.com/attach/37bf204abb954/NHDOE%20Newsletter%20December%202024%20-%201st%20Newsletter.pdf?part=0.1&view=1&vt=ANaJVrHEU5fgSacWifYMTQD-
ZzDA8UYX2RvUC8jC5g3khKIJUorH4v1ATkvs05hvmo5pHWz5V-HqVDTg5Iyzq4e0w7WTKVWDHvLkj5iXPOjQlCAWNIVN2Rs
-December updates from Sen. Shaheen’s office (includes funding info, all areas):
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12PX278DjP7MLLzlGuINN8GZBC3Z18MYcX-3MfX-3oiw/edit?tab=t.0
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of December 2
RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE 2024: NH Monthly Network Webinar
Join us to learn the current status of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts, associated issues of environmental injustice and effects on climate change.
Monday, December 9 from 6:00-7:30 PM
REGISTER at actionnetwork.org/events/aftermath-of-fast-fashion
TIME SENSITIVE:
-ISO New England is a non-profit organization that manages our electrical grid with the aim to keep electricity supply and demand in balance 24/7, administer wholesale electricity markets and plan for the region's future power system needs including clean energy.
Please attend the December 4 12:30-3 pm meeting online at ISO New England, to vote for members of the “Consumer Liaison Group (CLG)” who are advocates of clean energy! Please be on-line around 12:30 and voting should take place around 1:30 pm. You will need to sign up as an ISO member (it's free) and then you can attend online.
https://iso-newengland.webex.com/iso-newengland/j.php?MTID=m242e37052e949b667575bd01c7f4aeaa
Password: CLG24!Dec
Any New England electricity rate payer can attend and vote! Bring your friends!
Each state gets 2 representatives. You can vote for any representative - not just ones for NH.
Please vote for these clean energy advocates running for seats on the ISO-NE Consumer Liaison group:
Maine: Andrew (Drew) Landry, Rob Laraway
Vermont: Andrew (Drew) Hudson, another TBD
Rhode Island: Jamie Dickerson, another TBD
Connecticut: Joshua Macey, Janie Talkbert-Slagle
Massachusetts: Nathan Phillips, Regine Specter
NH: Kendra Ford, Don Kreis
-Join Conservation Law Foundation tomorrow at 12 noon for Veronica Davis's talk "Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Divided Communities." Access to the webinar is linked here.
This series is typically a benefit of CLF membership, but this month they have agreed to share the event with our network. To learn more about CLF, please visit www.clf.org/how-you-can-help.
-AND, lots of good things are coming out of Senator Shaheen’s office. We have highlighted a few in this link, that includes funding and opportunities:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12PX278DjP7MLLzlGuINN8GZBC3Z18MYcX-3MfX-3oiw/edit?tab=t.0
-Plastics WG meeting notes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hYZlHow1fnV3_pwXutETCLToFjDXkQtmqGppFNubFFs/edit?tab=t.0
NH NETWORK MEETING SCHEDULE for 2024/25
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.
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Generally meetings will be on Tuesdays. Next meeting is tomorrow, December 3rd at 4 pm
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is December 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.
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is December 25 (likely to change) and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of the month at 3pm. Next meeting is December 19th, focusing on solar ordinances and permitting.
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.
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm – but the next meeting will be Sunday, January 26th. 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
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. The next meeting is December 10th . All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
Tuesday, December 3, 7 pm BYO U.S. REDUCES
The Speaker for our Next December 3 Meeting is Stephanie Miller, organizer of DC Reduces and author of Zero Waste Living: The 80/20 Way: The Busy Person’s Guide to a Lighter Footprint. She’s going to talk about her book and our holiday season meeting will end with the breakout socials - share your ideas to make our Zoom gathering festive at info@usreduces.org! REGISTER NOW HERE!
-Friday, December 13th 1:30 to 3 pm Clean Energy New Hampshire (CENH)’s annual event, introducing us to the NH legislative season: LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW AND ADVOCACY TRAINING for 2025
-CCAP Kick-off Events – NHDES will provide stakeholders and the public with a plan for development of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP): the next deliverable under this planning grant.
We invite you join either of these sessions, hosted by NH Listens and NHDES:
December 11, 2024 from 9 to 11:30 am, in person at the NHDES offices in Concord
December 10, 2024 from 5 to 6:30 pm, Virtual (via Zoom)
For more information, please visit the updated NHDES CPRG website which:
Serves as a portal to explore the EPA CPRG grant requirements and to review all the work that has been done to date in NH.
Provides links to email the NHDES team, sign up for updates, and register for upcoming events.
Will also host materials and be a workspace for future engagement during the development of the CCAP.
Join the League of Conservation Voters and partners on Tuesday, December 10th, 11:30 am to 1 pm - Clean Energy and Climate Action Advocacy in 2025 - New Hampshire & Congressional Outlook. Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church21 Centre Street Concord, NH
Register here: Clean Energy and Climate Action Advocacy in 2025–A New Hampshire and Congressional Outlook · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire. Key opportunities for continued advocacy for climate action and clean energy investments will be an important part of the discussion.
Speakers will provide insight and analysis on the 2025 New Hampshire and national policy landscape with continued funding for energy efficiency investments, advocacy for more renewable energy sources and the development of offshore wind as just a few of the topics at hand. The program will also provide updates on the federal funding outlook from both the infrastructure bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.
-NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan needs your input. Public comment is from December 2nd to December 8th including
Supporting Future & Beginning Farmers
Production Techniques for Sustainable Ecosystems
Craft Beverages
Farm Business Technical Assistance
Value-Added Processing & Co-Manufacturing
Meat & Eggs
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKWgMdRmHdMRRghXJFtCsrSnC?compose=jrjtWvNcnvkJMbmtWBnpSSQmHxdhlnlkHbKNNZjzfWmJLbPzCQjBwPLLRwTMqnWhFNGfBqCW
-Consider supporting John Swan in his on-going legal fight with Casella
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/john+swan/FMfcgzQXJZvgwhLmJxjvRKccdTLNBgCN?compose=jrjtWvNcnvkJMbmtWBnpSSQmHxdhlnlkHbKNNZjzfWmJLbPzCQjBwPLLRwTMqnWhFNGfBqCW
-Challenges for Fish and Game. Consider contacting your representative
https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/11/18/fish-and-game-director-warns-budget-cuts-would-carry-direct-negative-impacts-on-services/
-MONADNOCK SUSTAINABILITY NEWSLETTER
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKWfDtXzmpJMXcdwrhcLXQSGW?compose=cSRfBJFsqjjBLFFRcCnrLmFvtrGvfBQlhBxzxkCSNwFctDQBCfZGjcTqPxKlLhcJvmcNmZtppvVpZbWBRQSJWWLnlRbxcnnLkLVBCdRKQwjqHNQNPrjlsZFvWhbsMcgsKDLRzqwsMZBBdSkDRVMnVGrgddfCZRgV
-Here is an update from Jon Swan and recent articles addressing landfill issues and legislation.
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/Ew3lLX0sWnk/m/_aLx826qBAAJ (from Jon)
-Ayotte and her existing positions on renewable energy and landfill options.
IF you want even more news, here are anticipated legislative priorities for 2025
-BAD NEWS: Global plastic treaty fails
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/world-fails-to-deliver-u-n-treaty-on-cleaning-up-plastic-pollution/ar-AA1v4ELT
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of November 19th
TIME SENSITIVE: Please let members of your town's Energy Committee know about this meeting! (All are welcome to join)
Thursday, November 21 3:00 pm: Info & discussion with Sarah Brock and others from CENH - how the election might impact our collective work / interests.
Will Direct Pay still be here?
Are the HEAR and HER rebates still coming?
How could election results affect energy committees and the work we have been doing across the state?
As a group we'll discuss our shared concerns and identify any key shared priorities. Staff from Clean Energy NH will also be on hand to answer questions where they can and share what they are watching for and working toward as we approach multiple transitions in state and federal leadership.
-The NH Fish and Game Department is revising its 2015 Wildlife Action Plan. It's a very detailed document and a correspondingly detailed survey (due Nov. 30) They are asking for public comment. The survey takes about 10 MINUTES.
https://www.wildlife.nh.gov/wildlife-and-habitat/nh-state-wildlife-action-plan
It should/could have real-life application in terms of OHRV trails, mtn top hotel sitings, watersheds, encouraging restorative practices on property both public and private.
VISIT THE NETWORK WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
NH NETWORK MEETING SCHEDULE for 2024/25
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.
-Plastics WG special meeting November 21 at 7 pm the "Collective Action" subgroup of the Plastics Working Group is having an initial meeting to move forward with steps to work with Hannafords to reduce plastic - but here is a more inclusive vision of "Collective Actions":
Collective Action includes activities that are carried out across the state, or in a number of communities, in a coordinated way. Collective actions that we have discussed, or have been involved with, include working with schools to adopt reusables to replace disposables; Mesh Bag Mamas project; Skip the Stuff; the reusable, takeout container pilot; a program to warn communities about their vulnerability to advanced recycling activities; instituting Dishes on Demand programs at libraries to provide reusable checkout items; and a coordinated effort to work with Hannafords to reduce plastic.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82887653320?pwd=1rkte6No55YCMvC7uhQpF4dgjJGaiy.1
-Network Monthly Webinar : The Aftermath of Fast Fashion and its Environmental impact. Monday, December 9 from 6:00-7:30 PM - >> LINK to REGISTER
After oil, fast fashion is the second most polluting industry on the planet, producing 4% of the world's total carbon emissions. It takes 2,000 gallons of water to make just 1 pair of jeans. 87% of materials used to make clothing are landfilled — one truckload every second. The fashion industry causes 35% of the plastic waste in the oceans, and only 1% of clothes are recycled into new garments. (Source: 47 Official Sustainable Fashion Statistics).
Moderator: Dr. Mary Elizabeth Raven, NH Network Steering Committee member and the Citizens' Climate Lobby liaison to Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
Presenter: Julia DeVoy, PhD, MTS, MBA, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Students, Boston College
Dr. DeVoy will trace the current status of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts, and associated issues of environmental injustice.
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is November 27 and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the yearhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of the month at 3 pm. Next meeting is November 21st
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.
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm – however the next meeting will be November 10, after the election, and the following meeting will be December 1. 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
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is December 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.
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. The next meeting is November 26. All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Our new schedule will be forthcoming.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
-Friday, December 13th 1:30 to 3 pm Clean Energy LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW AND ADVOCACY TRAINING for 2025
-March 2-4, 2025 We are excited to announce that registration for Our Planet, Our Health: 2025 Climate Action Convention will open on December 4! Join us in Washington, DC, from March 2-4, 2025, for one of the largest events ever focused on planetary health and climate action
-NH Food Alliance comment period runs from November 18 to 24 and seeks public comment. Important details are available at this link.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKMxZSmwBXTbnMDnmzXhwZtDr
-ISO New England is a non-profit organization that manages our electrical grid with the aim to keep electricity supply and demand in balance 24/7, administer wholesale electricity markets and plan for the region's future power system needs including clean energy.
Please attend the December 4 12:30-3 pm online or in-person at ISO New England “Consumer Liaison Group (CLG)” meeting to vote for members who are advocates of clean energy! Please be on-line around 12:30 and voting should take place around 1:30 pm. You will need to sign up as an ISO member (its free) and then you can attend online or in person.
Online:
WebEx link: https://iso-newengland.webex.com/iso-newengland/j.php?MTID=m242e37052e949b667575bd01c7f4aeaa
Password: CLG24!Dec
In person: Register by Nov. 27 so they have enough food (The Colonnade Hotel, 120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA. Arrive by noon for lunch)
Any New England electricity rate payer can attend and vote! Bring your friends!
Each state gets 2 representatives. You can vote for any representative - not just ones for NH.
Please vote for these clean energy advocates running for seats on the ISO-NE Consumer Liaison group:
Maine: Andrew (Drew) Landry, Rob Laraway
Vermont: Andrew (Drew) Hudson, another TBD
Rhode Island: Jamie Dickerson, another TBD
Connecticut: Joshua Macey, Janie Talkbert-Slagle
Massachusetts: Nathan Phillips, Regine Specter
NH: Kendra Ford, Don Kreis
If you plan to attend and vote, please email marybethraven@gmail.com to let her know so that she can send you updates if we are able to add more clean-energy advocates to this list!
-Fish and Game is under budgeted and facing shortfalls. Challenges detailed here.
lhttps://newhampshirebulletin.com/2024/11/18/fish-and-game-director-warns-budget-cuts-would-carry-direct-negative-impacts-on-services/?emci=ee90bc73-f5a5-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&emdi=316ac4cd-6da6-ef11-88d0-6045bdd62db6&ceid=149101
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of November 13th
TIME SENSITIVE: Rep. Sherry Dutzy is convening a meeting of the PWG Legislative Research Group on Thursday, November 14 at 4 pm to determine legislative priorities for this session. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
UPCOMING NETWORK WEBINARS
Climate Security as a Human Right:
Compelling our governments to hold fossil fuel producers accountable
This Monday, 11/18, at 5:30-7pm, the New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy and Climate will present a public panel discussion on progress in holding governments and industry legally accountable for the destructive impacts of climate change. Guest speakers will include experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Center for Climate Integrity, as well as Rep Tony Caplan (Henniker NH) who has recently filed HB 28 calling for the appointment of a Commission to study monetary costs to NH of climate deterioration, and the best means of recouping those costs -- including legal action against fossil fuel companies.
Legislation and policy innovations are notoriously slow-paced, while climate changes are accelerating rapidly. Over the last few years – in some places – progress has been made on another front: Litigation in the courts. Courts have held that governments have an obligation to protect their citizens from climate disasters and environmental degradation. Costs may be significant. Fossil fuel producers and traders – who’ve known for decades that negative impacts from their products were likely – can be held accountable. Fiscal prudence dictates that we be clear-eyed about the future. Can we get bipartisan support for such a process in our state? We invite specialists to catch us up on preparatory steps being taken in NH and elsewhere.
We hope you are able to join us on Monday. REGISTER AT bit.ly/ClimateSECURITY
-December 9th at 6 pm: a presentation on The Aftermath of Fast Fashion,
Textile Waste and Environmental Impact. Details are forthcoming. (Rescheduled from June 2024.)
VISIT THE NETWORK WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
NH NETWORK MEETING SCHEDULE for 2024/25
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.
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is November 27 and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Next meeting is November 21st A monthly meeting of people from town or city energy committees, to get together, learn from each other, strategize, and build community. IF you are not on a town energy committee you are still welcome to attend. Focus in the past has been on community power, EV charging stations, funding, direct or elective pay opportunities, etc.
Clean Energy NH will be joining this Nov 21 meeting to explore the actions we still CAN TAKE after the election, what we all should be watching/doing. Information and discussion.
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm. The next meeting is November 17. 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
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is December 3. 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.
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. The next meeting is November 26. All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Next meeting is December 3 at 4 pm.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
NH Civics has once again teamed up with Mikva Challenge to engage young people in authentic, informed, thoughtful discussion on issues important to them and empower them to become involved participants in civic dialogue for the legislative process.
I write today to invite you to participate in the third New Hampshire Youth Voice Summit on November 19th at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm in Manchester, NH from 12:15 pm -3:00 pm.
After self-selecting issues that they care about and completing teacher guided pre-work, approximately 70 New Hampshire students in grades 7-12 will convene at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics to research, discuss, and create presentations on their ideas and present them to you, their elected representatives, government officials, and community decision makers. Though there is a misconception that youth are apathetic, young people do care about and have ideas on issues that impact themselves and their communities. Our democracy and our communities are stronger when youth voice is heard and when opportunities are provided to practice democracy. We hope that you can join us in the afternoon to listen to their presentations, ask questions, and engage in conversation with the youth leaders and future stewards of our constitutional democracy.
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 12:15-3:30 pm (event runs 9am-3pm, you are welcome to join earlier for lunch at noon and in the morning to work with groups if you like)
Location: New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm 100 St. Anselm Dr Manchester, NH 03102
Please let Amanda Maguire, Mikva Challenge’s New Hampshire Partner Site Director, know as soon as possible if you are able to participate by completing this short form. I can be reached at my direct line (603-630-2667) or by email (amandam@mikvachallenge.org). More information regarding the Youth Voice Summit is attached here. Please note that Mikva Challenge is a non-partisan organization and civic partners will be invited from across the political spectrum.
-December 10th and 11th The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) invites you to participate in upcoming events to learn about and contribute to the development of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, the CCAP will outline key measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state.
Online CCAP Kickoff Event December 10, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(This online session will provide a condensed version of the in-person event.)
In-Person CCAP Kickoff Event December 11, 2024 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
NHDES auditorium, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord
Both events will offer participants the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the NHDES’ development of the CCAP.
From NH Listens and the NHDES Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Team
More info at: https://carsey.unh.edu/new-hampshire-listens/engage-process
-Save Forest Lake financial request from Jon Swan. (The latest invoice is for over 6000 dollars.) Just an FYI for you and request for assistance…..relative to the invoice from Orr & Reno for the Dalton Conservation Commision appeal of the GSL Shoreland Impact Permit. Any donation to help offset that legal expense would be most appreciated!
Jon writes: Casella's motion to dismiss my counterclaims in their 2nd lawsuit filed against me. As you know, I have been laser-focused on reading through the historical construction reports for the NCES Landfill, noting all liner and other damage reported and uncovered during the various stages of expansion. I feel the jury trial in 2025 will be all about NCES and Casella's assertion that my statements have been false and defamatory, relative to the widespread contamination within the watershed of the Ammonoosuc River.
Questions? Contact Jon at saveforestlake@yahoo.com
If interested, send a check, my address is: Jon Swan 25 Cashman Road Dalton, NH 0359
-Informative NH Bulletin article on similarities and differences between Sununu and Ayotte on environmental issues including landfills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKDfQRrFKJjwXnmvgsTzgsBjv
-Clean Energy NH on the potential outcomes of the presidential election on NH energy transition.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXKDdHZhclsPqMZvmbGsFnMDGb
-Climate groups and the upcoming presidency
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of October 30th
OVERVIEW
-See Save Forest Lake request in the “Take Action” section.
-Mark your calendars for upcoming Network webinars: on November 18th at 5:30 pm, an overview of legislation on fossil fuels and the environment; on December 9th at 6 pm a presentation on the environmental effects of fashion. (Rescheduled from June 2024.)
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
NH NETWORK MEETING SCHEDULE for 2024/25
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.
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is November 27 and will focus on environmental justice, updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the yearhttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Next meeting is November 21st
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.
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm – however the next meeting will be November 10, after the election, and the following meeting will be November 17. Planning legislation to propose and support with our NH Representatives. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is November 5th.
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.
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm. All are welcome, and its mission is long range planning for the Network. Feel free to join a meeting and join in the discussion.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Communications WG designs and disseminates NH Network’s information. Our new schedule will be forthcoming.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
-Friday, November 1st, Clean Energy NH’s 16th annual Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference
NH's largest clean energy conference - .DoubleTree by Hilton, Manchester Downtown
Presentations by industry leaders, panel discussions on the Granite State’s most pressing topics, demonstrations of new clean energy technologies. Network with the energy community throughout the state - from energy conscious individuals eager to learn more, to the state legislators who create the state’s energy policies. There will be a vendor hall of exhibitors, a keynote address, four tracks and a total of nine sessions - with hundreds of individuals from around the state in attendance.
Registration: https://2024-les-conference.eventbrite.com/
-Friday, November 1 12 to 1 pm Network Cafe
New Hampshire has nine regional planning commissions working across various sectors, from housing and transportation to land use planning and water protection, to better our communities. What are Regional Planning Commissions and how can we, as food system advocates working on intersecting issues, get involved and collaborate with regional planning commissions and their work? Join our November Network Café to find out!
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJswdJMPVgvdHjJvZlWDKSGCQ
-The annual conference of NH Association of Conservation Commissions is on Saturday, November 2nd Info and registration at https://www.nhacc.org/annualmeeting.
Don’t miss this educational networking opportunity to learn from both peers and professionals. We offer workshops on the fundamentals of conservation commissions as well as more advanced sessions. Choose ANY 3 SESSIONS from a selection of 24 workshops! Go to the NHACC website for more information!
-https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJkPnPzwGjZwSJSshHbgwxplg
-Business & Industry Association’s 2024 New Hampshire Energy Symposium
Thursday, November 7, 8:30 am – 1:30 pm
Grappone Conference Center, Concord
Info & Registration: https://members.biaofnh.com/ap/Events/Register/G9FEdkQfNCxCK
-December 10th and 11th The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) invites you to participate in upcoming events to learn about and contribute to the development of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, the CCAP will outline key measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state.
Online CCAP Kickoff Event December 10, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(This online session will provide a condensed version of the in-person event.)
In-Person CCAP Kickoff Event December 11, 2024 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
NHDES auditorium, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord
Both events will offer participants the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the NHDES’ development of the CCAP. NHDES will cover the following topics:
NH Listens and the NHDES Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Team
TAKE ACTION
-Save Forest Lake financial request from Jon Swan. (The latest invoice is for over 6000 dollars.) Just an FYI for you and request for assistance…..relative to the invoice from Orr & Reno for the Dalton Conservation Commision appeal of the GSL Shoreland Impact Permit. Any donation to help offset that legal expense would be most appreciated!
Jon writes: Casella's motion to dismiss my counterclaims in their 2nd lawsuit filed against me. As you know, I have been laser-focused on reading through the historical construction reports for the NCES Landfill, noting all liner and other damage reported and uncovered during the various stages of expansion. I feel the jury trial in 2025 will be all about NCES and Casella's assertion that my statements have been false and defamatory, relative to the widespread contamination within the watershed of the Ammonoosuc River.
Questions? Contact Jon at saveforestlake@yahoo.com
In case you wish to send a check, my address is: Jon Swan 25 Cashman Road
Dalton, NH 03598
-NET METERING: Write the PUC within the week. Send your comments to your legislators (whoever they will be, as of next week) AND to clerksoffice@puc.nh.gov. Be sure to reference Docket DE22-060. The abbreviated request is “support increased net metering income to bolster the NH economy.”
Talking points in the following two links.
-UNH Fellowship Partners: deadline to begin the application process is November 1. For organizations seeking capacity or a fresh perspective and/or specialized expertise to tackle a sustainability project then consider this opportunity.
https://www.unh.edu/sustainability/sustainability-fellowship-partners
- Climate and Freedom: November 2 March in Keene
In many ways, the November 5 election will be about the freedom to thrive in a healthy, liveable climate! Join us for a Freedom March on Saturday, November 2, 1:15 - 3:00pm. We'll gather at the Keene State College Arch (Appian Way and Main Street), and then march down Main Street's sidewalks all the way to Central Square, where we'll hear inspiring speakers. Bring homemade signs (we'll have some pre-made signs for you, too)! Let's make our voices heard, and inspire others to get out and vote.)
-Are you interested in passing Community Power in your town this year? 350NH is a local NH nonprofit that can help with free resources and manpower--whether it be organizing an event/presentation, lawn signs, social media posts, manpower tabling at events, and more.
Email Em at emilyfriedrichs@gmail.com and she can put you in touch with the right resources!
-Three Simple Steps to Prevent Floppy, 'Film' and Corrugated Plastic Signage Going to Landfill and Incinerators:
1. Save the corrugated plastic signage at designated storage locations.
Encourage candidates to use more 'film' plastic signs next election and simply slide the the FP over the old corrugated
sign after trimming the bottom off the CP and stapling the folded margins of the FP on each side.
2. The Floppy 'Film' signage can go to the nearest Nextrex Collection Center:
https://nextrex.com/view/findadropoff. There are many convenient locations such as Hannafords & Walmart, etc.
3. Save intact metal frames; take damaged frames to the transfer station to be recycled.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Remember to breathe deeply, and find joy in our New England autumn.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Always check the news feed for events that were listed but were too far into the future.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Week of October 22nd
TIME SENSITIVE:
-NH Energy Expo is this Saturday from 9 am to 2:00 pm. It is a free event focusing on energy saving workshops at Bow Memorial School (the NH Network is presenting at 10:30 am)
Bow, Dunbarton, Weare, Pembroke, and Concord Energy Committees have partnered to bring these important resources to all who attend. Find more information, including the exhibitor list, door prizes, and workshop schedule, at www.dunbarton-energy.org/energy-expo/.
More at https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/pxsgqAcCqJQ/m/QodtKdRWAwAJ
-Here is a link below for sign-ups for this week’s Conversation with the Candidate with Congressional Candidate Russell Prescott. It is this Thursday, October 24th, at 9:30am here at WMUR.
https://form.jotform.com/242843700747156
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
NH NETWORK MEETING SCHEDULE for 2024/25
-Environmental WG meets the 4th Wednesday of the month at 5 pm. Next meeting is October 23 and will focus on environmental justice updates, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
-Municipal Energy WG meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 pm. Next meeting is November 20th
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.
-Plastics WG meets every other Sunday at 6 pm – however the next meeting will be November 10, after the election, and the following meeting will be November 17.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-The Climate WG meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. The next meeting is November 5th
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
-The Steering Committee meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 7pm – however the next meeting is October 29 (since this October has 5 Tuesdays). All are welcome; we’ll be making plans for the year.
https://umassboston.zoom.us/my/seidler.umb?omn=96484029264
-Communications WG is recessed and its schedule will be forthcoming.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Legislative WG is recessed and its schedule is forthcoming.
BEYOND NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES
-Friday, November 1st, Clean Energy NH’s 16th annual Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference
NH's largest clean energy conference - .DoubleTree by Hilton, Manchester Downtown
Presentations by industry leaders, panel discussions on the Granite State’s most pressing topics, demonstrations of new clean energy technologies. Network with the energy community throughout the state - from energy conscious individuals eager to learn more, to the state legislators who create the state’s energy policies. There will be a vendor hall of exhibitors, a keynote address, four tracks and a total of nine sessions - with hundreds of individuals from around the state in attendance.
Registration: https://2024-les-conference.eventbrite.com/
-Saturday, November 2nd Register now for NHACC Annual Meeting & Conference at Pembroke Academy
Don’t miss this educational networking opportunity to learn from both peers and professionals. We offer workshops on the fundamentals of conservation commissions as well as more advanced sessions. Choose ANY 3 SESSIONS from a selection of 24 workshops! Go to the NHACC website for more information!
-https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJkPnPzwGjZwSJSshHbgwxplg
-December 10th and 11th The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) invites you to participate in upcoming events to learn about and contribute to the development of the New Hampshire Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). Funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program, the CCAP will outline key measures for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state.
Online CCAP Kickoff Event December 10, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
(This online session will provide a condensed version of the in-person event.)
In-Person CCAP Kickoff Event December 11, 2024 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
NHDES auditorium, 29 Hazen Drive, Concord
Both events will offer participants the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the NHDES’ development of the CCAP. NHDES will cover the following topics:
NH Listens and the NHDES Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Team
-UNH Fellowship Partners: deadline to begin the application process is November 1. For organizations seeking capacity or a fresh perspective and/or specialized expertise to tackle a sustainability project then consider this opportunity.
https://www.unh.edu/sustainability/sustainability-fellowship-partners
-Are you interested in passing Community Power in your town this year? 350NH is a local NH nonprofit that can help with free resources and manpower--whether it be organizing an event/presentation, lawn signs, social media posts, manpower tabling at events, and more.
Email Em at emilyfriedrichs@gmail.com and she can put you in touch with the right resources!
-This is a Brief Public Comment Period Alert for the week of October 14-20, part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan. The briefs listed below are organized by their status this week— open for comment or closing for comment. You can view each brief and access its input form to provide feedback on the Brief Tracker, linked through the button below. Please feel free to share this email and the opportunity to provide feedback on the briefs with anyone interested in these topics.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJbBJMlZhcWkBfQcgtDqWvztC
Sierra Club endorses candidates who are “Climate Champions.”
https://www.sierraclub.org/new-hampshire/2024-nh-political-team-activities
-From the Plastics WG
Oct 25 - NH Solid Waste Working Group, 9:30-11:30 AM
Webinars to Watch: Northeast Recycling Council
From Energy WG
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of October 15th
GOOD NEWS:
-New Hampshire’s low-income community solar program is finally nearing the starting line
-Are you interested in passing Community Power in your town this year? 350NH is a local NH nonprofit that can help with free resources and manpower--whether it be organizing an event/presentation, lawn signs, social media posts, manpower tabling at events, and more.
Email Em at emilyfriedrichs@gmail.com and she can put you in touch with the right resources!
-NH Gubernatorial Debate: Joyce Craig & Kelly Ayotte Both Oppose Dalton Landfill Project (10/15/2024)
"The Dalton area...not a good project for New Hampshire. Wrong project for New Hampshire, I wouldn't support that project"-Kelly Ayotte
"Absolutely do not support the landfill at Dalton, wrong place"-Joyce Craig
-Fix the news focuses on good/outstanding news throughout the world. It covers issues beyond energy, climate and environment, but there is a section devoted exclusively to the environment. Enjoy.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/fix/FMfcgzQXJZtXqwFTDHfHqbpmmxTbtPlW
-Wednesday, October 16th 7pm
From Steve Marchand, former Portsmouth mayor, currently traveling around NH:
With barely three weeks to go, the national polls appear to be further tightening. A slew of national polls released this weekend generally pointed in the same direction: All seven battleground states are within the margin of error. This is probably going to be a nailbiter.
If you have questions about how to target messaging for different types of voters, we're doing a live show Wednesday at 7pm heavy on Q&A. Register today for "Messaging In the Final Weeks". I've been on the road a lot the last few weeks, and have received many emails from candidates, local committees, and activists asking similar questions:
What types of voters should I be targeting down the stretch?
How do I balance issues like the economy, housing, and costs with issues like reproductive rights, the environment, and education?
Should I be worried about voters "dropping off" at the bottom of the ballot?
-NH Network and Clean Energy NH together:
NH Network has begun hosting an informal monthly gathering of energy committees via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month at 3pm. Clean Energy NH staff are often present as a resource on those calls.
Thursday, October 17 at 3pm (click here to join the Zoom call at that time), the group will be talking about Elective Pay (a.k.a Direct Pay). I will be covering the basics of Direct Pay and answering questions as best I can. The whole group will be comparing notes on helpful resources, what the process has been like for participating communities so far, and what remaining questions the group has that Clean Energy NH can help track down answers for.
-Thursday, October 17 at 3pm Members of Municipal Energy Committees and others who are interested.
Join Sarah Brock of Clean Energy NH, as she talks about Elective Pay (a.k.a Direct Pay).
Sarah writes, "I will be covering the basics of Direct Pay and answering questions as best I can. The whole group will be comparing notes on helpful resources, what the process has been like for participating communities so far, and what remaining questions the group has that Clean Energy NH can help track down answers for. Hope to see you there and at future gatherings. We can get so much more done when we learn from one another." (click here to join the Zoom call at that time)
-Sunday, October 20 Plastics WG
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-Wednesday, Oct 23 at 5 pm, Environmental WG This month, will focus on environmental justice update, news from the EJ roundtable, upcoming legislation, & plans for the year
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-Saturday, November 2nd Register now for NHACC Annual Meeting & Conference at Pembroke Academy
Don’t miss this educational networking opportunity to learn from both peers and professionals. We offer workshops on the fundamentals of conservation commissions as well as more advanced sessions. Choose ANY 3 SESSIONS from a selection of 24 workshops! Go to the NHACC website for more information!
-https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJkPnPzwGjZwSJSshHbgwxplg
-This is a Brief Public Comment Period Alert for the week of October 14-20, part of the NH Food and Agriculture Strategic Plan. The briefs listed below are organized by their status this week— open for comment or closing for comment. You can view each brief and access its input form to provide feedback on the Brief Tracker, linked through the button below. Please feel free to share this email and the opportunity to provide feedback on the briefs with anyone interested in these topics.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQXJbBJMlZhcWkBfQcgtDqWvztC
Weekly Update Sept. 24, 2024
Network events:
WORKING GROUPS
Climate: Wed Oct 9
Energy: Thurs Oct 17, 3pm
Plastics: Sun Oct 20, 6pm
Environment: Wed Oct 23
Agendas & zoom links at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups
NEXT WEBINAR: October 7, 5:30-7 pm
It's not too Late to Make a Difference in the Elections:
SAVE THE DATE – Registration will begin soon!
P.S. Remind the young people in your life they can register to vote if they will be 18 on or by Nov 5
>>For recordings of past events, go to newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Take action: A bill supporting pyrolysis (aka ‘advanced recycling’ or ‘chemical recycling’) has been introduced in the U.S. Congress:
Rep. Kuster promoted a pyrolysis project in Groveton, NH -- the project has not been a success. N.H. welcomes ‘advanced recycling’ of plastics | Energy News Network
Ask our candidates for Congress whether they will support zero-waste initiatives and the transition to a genuine circular economy when it comes to resource management and reducing risk to public health and the environment.
It is imperative that they reject the American Chemistry Council’s efforts to promote this new polluting technology at the federal level.
Here is a better bill, currently before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee: S.3127 - Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023
Statewide events:
> Sept 26, 2 pm Do you find people changing the subject when you speak up about climate change? Could it be that we—the well-intentioned environmentalists—should be doing something different? Join us for a free, live, online event, Why Won't Anyone Listen?
Our guest, Dr. Elizabeth Sawin, will share ideas and resources to help you have impactful conversations with anyone about important social and environmental issues. https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-08-27/live-event-why-wont-anyone-listen/
> "Reducing Food Waste in Schools: Transforming Cafeterias through Community-Driven and Grassroots Initiatives" SEPT 26 | 1:00 PM ET | virtual
Join ReFED and WWF for a special “back to school” event! Based on their number of locations, our nation's schools are the largest restaurant chain in the United States. How can we help them cut down on the amount of food they waste every school day? We’ll hear from representatives of K-12 school districts in NH and Maryland about the challenges of wasted food, how they’re addressing the problem, and using their experiences as a model for other schools. Register Now
> Visit the Monadnock Clean Energy Fair, Sep 28, 11-4 https://business.greatermonadnock.com/events/details/2024-monadnock-clean-energy-fair-51471
NH Network ENERGY WG member Bruce Norland will be sharing his 6-yr experience as an EV owner.
> From the Boston Museum of Science “Climate Club Explores” series: Mon, Sept 30 | 5:00 p.m. | Virtual
Climate reporter Sabrina Shankman moderates conversation delving into the past, present, and future of ENERGY INNOVATIONS -- what has shaped the current landscape, and groundbreaking advancements driving us toward a sustainable future. Hear from local energy leaders about how we can effectively navigate this shift.
Missed the first two events in the Climate Club Explores series? View the event recordings for "A World of Changing Landscapes," and "Climate Stewardship in Gen Alpha," here.
> From NH Audubon: Raptor-Safe Rat Control, Wed, Oct 9 • 6:00–7:30 pm via Zoom
A Forum on Wildlife Safe Rodent Control in New England
In recent years, shocking numbers of hawks, owls, eagles, foxes, fishers, foxes, and other
predators have been sickened or killed after preying on rodents poisoned with rodenticides.
Public and private property owners and managers can protect native predators by taking a non-
poison, integrated pest management approach to controlling rodents.
New England’s leading poison-free pest control professionals will discuss their proven, wildlife-safe pest control approaches. Use this knowledge to advocate for an end to the use of rodent poisons in your community.
Sign Up: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nVku6nCKRZa3Y-8Repkekw
> October 10 in Manchester:
> The CENH annual Local Energy Solutions (LES) Conference will take place Friday, November 1 in Manchester, NH. Register Now
> Join NHACC for their 54th Annual Meeting & Conference Nov 2 at Pembroke Academy. NH Association of Conservation Commissions also offers some great webinars – check them out! www.nhacc.org/annualmeeting/workshops Workshops fill up fast and have limited space, register now to ensure you get your first choice of workshops and the early bird discount.
Funding opportunities:
The Landscape Scale Restoration Program is a Forest Service State and Private Forestry competitive grant program that promotes collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes and furthers priorities identified in State Forest Action plans or equivalent restoration strategy. The Program (Northeast and Midwest) seeks to encourage collaborative, science-based restoration of priority rural forest landscapes. Desired outcomes of the program include improved fish and wildlife habitat; improved water quality and watershed function; mitigated invasive plants, insect infestation, and disease; reduced wildfire risk; improved forest ecosystem health; and measured ecological and economic benefits. The program supports projects with on-the-ground outcomes across northeast and midwestern states. For more info. Application deadline: November 15, 2024
Local Source Water Protection Grant - Grants available from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services to develop and implement programs to protect local sources of drinking water. Public water suppliers, municipalities, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts, and watershed associations are eligible to receive funding. Grant projects must protect surface or groundwater actively used or that will be used in the future by public water systems as sources of drinking water. Applicants can receive up to $25,000 for non-climate related source protection projects (see list below) including certain activities required under US EPA’s Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit that work to limit stormwater impacts and protect source water. Routine operations/maintenance activities required under MS4 permits are not eligible.
Applicants can receive up to $30,000 for a source protection project that addresses climate/weather-related challenges – flooding, drought, cyanobacteria blooms, stormwater pollution, erosion, and sedimentation. This funding is offered to help public water systems and communities become more resilient, sustainable and save money in the long-term. The application packet is now available online. NHDES is happy to confer and exchange ideas with potential applicants in advance of the development of an application. For more info. Applications are due November 1, 2024.
Feed your brain:
Here’s a video made by "conservation hawks"-- five respected fly fishers share their views on climate change in this new PSA for America's anglers. There is a "get out the vote" message at the end. It is non-partisan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHxFnSxdVLY
Community Power Coalition Q3 Newsletter | September 2024 https://mailchi.mp/750840aed8f8/welcome-to-our-cpcnh-network-6414195?e=b6dabeffa5
NH Healthy Climate collaborated with Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences to develop a climate-related course curricula for nursing education throughout New England.
Two hundred and sixty-one students have participated in the program so far. Read, "‘It’s About Being Prepared’: Educating Nurses on Climate Crisis": https://www.mcphs.edu/news/educating-nurses-on-climate-crisis
NH Healthy Climate and the UNH Survey Center collaborated on a survey of healthcare workers across NH, on their knowledge and experiences on climate and health. Read the survey report at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/612cd210a8d3d07eb4886599/t/66c368e90ae84f5402b9ff01/1724082411267/NH+Healthy+Climate+2024+Healthcare+Workers+Survey+Report+%2807-31-24%29.pdf
Weekly Update Sept. 19, 2024
Energy Working Group: Thursday, Sept 19, 3 pm
Topic: What are various committees working on that will be voted on at town meeting? NOW is the time to be talking about this!
Sarah Brock of Clean Energy NH will offer:
Guidance on what needs to happen to get to a successful vote
Examples/recommendations of things you might want to bring to town meeting
Sarah will also give us a preview of the related resources her team at CENH is currently working on.
Join us on Thursday at 3 pm with your questions -- and add to the discussion.
Mary Beth Raven is moderating and providing a consistent zoom url for this year’s meetings: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09 Please share widely -- all are welcome
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Monthly Webinar: Monday, Sept 23, 5:30 - register at bit.ly/Water_Woes_NH
Hear from:
Dr Adam Finkel (University of Michigan; resident of Dalton, NH)
Rep Wendy Thomas (Hillsborough County)
Tom Irwin (VP and Director, CLF New Hampshire)
Moderators: Reinmar Seidler, Cynthia Walter
PFAS, cyanobacteria, landfill runoff, E. coli, lead, arsenic – what’s going on?
New Hampshire is blessed with an exceptionally rich network of rivers, streams and wetlands, along with nearly 1000 public lakes and ponds. Yet, we may not be managing this precious resource optimally. Do we have the institutional frameworks required to diagnose, monitor and solve systemic problems before they become chronic? How does NH’s record compare with our peers in New England? How can we improve the situation? These are the questions our guests will address in this interactive session.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Plastics Working Group: Next meeting Sunday, September 22, 2024 - 6:00-7:30 PM
ZOOM LINK (TIP: Copy this link into your online calendar so you don't have to hunt for it)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
FROM AROUND THE STATE:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Common Ground: Saving the Planet One Acre at a Time
will be shown
Sat, Sept 21st 6 PM, at Sweeney Theater, NHTI - Concord’s Community College
Sponsored by LCV, NOFA-NH, Interfaith Power & Light, and Laudato Si' Movement
Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.
NH
NATIONAL OFFERING:
An Introduction to Solar+Storage Thursday, September 19, 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET REGISTER HERE
Solar combined with energy storage (solar+storage) can provide cost savings and keep essential services powered during grid outages. In this webinar, speakers from Clean Energy Group will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the design, installation, and economics of solar and battery storage for homes, businesses, and community facilities.
This webinar will cover many of the topics in Clean Energy Group’s newly updated guide, Understanding Solar+Storage: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Solar PV and Battery Storage, and companion resource, Solar+Storage Project Checklist, which serves as a quick and simple starting point for individuals and organizations who are considering solar+storage
Over the past 10 years, CEG’s Resilient Power Technical Assistance Fund has awarded $1.7 million in funding support to more than 150 community-based organizations in 32 states and US territories, with over 60 projects operational and many more in development.
This webinar is free, but registration is required
Weekly Update 9/09/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of September 9th
-SAVE THE DATE, SEPTEMBER 23RD, FOR THE UPCOMING NETWORK MEETING.
NH is blessed with an exceptionally rich network of rivers, streams and wetlands along
with nearly 1000 public lakes and ponds. Monitoring and managing a complex system like our waterways is a task that requires both individual competency and institutional efficiency. We have the former in our state; on Sept 23 we'll discuss the latter -- and how the public can help.
-Link to the summary of the Third Annual Network Summit including goals for 2024-5
(Full descript is listened in “Feed Your Brain”)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18xxA1PI5eylh716PvNX_Yvknk4slP1OudZx4_i6XdAo/edit
-Climate WG meets tomorrow, 9/11. See the link and comments by John Gage in “Feed Your Brain” on climate activism
-Members of the Energy Working Group met to plan for the year. Please take a minute to read their minutes, plans for this year and invitation to join.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZl4-khMlyCMGf3zRB1Lde1GxytsQrrI1kIPqCAcwrU/edit
-Here is a treasury of election resources we have collected this summer.
Please share with others - and let us know of other information that could help us all.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-kboFGeMEGi4eUGRph7cq24U-5Mk9QcSfgd93KRYx44/edit
-IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING NH LANDFILL. New information and funding requests.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzNqtBRTnMQVxGfhKGVfRfWhR
MEETINGS
-September 11 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
We'll discuss climate voter actions, and if there's interest and time, I'll present and offer a Q&A on "What More Should the US Do on Climate."
-September 14 Design Thinking Workshop
We (PowerPLAY) will be hosting a one-day intensive in Design Thinking as it relates to climate change issues, and how interactive theater can be used to explore this problem-solving process. It will be held on Sat, Sept 14 from 10am-1pm- lunch, then 2pm-5pm in room M213. It is free. (Paid for by an NFRF- NSF grant). The workshop will be conducted primarily by Dr. Graham Strickert, Associate Professor, Director of Placements (MWS) Master of Water Security, School of Environment and Sustainability and the Global Institute for Water Security.
Email <David.Kaye@unh.edu> to attend.
Designing The Futures We Need: Connecting Design Thinking, Applied Theatre, and Social Science for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
In this one-day interactive workshop, participants will explore how to integrate design thinking, applied theatre, and social science methodologies to understand community choices about climate change mitigation and adaptation. Special attention will be given to how boundary objects can be harnessed to bridge different knowledge systems; and some of the tools available to measure and understand emergence in collaborative processes.
-September 22 6 pm Plastics WG
Here are the notes from tonight’s meeting - a rich discussion by all measures, thanks to all who attended. Consider checking out the various links that came up in discussion.
One outcome of our priorities discussions is the formation of four teams to further the work of the PWG:
Education - (Patsy leading) writing LTEs, tabling, panels, fact sheet development, public/legislator education
Research - (Cindy leading) researching sponsors & co-sponsors of plastics related bills from the last legislative session to develop a master list of supportive legislators for outreach purposes
Legislation - (Sherry leading) researching and tracking bills, preparing fact sheets, testifying, working with legislators
Collective Action - (Kristine & Cindy leading) coordinated activities that are carried out across the state or in several communities
-Week of September 24th. Numerous workshops including panel discussions by top climate and EPA officials
Visit the Ceres at Climate Week page to explore all the events for and discover the energy and innovation we’re bringing to Climate Week NYC 2024.
-September 26th How To Talk About the Environmental Crisis
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/k80rUpmMU48?pli=1
FEED YOUR BRAIN
3rd Annual Summit Summary:
On the final Saturday of August, 51 intrepid environmentalists representing as many different organizations, gathered to meet with like-minded folks, sorting out issues and priorities for their work in the coming year.
Opening remarks by Chris Skogland, Director of Energy Transition at Clean Energy NH, summed up NH’s environmental successes, challenges and opportunities. Even as the state’s population has increased, we have significantly decreased our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Even so, record-breaking climate events require us to address “Human activities causing complex interrelated activities.” Working together keeps us from feeling overwhelmed, sharing the diversities of approach in the room and in the state. Chris especially urged us to contribute to the state’s Comprehensive Action Plan and to use the resources of Clean Energy NH’s circuit riders. (See the presentation at https://bit.ly/ChrisSkoglundPPT)
In his remarks on the NH legislative process, Representative Nick Germana listed steps taken as a bill is prepared – firstly determining the financial impact, then finding allies in related committees and in both parties, before meticulous preparation to address arguments pro and con. He takes the long-term view in looking at a bill: it may be considered over several years, inching forward, before adoption. The glorious exception was the overnight public, bipartisan support for landfill reform. Nick credited the planning of North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, which brought together a coalition of legislators and stakeholders from many sectors to work in unison, and found a media champion at WMUR.
These hopeful words guided break-out groups on “actionable” items to focus on this year. Items that rose to the top included:
renewable energy options (including community solar, public EV charging, and plans for a heat pump accelerator plan in NH)
energy efficiency (education and outreach, the needs of low- and middle-income people and those not owning a house, saving NH Saves, retrofitting)
waste reduction (a bottle bill, plastic waste, composting, working with the Solid Waste committee)
food systems transformation (the connection to climate change, local and seasonal foods, eliminating food deserts, diverting food waste)
preparing the state for carbon pricing at the national level.
For each of these topics, ideas were generated for working on critical legislation, providing greater community education, and building public engagement.
With 5 legislators and a representative from the Department of Environmental Services participating in the breakout discussions, we remained optimistically within the range of the achievable. Attendees had listed their goals in attending the summit, and the most frequent response was “networking and learning from each other” – which the Summit achieved. A follow-up meeting is planned for early October.
The AI summary of the Summit is available at https://bit.ly/Summit24summaryAI
-Nature’s blueprint for building prosperity
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzXdJkZHCfvJSTKgHDWsJxmXs
-Climate Action Film Series (begins September 13)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/uXJN1JVSjPc
-Energy and Federal Updates (and grants) from Senator Shaheen’s office
-NH Fiscal Policy Institute is an informative website for everything fiscal in New Hampshire
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzXbzXdVDmzqtKHscHbTPMMxF
-North Country Alliance - Update on NH Landfills
-Climate thoughts (from John Gage)
What has worked to fight climate change?
Policies where someone pays for polluting, major new study finds: apnews.com/article/climate-change-price-hike-policies-emissions-1d211ff66f7ab768a69466b9af281c79
“The key ingredient if you want to reduce emissions is that you have pricing in the policy mix,” said study co-author Nicolas Koch, a climate economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. “If subsidies and regulations come alone or in a mix with each other, you won’t see major emission reductions. But when price instruments come in the mix like a carbon energy tax, they will deliver those substantial emissions reductions.”
Full report: "Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades" - science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl6547
What is the most powerful, equitable, and far-reaching way to price climate pollution? A border-adjusted, cash-back carbon fee on fossil fuel production and imports - the Carbon Fee and Dividend Policy. It's time to close the Rising US Carbon Price Gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf.
Why vilify the oil and gas industry? A four-decade history of deceit: heated.world/p/why-vilify-the-oil-and-gas-industry.
"We won't solve the climate crisis unless we solve the misinformation crisis." - PBS Frontline: The Power of Big Oil:
Part 1 - Denial: https://youtu.be/QAAbcNl4Lb8
Part 3 - Delay: https://youtu.be/R8UOJqs5F9Q
Part 2 - Doubt: https://youtu.be/qMe-BYUIPLU
Heads up to climate voters:
Warning: Budget, Finance Committees Launch Joint Investigation into Donald Trump’s Quid Pro Quo Offer to Big Oil: for $1 billion in campaign contributions from fossil fuel executives, Trump has offered to undo decades of efforts to clean up the energy sector - https://www.budget.senate.gov/chairman/newsroom/press/budget-finance-committees-launch-joint-investigation-into-donald-trumps-quid-pro-quo-offer-to-big-oil-
When you hear a Conservative candidate say they support “All-of-the-above energy options” and “the market should pick the winners and losers,” tell them we are getting too much pollution because prices do not accurately inform market actors about the true costs. Ask them what they plan to do to address the market's failure to account for the external costs of pollution in the price of fossil fuels. Then, share this article with them: The Winning Conservative Climate Solution.
Kamala Harris listens to experts on climate policy (Economists' Statement): "Harris released a comprehensive climate plan ahead of the Climate Crisis Town Hall in September that includes a carbon fee-and-dividend" - https://climate-xchange.org/2019/11/where-2020-democrats-stand-on-carbon-pricing.
How can we get cheap, abundant energy? En-ROADS demonstrates that the path is through a policy mix that includes a cash-back pollution fee: if we rebate all the money collected from a carbon producer polluter fee back to households, our net energy costs will be less than in the current policy scenario during the 25-year transition to a clean energy economy, then fall dramatically below the cost of a fossil fuel-based future.
OPPORTUNITIES
CHECK HERE FOR Funding opportunities to hire student interns for local conservation projects
-Grassroots Fund Grants
WHO WE FUND
Community groups based in one of the six New England States (NH, CT, RI, VT, ME, MA)
Groups do NOT need 501c3 status or a fiscal sponsor! Just a bank account in the group’s name.
Groups with annual budgets of less than $100,000 and less than the equivalent of 2 full time paid staff (ie. no more than 80 hours of paid staff time per week) are given priority
Seed Grants - Up to $1,000
Rolling Deadline ; ~6 week turn-around
This grant program is geared towards newly forming groups, which we consider as those that have been working together (formally or informally) for maybe a year or two, or less. Typically, these groups are still coalescing, determining decision making structures, establishing core decision makers and pathways for community input/voice. As your program matures and progresses, we invite you to reapply to the Grow grant program.
Questions? - Contact Tess Beem at tess@grassrootsfund.org
Grow Grants - $1,000 - $4,000
Upcoming Fall Deadline - Tues Sept 17 ; Grants announced end of December
The Grow grant program is geared towards groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grow grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes. See here for a short video overview (7 min) of the Grow program.
Questions? - Contact Mary Jones at mary@grassrootsfund.org
We are an Environmental Justice (EJ) funder, and interpret EJ work broadly. Funding decisions are made based on a group’s alignment with our Guiding Practices. To get a sense of the kinds of projects that have received funding, you can check out our interactive Grantee Map.
Mary Jones, Program Manager - Grow Grants Program
(she/her/hers)
New England Grassroots Environment Fund
(603) 905 9915 (ex. 2) - main office
-I’m reaching out to invite members of New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy & Climate to join us as Community Grant Readers for this Fall’s Grow grant round. As you may remember, feedback from readers is the first stage of our review process. Scores, questions and comments from readers guide staff follow up calls with applicants and influence final funding outcomes.
As we seek to live out the Guiding Practice of Shifting Power in our own work, the Grassroots Fund actively tries to blur the lines between grantee and grantor and especially encourages former grantees to participate as readers. You bring an invaluable perspective to Environmental Justice work in our region and we want your input to help us make decisions on future grant awards.
Anyone can sign up to be a volunteer Community Grant Reader using this Reader Registration Form. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 18.
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update Sept. 19, 2024
Energy Working Group: Thursday, Sept 19, 3 pm
Topic: What are various committees working on that will be voted on at town meeting? NOW is the time to be talking about this!
Sarah Brock of Clean Energy NH will offer:
Guidance on what needs to happen to get to a successful vote
Examples/recommendations of things you might want to bring to town meeting
Sarah will also give us a preview of the related resources her team at CENH is currently working on.
Join us on Thursday at 3 pm with your questions -- and add to the discussion.
Mary Beth Raven is moderating and providing a consistent zoom url for this year’s meetings: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09 Please share widely -- all are welcome
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Monthly Webinar: Monday, Sept 23, 5:30 - register at bit.ly/Water_Woes_NH
Hear from:
Dr Adam Finkel (University of Michigan; resident of Dalton, NH)
Rep Wendy Thomas (Hillsborough County)
Tom Irwin (VP and Director, CLF New Hampshire)
Moderators: Reinmar Seidler, Cynthia Walter
PFAS, cyanobacteria, landfill runoff, E. coli, lead, arsenic – what’s going on?
New Hampshire is blessed with an exceptionally rich network of rivers, streams and wetlands, along with nearly 1000 public lakes and ponds. Yet, we may not be managing this precious resource optimally. Do we have the institutional frameworks required to diagnose, monitor and solve systemic problems before they become chronic? How does NH’s record compare with our peers in New England? How can we improve the situation? These are the questions our guests will address in this interactive session.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Plastics Working Group: Next meeting Sunday, September 22, 2024 - 6:00-7:30 PM
ZOOM LINK (TIP: Copy this link into your online calendar so you don't have to hunt for it)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
FROM AROUND THE STATE:
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Common Ground: Saving the Planet One Acre at a Time
will be shown
Sat, Sept 21st 6 PM, at Sweeney Theater, NHTI - Concord’s Community College
Sponsored by LCV, NOFA-NH, Interfaith Power & Light, and Laudato Si' Movement
Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.
NH
NATIONAL OFFERING:
An Introduction to Solar+Storage Thursday, September 19, 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET REGISTER HERE
Solar combined with energy storage (solar+storage) can provide cost savings and keep essential services powered during grid outages. In this webinar, speakers from Clean Energy Group will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the design, installation, and economics of solar and battery storage for homes, businesses, and community facilities.
This webinar will cover many of the topics in Clean Energy Group’s newly updated guide, Understanding Solar+Storage: Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Solar PV and Battery Storage, and companion resource, Solar+Storage Project Checklist, which serves as a quick and simple starting point for individuals and organizations who are considering solar+storage
Over the past 10 years, CEG’s Resilient Power Technical Assistance Fund has awarded $1.7 million in funding support to more than 150 community-based organizations in 32 states and US territories, with over 60 projects operational and many more in development.
This webinar is free, but registration is required
Weekly Update 9/09/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of September 9th
-SAVE THE DATE, SEPTEMBER 23RD, FOR THE UPCOMING NETWORK MEETING.
NH is blessed with an exceptionally rich network of rivers, streams and wetlands along
with nearly 1000 public lakes and ponds. Monitoring and managing a complex system like our waterways is a task that requires both individual competency and institutional efficiency. We have the former in our state; on Sept 23 we'll discuss the latter -- and how the public can help.
-Link to the summary of the Third Annual Network Summit including goals for 2024-5
(Full descript is listened in “Feed Your Brain”)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18xxA1PI5eylh716PvNX_Yvknk4slP1OudZx4_i6XdAo/edit
-Climate WG meets tomorrow, 9/11. See the link and comments by John Gage in “Feed Your Brain” on climate activism
-Members of the Energy Working Group met to plan for the year. Please take a minute to read their minutes, plans for this year and invitation to join.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aZl4-khMlyCMGf3zRB1Lde1GxytsQrrI1kIPqCAcwrU/edit
-Here is a treasury of election resources we have collected this summer.
Please share with others - and let us know of other information that could help us all.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-kboFGeMEGi4eUGRph7cq24U-5Mk9QcSfgd93KRYx44/edit
-IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING NH LANDFILL. New information and funding requests.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzNqtBRTnMQVxGfhKGVfRfWhR
MEETINGS
-September 11 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
We'll discuss climate voter actions, and if there's interest and time, I'll present and offer a Q&A on "What More Should the US Do on Climate."
-September 14 Design Thinking Workshop
We (PowerPLAY) will be hosting a one-day intensive in Design Thinking as it relates to climate change issues, and how interactive theater can be used to explore this problem-solving process. It will be held on Sat, Sept 14 from 10am-1pm- lunch, then 2pm-5pm in room M213. It is free. (Paid for by an NFRF- NSF grant). The workshop will be conducted primarily by Dr. Graham Strickert, Associate Professor, Director of Placements (MWS) Master of Water Security, School of Environment and Sustainability and the Global Institute for Water Security.
Email <David.Kaye@unh.edu> to attend.
Designing The Futures We Need: Connecting Design Thinking, Applied Theatre, and Social Science for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
In this one-day interactive workshop, participants will explore how to integrate design thinking, applied theatre, and social science methodologies to understand community choices about climate change mitigation and adaptation. Special attention will be given to how boundary objects can be harnessed to bridge different knowledge systems; and some of the tools available to measure and understand emergence in collaborative processes.
-September 22 6 pm Plastics WG
Here are the notes from tonight’s meeting - a rich discussion by all measures, thanks to all who attended. Consider checking out the various links that came up in discussion.
One outcome of our priorities discussions is the formation of four teams to further the work of the PWG:
Education - (Patsy leading) writing LTEs, tabling, panels, fact sheet development, public/legislator education
Research - (Cindy leading) researching sponsors & co-sponsors of plastics related bills from the last legislative session to develop a master list of supportive legislators for outreach purposes
Legislation - (Sherry leading) researching and tracking bills, preparing fact sheets, testifying, working with legislators
Collective Action - (Kristine & Cindy leading) coordinated activities that are carried out across the state or in several communities
-Week of September 24th. Numerous workshops including panel discussions by top climate and EPA officials
Visit the Ceres at Climate Week page to explore all the events for and discover the energy and innovation we’re bringing to Climate Week NYC 2024.
-September 26th How To Talk About the Environmental Crisis
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/k80rUpmMU48?pli=1
FEED YOUR BRAIN
3rd Annual Summit Summary:
On the final Saturday of August, 51 intrepid environmentalists representing as many different organizations, gathered to meet with like-minded folks, sorting out issues and priorities for their work in the coming year.
Opening remarks by Chris Skogland, Director of Energy Transition at Clean Energy NH, summed up NH’s environmental successes, challenges and opportunities. Even as the state’s population has increased, we have significantly decreased our energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Even so, record-breaking climate events require us to address “Human activities causing complex interrelated activities.” Working together keeps us from feeling overwhelmed, sharing the diversities of approach in the room and in the state. Chris especially urged us to contribute to the state’s Comprehensive Action Plan and to use the resources of Clean Energy NH’s circuit riders. (See the presentation at https://bit.ly/ChrisSkoglundPPT)
In his remarks on the NH legislative process, Representative Nick Germana listed steps taken as a bill is prepared – firstly determining the financial impact, then finding allies in related committees and in both parties, before meticulous preparation to address arguments pro and con. He takes the long-term view in looking at a bill: it may be considered over several years, inching forward, before adoption. The glorious exception was the overnight public, bipartisan support for landfill reform. Nick credited the planning of North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, which brought together a coalition of legislators and stakeholders from many sectors to work in unison, and found a media champion at WMUR.
These hopeful words guided break-out groups on “actionable” items to focus on this year. Items that rose to the top included:
renewable energy options (including community solar, public EV charging, and plans for a heat pump accelerator plan in NH)
energy efficiency (education and outreach, the needs of low- and middle-income people and those not owning a house, saving NH Saves, retrofitting)
waste reduction (a bottle bill, plastic waste, composting, working with the Solid Waste committee)
food systems transformation (the connection to climate change, local and seasonal foods, eliminating food deserts, diverting food waste)
preparing the state for carbon pricing at the national level.
For each of these topics, ideas were generated for working on critical legislation, providing greater community education, and building public engagement.
With 5 legislators and a representative from the Department of Environmental Services participating in the breakout discussions, we remained optimistically within the range of the achievable. Attendees had listed their goals in attending the summit, and the most frequent response was “networking and learning from each other” – which the Summit achieved. A follow-up meeting is planned for early October.
The AI summary of the Summit is available at https://bit.ly/Summit24summaryAI
-Nature’s blueprint for building prosperity
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzXdJkZHCfvJSTKgHDWsJxmXs
-Climate Action Film Series (begins September 13)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/uXJN1JVSjPc
-Energy and Federal Updates (and grants) from Senator Shaheen’s office
-NH Fiscal Policy Institute is an informative website for everything fiscal in New Hampshire
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVzXbzXdVDmzqtKHscHbTPMMxF
-North Country Alliance - Update on NH Landfills
-Climate thoughts (from John Gage)
What has worked to fight climate change?
Policies where someone pays for polluting, major new study finds: apnews.com/article/climate-change-price-hike-policies-emissions-1d211ff66f7ab768a69466b9af281c79
“The key ingredient if you want to reduce emissions is that you have pricing in the policy mix,” said study co-author Nicolas Koch, a climate economist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. “If subsidies and regulations come alone or in a mix with each other, you won’t see major emission reductions. But when price instruments come in the mix like a carbon energy tax, they will deliver those substantial emissions reductions.”
Full report: "Climate policies that achieved major emission reductions: Global evidence from two decades" - science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl6547
What is the most powerful, equitable, and far-reaching way to price climate pollution? A border-adjusted, cash-back carbon fee on fossil fuel production and imports - the Carbon Fee and Dividend Policy. It's time to close the Rising US Carbon Price Gap: bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf.
Why vilify the oil and gas industry? A four-decade history of deceit: heated.world/p/why-vilify-the-oil-and-gas-industry.
"We won't solve the climate crisis unless we solve the misinformation crisis." - PBS Frontline: The Power of Big Oil:
Part 1 - Denial: https://youtu.be/QAAbcNl4Lb8
Part 3 - Delay: https://youtu.be/R8UOJqs5F9Q
Part 2 - Doubt: https://youtu.be/qMe-BYUIPLU
Heads up to climate voters:
Warning: Budget, Finance Committees Launch Joint Investigation into Donald Trump’s Quid Pro Quo Offer to Big Oil: for $1 billion in campaign contributions from fossil fuel executives, Trump has offered to undo decades of efforts to clean up the energy sector - https://www.budget.senate.gov/chairman/newsroom/press/budget-finance-committees-launch-joint-investigation-into-donald-trumps-quid-pro-quo-offer-to-big-oil-
When you hear a Conservative candidate say they support “All-of-the-above energy options” and “the market should pick the winners and losers,” tell them we are getting too much pollution because prices do not accurately inform market actors about the true costs. Ask them what they plan to do to address the market's failure to account for the external costs of pollution in the price of fossil fuels. Then, share this article with them: The Winning Conservative Climate Solution.
Kamala Harris listens to experts on climate policy (Economists' Statement): "Harris released a comprehensive climate plan ahead of the Climate Crisis Town Hall in September that includes a carbon fee-and-dividend" - https://climate-xchange.org/2019/11/where-2020-democrats-stand-on-carbon-pricing.
How can we get cheap, abundant energy? En-ROADS demonstrates that the path is through a policy mix that includes a cash-back pollution fee: if we rebate all the money collected from a carbon producer polluter fee back to households, our net energy costs will be less than in the current policy scenario during the 25-year transition to a clean energy economy, then fall dramatically below the cost of a fossil fuel-based future.
OPPORTUNITIES
CHECK HERE FOR Funding opportunities to hire student interns for local conservation projects
-Grassroots Fund Grants
WHO WE FUND
Community groups based in one of the six New England States (NH, CT, RI, VT, ME, MA)
Groups do NOT need 501c3 status or a fiscal sponsor! Just a bank account in the group’s name.
Groups with annual budgets of less than $100,000 and less than the equivalent of 2 full time paid staff (ie. no more than 80 hours of paid staff time per week) are given priority
Seed Grants - Up to $1,000
Rolling Deadline ; ~6 week turn-around
This grant program is geared towards newly forming groups, which we consider as those that have been working together (formally or informally) for maybe a year or two, or less. Typically, these groups are still coalescing, determining decision making structures, establishing core decision makers and pathways for community input/voice. As your program matures and progresses, we invite you to reapply to the Grow grant program.
Questions? - Contact Tess Beem at tess@grassrootsfund.org
Grow Grants - $1,000 - $4,000
Upcoming Fall Deadline - Tues Sept 17 ; Grants announced end of December
The Grow grant program is geared towards groups who have some experience implementing a project in their community. Grow grants support groups to deepen their work by further developing a community vision, lowering barriers to participation, identifying new stakeholders and working to bring more voices and lived experiences into core decision-making processes. See here for a short video overview (7 min) of the Grow program.
Questions? - Contact Mary Jones at mary@grassrootsfund.org
We are an Environmental Justice (EJ) funder, and interpret EJ work broadly. Funding decisions are made based on a group’s alignment with our Guiding Practices. To get a sense of the kinds of projects that have received funding, you can check out our interactive Grantee Map.
Mary Jones, Program Manager - Grow Grants Program
(she/her/hers)
New England Grassroots Environment Fund
(603) 905 9915 (ex. 2) - main office
-I’m reaching out to invite members of New Hampshire Network for Environment, Energy & Climate to join us as Community Grant Readers for this Fall’s Grow grant round. As you may remember, feedback from readers is the first stage of our review process. Scores, questions and comments from readers guide staff follow up calls with applicants and influence final funding outcomes.
As we seek to live out the Guiding Practice of Shifting Power in our own work, the Grassroots Fund actively tries to blur the lines between grantee and grantor and especially encourages former grantees to participate as readers. You bring an invaluable perspective to Environmental Justice work in our region and we want your input to help us make decisions on future grant awards.
Anyone can sign up to be a volunteer Community Grant Reader using this Reader Registration Form. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 18.
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update 8/12/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of August 12
MEMBERS OF NH Network Energy Group: Please help ensure a robust discussion of priorities for sustainable energy sources and transmission. We hope you'll join us!
Dear Friends & Colleagues, energy leaders,
You are warmly invited to join with New Hampshire's environmental community, legislators, funders, members of municipal energy & conservation committees
on
Aug 24, 2024, 9:00am-12:30pm, in Plymouth, NH
for
New Hampshire’s 3rd Annual Statewide Environmental Summit –
Keep NH Green!
Whether you are concerned about
emerging data on PFAS and microplastics in our food and our bodies,
critical energy system reforms proceeding at a glacial pace,
truckloads of solid waste appearing in our towns from out of state, or
ongoing denial (in public and in policy) of the gravity of the climate emergency,
a key part of the solution is people gathering to share ideas, inspiration and motivation.
Register here: bit.ly/2024EnvironmentalSummit
Facts:
Our state is replete with awesome environmental groups working in their own specific areas of expertise or control,
The vast majority of NH residents value our environmental health and are concerned about long-standing disconnects in public policy making us the “environmental laggard” of New England.
We can do better!
Last year's Keep NH Green Summit, presided over by Jon Swan (Save Forest Lake), was a celebration of the many initiatives thriving in New Hampshire, and an incubator for new legislation, alliances, and funding…
Don't be left out! Join us to discuss priorities and strategize for the coming year.
Organized by NH Network for Environment, Energy & Climate and supported by the New England Grassroots Environmental Fund (NEGEF).
NH Environmental Summit 2024 – Keep NH Green
at Starr King UU Fellowship, 101 Fairgrounds Rd, Plymouth, NH 03264
Saturday, August 24, 2024
- Tentative schedule -
9:00 – Coffee, tea & mingling
9:30 – Words of welcome
9:35 – Remarks by Chris Skoglund (CENH)
9:45-10:00 – Group Conversation 1: What should our priorities be for the year?
10:00-10:45 – Report Out & Discussion
10:45-11:00 – Break
11:00 – Remarks by Rep. Nicholas Germana
11:15-11:30 – Group Conversation 2: What potential solutions do we see?
11:30-12:15 – Report Out & Discussion
12:15-12:30 – Closing
After 12:30 Eat lunch inside or outdoors, participate in a discussion of election strategies, a Citizens Climate Lobby meeting, or chat with others …
Register here: bit.ly/2024EnvironmentalSummit
WHAT TO BRING:
> Your own coffee mug, napkin, plate - let’s make this a ZERO WASTE event!
> A hand-drawn graph, table, list or other schematic showing your organization’s current initiatives, challenges, goals… We’ll make a “gallery” of these posters, to learn more about each other and our priorities.
NH good news: Grid connection legislation is now law.
Global good news: Number of plastic bags found on UK beaches down 80% since charge introduced https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/29/number-of-plastic-bags-found-on-uk-beaches-down-80-since-charge-introduced?CMP=share_btn_url
ORDER THESE POSTCARDS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY
Help reach independent voters in your region with a message about your local environmental concerns.
Fill out the form at bit.ly/PostcardsPlease
The message on the back reads "In our community, we’re concerned about:____ …" and gives you space to write in the environmental issues particular to your locality:
Protecting the watershed?
Need for EV charging?
Testing for lead in homes and local schools?
A solar array for the hospital or health facility?
Poor air quality from trash incineration?
Will my children be able to ski or skate in the winter?
What gets written here is up to you and your local postcarding team.
Addressees are "registered Independents who are infrequent voters." Postcards have been proven to work! Tell us your town, and we will tell you the number of addresses there are. Then you can let us know the number of postcards you’ll commit to sending.
We'll supply your postcards and addresses at the August 24 Keep NH Green Environmental Summit.
If you're not attending the Summit, we'll make other arrangements with you for getting the postcards.
Thanks to New England Grassroots Environmental Fund for funding the postcards, and thanks to 350NH for providing the addresses. If postage is a hardship, we can supply some. If you can supply your own postage, we’ll be able to provide more for others.
Please fill out the form at bit.ly/PostcardsPlease by August 12, so we can get the postcards to you by August 24. Completed postcards should be mailed out by September 10 or soon after.
We’ve planned to print 5000 postcards, but will be glad to print more!
Questions? Email newhampshirenetwork@gmail.org
Meetings
August 15th: UUActionNH has monthly meetings (meet each 3rd Thursday of the month) to share issues of environmental importance. Join them on August 15th for a webinar on composting.
https://secure.everyaction.com/pdX12RjP1Ei_FRUci01MoQ2
August 20: NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action): Climate cafe meeting
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update 8/05/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
-Join us for the New Hampshire Network 3rd Annual Green Summit - August 24th -to collaborate on statewide initiatives for a sustainable NH.
Register at bit.ly/EnvironmentalSummit
-The BIG news this week is the signing of HB 1649 which limits PFAS inclusion in a number of products. Congrats to Representative Ebel and all who worked on this bill’s passage and signing! An August 2nd press release from her office.
“Landmark legislation, HB 1649, became law today, prohibiting many commonly used consumer products with harmful PFAS from being sold in our state, including food packaging, children’s products, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, carpets and furniture. Supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition, this hard-won effort will start to reduce PFAS use in New Hampshire, already so greatly burdened by forever chemical contamination, protecting our health, our drinking water and our environment.
This bill also ensures that industries will be held strictly liable to the state for cleanup, restoration, and other remediation costs due to PFAS contamination, while also creating a private right of action for individuals whose wells have been contaminated.
Granite Staters have the right to trust the products they buy and their drinking water without fear of negative, long-term health impacts. HB 1649's passage is a major, common-sense step to protect Granite Staters' health and our irreplaceable New Hampshire environment. Requiring PFAS to be removed from consumer products that we use daily and ensuring proper PFAS pollution cleanup is vital. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we walk on should be free of forever chemicals. We deserve nothing less.”
AUGUST MEETING OPPORTUNITIES:
August 7th: Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters for a Greener Granite State! An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH
RSVP to join us in Concord here: Concord Event with Ro Khanna and REP-NH/LCV Wednesday, 8/7/24 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (google.com)
August 10th: Join the 250th Bethlehem town celebration and advocate for “Save Forest Lake”
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxtlVZjCxzkFgLMLBdcXwDxNw
August 15th: UUActionNH has monthly meetings (meet each 3rd Thursday of the month) to share issues of environmental importance. Join them on August 15th for a webinar on composting.
https://secure.everyaction.com/pdX12RjP1Ei_FRUci01MoQ2
August 20: NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action): Climate cafe meeting
-Decision 2024 - Making the ENVIRONMENT an election PRIORITY.
A portion, albeit large portion, of this week’s summary includes past suggestions for becoming involved in the fall primary and the November election. People will choose to volunteer at different times, so previous week’s suggestions are offered, again. Pick and choose what is most appealing to you.
Postcards and canvassing are effective tools, and knocking on doors is already in progress. Contact your local candidates or favored political party to participate. Here is a link to several postcard writing options.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxlMmPCWKgfbvnGWHLgFMzDfn
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Ask the Candidates:
We at NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action) are asking our constituents to attend local candidate forums and ask pointed questions about the candidate’s commitment to climate action. We have prepared a set of sample questions as prompts:
Some sample Questions for Candidates:
Do you feel the NH legislature should act to support efforts by individuals, businesses, municipalities and utilities at reducing the rate of climate change that is occurring?
In light of its impact on our economy via reduced winter tourism and costly recovery from extreme weather events, and on the health of our citizens via vector-borne illness, air and water quality, heat stress and food reliability, what role do you think our state government should play in reducing human contributions to climate change?
Do you believe that the New Hampshire legislature should address the production of greenhouse gas emissions that is fueling the well-documented climate changes we have been seeing in New Hampshire?
As predicted by the scientists who study climate change, we in New Hampshire have seen a 75% increase in storms with more than 2” of rain in 24 hours, and other examples of extreme weather. If elected to the legislature, how would you address this increasing risk to our homes, roads, bridges, and businesses?
In central NH, we have seen a doubling of days with a heat index over 90 degrees since 1980. How should the state government respond to the increasing number of high heat days and their potential impact on the health of New Hampshire citizens, particularly the young and old?
What role do you believe that individuals, corporations, municipalities and state governments have in slowing the observed changes in our climate? Which can have the most impact?
What role do you think the state government should play in helping NH residents to become more resilient in the face of weather emergencies and effectively plan for them?
What specific programs or policies would you support to address the impact of extreme weather or climate change?
Do you feel the NH legislature should play a role in promoting clean energy and the electric grid upgrades that would be required?
Do you believe that our state PUC may need clearer guidance from the legislature in assuring funding for energy conservation through weatherization programs (i.e. NH Saves) and promoting clean energy source development?
Do you believe the State should take action to promote the development of off-shore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine?
ELECTION HELP from NH Network:
Talking points, Environment/Energy/Climate - NH issues
Environmental bills were often passed in a bipartisan manner in the past. This year, in many cases, whether or not a bill passed depended on who showed up to vote. We need to help make sure that legislators who care about the environment are elected, well-informed, and present at the State House for critical votes!
Weather is getting more variable and more extreme. Clear and universally accepted scientific evidence points to the burning of fossil fuels as the main reason for this, since it produces carbon dioxide, methane and other gasses that trap the sun's energy in the atmosphere, warming the planet. This means that average global and local temperatures have been rising for decades, and that strong storms and wildfires are becoming more likely. The impacts of global warming are already affecting New Hampshire residents and communities:
Higher temperatures and longer heat waves harm humans, especially the young and the old; flooding damages homes, businesses, roads; both heat and flooding destroy crops.
Longer summers mean the “vectors” (mosquitoes, ticks) that carry disease have longer to get established and do their harm.
Warmer waters allow more algal blooms (cyanobacteria) to invade our waterways, making the water unsafe for swimming and for pets.
Will our children see NH winters? Will they get to ski NH’s mountains? Skate, play ice hockey or go ice fishing on our ponds? Hike in the summer?
In spite of these real impacts, several NH beneficial bills were defeated in the legislature. These bills would have:
Established a Climate & Health Protection Program in the NH Department of Health & Human Services;
Included language in the NH Constitution that “the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations”;
Expanded the Comprehensive State Development plan to protect natural resources, identify environmental threats, and consider the mounting effects of cumulative threats to air, water and land; and
Identified all old growth and mature forests on public land. (Why do old and wild forests matter? Not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and absorbing flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.)
Not only were bills to protect New Hampshire's environment defeated, but numerous bills that would have supported the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources were also voted down. These bills targeted not only clean energy generation, such as solar and batteries, but also transportation and the building sectors.
Our 5 New England neighbors have committed to 80% or more renewable energy sources by 2050, while NH’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard is only 25% by 2025. Once again this year, no plan was accepted for increasing NH’s use of renewable energy, now proven to be both reliable and less expensive than fossil fuels. Yet on the State House floor, legislators continued the lie that only fossil fuels provide energy security.
In New Hampshire, the transportation sector is the largest consumer of energy and main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in air pollutants. However, the NH legislature voted down several bills, which included:
Providing incentives for the purchase or leasing of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including for low income residents; and
Developing light rail service in the state.
The current administration has been sitting on transportation funds from a legal settlement with VW, yet has not used the funds to create EV charging stations or help reduce other transportation emissions.
Our buildings are another huge source of energy consumption, energy costs, and GHG emissions. But the legislature undermined efforts to improve building energy consumption, with impacts that will last for decades. This included:
Adopting new building codes while rejecting more energy-efficient building standards (which would have reduced energy bills for occupants); and
Prohibiting towns and cities from adopting more ambitious building energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues whittling away at NH Saves, which helps with energy efficiency to homes and businesses.
For renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind, we need the Department of Energy to permit (not obstruct or slow-walk):
Many more transmission lines and newer transmission lines to connect the energy source to the home or business that would use it (that’s what is meant by “update the grid”);
More reasonable reimbursements for homes and businesses that have spent money for solar arrays, expecting to sell power back to the grid to help pay for their investment (that’s “net metering”);
Larger net metering projects, including for nonprofits like hospitals;
Community solar projects that would allow renters or people whose homes are shaded to invest in large solar arrays near their communities;
Offshore wind – New England’s most under-utilized natural resource.
Additional Environmental Issues: We need help to keep the land, air and water clean.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has determined that NH already has sufficient landfill capacity to serve us at least another 8 years, yet bills that would have stemmed the tide of new landfill construction and expansion were defeated:
Putting a moratorium on landfill permits until 2028, giving us time to get the technical information we need, and to address health and environmental concerns heard throughout the state.
Reducing the amount of trash that comes from out of state, from the current 50% to a manageable 15%.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has been relaxing landfill standards, even as proposed landfills threaten pristine lakes.
Landfills are a lucrative business for private waste management companies, who are known to have helped shape DES regulations to their advantage.
Other bills would have reduced our solid waste problems, but were defeated:
restricting single use plastic,
setting up a bottle deposit system,
standardizing labels for items that can be composted or recycled.
The lax regulatory standards of NH encourage facilities like the St. Gobain factory (responsible for much of NH’s current PFAS) and landfill businesses to situate themselves in NH.
Also, a bill to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in NH was defeated. Why do old and wild forests matter? Put simply: not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and sinking flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
-EPA New England is pleased to announce that the Healthy Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects that will benefit one or more New England communities. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 1, 11:59 p.m.
Project Eligibility
The Healthy Communities Grant Program will identify and fund projects that:
Target resources to benefit communities at risk (environmental justice areas of potential concern and/or sensitive populations [e.g., children, elderly, tribes, urban and rural residents, and others at increased risk]).
Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations (e.g., grassroots and/or community-based organizations). Eligible projects under this program must be located in and/or directly benefit one or more of the Target Investment Areas and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental and/or public health results in one or more of the Target Program Areas. More detailed descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Request for Applications.
Information Sessions To provide an overview of the application process and address questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host four virtual information sessions before the application
deadline. Sessions will take place at the following times:
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Please visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for a session, and for further details.
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update 7/29/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of July 29
-There is a lot in this week’s summary including several suggestions for raising climate issues as the election approaches. Pick and choose what is most effective for you.
-Join us for the New Hampshire Network 3rd Annual Green Summit - August 24th -to collaborate on statewide initiatives for a sustainable NH.
Register at bit.ly/EnvironmentalSummit
-Decision 2024 - Making the ENVIRONMENT an election PRIORITY. Regardless of one’s political persuasion, each of us cares about our family’s health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
Postcards and canvassing are effective tools, and knocking on doors in already in progress. Contact your local candidates or favored political party to participate. Here is a link to several postcard writing options.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxlMmPCWKgfbvnGWHLgFMzDfn
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Ask the Candidates:
We at NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action) are asking our constituents to attend local candidate forums and ask pointed questions about the candidate’s commitment to climate action. We have prepared a set of sample questions as prompts:
Some sample Questions for Candidates:
Do you feel the NH legislature should act to support efforts by individuals, businesses, municipalities and utilities at reducing the rate of climate change that is occurring?
In light of its impact on our economy via reduced winter tourism and costly recovery from extreme weather events, and on the health of our citizens via vector-borne illness, air and water quality, heat stress and food reliability, what role do you think our state government should play in reducing human contributions to climate change?
Do you believe that the New Hampshire legislature should address the production of greenhouse gas emissions that is fueling the well-documented climate changes we have been seeing in New Hampshire?
As predicted by the scientists who study climate change, we in New Hampshire have seen a 75% increase in storms with more than 2” of rain in 24 hours, and other examples of extreme weather. If elected to the legislature, how would you address this increasing risk to our homes, roads, bridges, and businesses?
In central NH, we have seen a doubling of days with a heat index over 90 degrees since 1980. How should the state government respond to the increasing number of high heat days and their potential impact on the health of New Hampshire citizens, particularly the young and old?
What role do you believe that individuals, corporations, municipalities and state government have in slowing the observed changes in our climate? Which can have the most impact?
What role do you think the state government should play in helping NH residents to become more resilient in the face of weather emergencies and effectively plan for them?
What specific programs or policies would you support to address the impact of extreme weather or climate change?
Do you feel the NH legislature should play a role in promoting clean energy and the electric grid upgrades that would be required?
Do you believe that our state PUC may need clearer guidance from the legislature in assuring funding for energy conservation through weatherization programs (i.e. NH Saves) and promoting clean energy source development?
Do you believe the State should take action to promote the development of off-shore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine?
ELECTION HELP from NH Network:
Talking points, Environment/Energy/Climate - NH issues
Environmental bills were often passed in a bipartisan manner in the past. This year, in many cases, whether or not a bill passed depended on who showed up to vote. We need to help make sure that legislators who care about the environment are elected, well-informed, and present at the State House for critical votes!
Weather is getting more variable and more extreme. Clear and universally accepted scientific evidence points to the burning of fossil fuels as the main reason for this, since it produces carbon dioxide, methane and other gasses that trap the sun's energy in the atmosphere, warming the planet. This means that average global and local temperatures have been rising for decades, and that strong storms and wildfires are becoming more likely. The impacts of global warming are already affecting New Hampshire residents and communities:
Higher temperatures and longer heat waves harm humans, especially the young and the old; flooding damages homes, businesses, roads; both heat and flooding destroy crops.
Longer summers mean the “vectors” (mosquitoes, ticks) that carry disease have longer to get established and do their harm.
Warmer waters allow more algal blooms (cyanobacteria) to invade our waterways, making the water unsafe for swimming and for pets.
Will our children see NH winters? Will they get to ski NH’s mountains? Skate, play ice hockey or go ice fishing on our ponds? Hike in the summer?
In spite of these real impacts, several NH beneficial bills were defeated in the legislature. These bills would have:
Established a Climate & Health Protection Program in the NH Department of Health & Human Services;
Included language in the NH Constitution that “the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations”;
Expanded the Comprehensive State Development plan to protect natural resources, identify environmental threats, and consider the mounting effects of cumulative lthreats to air, water and land; and
Identified all old growth and mature forests on public land. (Why do old and wild forests matter? Not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and absorbing flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.)
Not only were bills to protect New Hampshire's environment defeated, but numerous bills that would have supported the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources were also voted down. These bills targeted not only clean energy generation, such as solar and batteries, but also transportation and the building sectors.
Our 5 New England neighbors have committed to 80% or more renewable energy sources by 2050, while NH’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard is only 25% by 2025. Once again this year, no plan was accepted for increasing NH’s use of renewable energy, now proven to be both reliable and less expensive than fossil fuels. Yet on the State House floor, legislators continued the lie that only fossil fuels provide energy security.
In New Hampshire, the transportation sector is the largest consumer of energy and main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in air pollutants. However, the NH legislature voted down several bills, which included:
Providing incentives for the purchase or leasing of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including for low income residents; and
Developing light rail service in the state.
The current administration has been sitting on transportation funds from a legal settlement with VW, yet has not used the funds to create EV charging stations or help reduce other transportation emissions.
Our buildings are another huge source of energy consumption, energy costs, and GHG emissions. But the legislature undermined efforts to improve building energy consumption, with impacts that will last for decades. This included:
Adopting new building codes while rejecting more energy-efficient building standards (which would have reduced energy bills for occupants); and
Prohibiting towns and cities from adopting more ambitious building energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues whittling away at NH Saves, which helps with energy efficiency to homes and businesses.
For renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind, we need the Department of Energy to permit (not obstruct or slow-walk):
Many more transmission lines and newer transmission lines to connect the energy source to the home or business that would use it (that’s what is meant by “update the grid”);
More reasonable reimbursements for homes and businesses that have spent money for solar arrays, expecting to sell power back to the grid to help pay for their investment (that’s “net metering”);
Larger net metering projects, including for nonprofits like hospitals;
Community solar projects that would allow renters or people whose homes are shaded to invest in large solar arrays near their communities;
Offshore wind – New England’s most under-utilized natural resource.
Additional Environmental Issues: We need help to keep the land, air and water clean.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has determined that NH already has sufficient landfill capacity to serve us at least another 8 years, yet bills that would have stemmed the tide of new landfill construction and expansion were defeated:
Putting a moratorium on landfill permits until 2028, giving us time to get the technical information we need, and to address health and environmental concerns heard throughout the state.
Reducing the amount of trash that comes from out of state, from the current 50% to a manageable 15%.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has been relaxing landfill standards, even as proposed landfills threaten pristine lakes.
Landfills are a lucrative business for private waste management companies, who are known to have helped shape DES regulations to their advantage.
Other bills would have reduced our solid waste problems, but were defeated:
restricting single use plastic,
setting up a bottle deposit system,
standardizing labels for items that can be composted or recycled.
The lax regulatory standards of NH encourage facilities like the St. Gobain factory (responsible for much of NH’s current PFAS) and landfill businesses to situate themselves in NH.
Also, a bill to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in NH was defeated. Why do old and wild forests matter? Put simply: not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and sinking flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.
-Most of the environment, energy and climate bills were decided by voice vote, so there is no record of how any single legislator voted. Here are four significant bills for which there is a voting record for anyone who was in the legislature this past year.
The voting question on the floor for these 4 bills could be:
OTP = Ought to Pass
ITL = Inexpedient to Legislate
OTPA = Ought to pass with amendment
(other possible votes include: to table a bill, indefinitely postpone, reconsider, or send it for interim study)
Date of final vote
Bill number
Bill title
The question
Discussion
2/22/24
HB1472
Relative to rebates of energy efficiency funds for electric vehicles.
(There were also votes to Indefinitely Postpone, to Table and to Reconsider.)
OTP
Yea means supporting funds for EV purchase.
RESULT: defeated, then tabled 2/24
3/07/24
CACR14
Relating to the environment and natural resources. Providing that the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.
ITL
Yea means go ahead and kill this bill.
Nay means do NOT kill this bill.
RESULT: ITL 197-168, 3/24
4/11/24
HB1649
Relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems.
(There were also votes whether or not to Table and on specific amendments.)
OTPA
Yea means in support of this bill as amended.
RESULT: OTPA 233-140, 4/24
5/02/24
SB496
Directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program.
ITL
Yea means go ahead and kill this bill.
Nay means do NOT kill this bill.
RESULT: ITL 186-182, 5/24
To see how a legislator voted:
For those who were a Senator or a Representative this past season,
> go to www.gencourt.state.nh.us
> for a Senator, go to Senate > select Senators > choose the Senator from the Roster and click on Current Voting Record
> for a Rep, go to House > then select House Roster > and “Select a Member” > then choose “Voting Record”
MEETING OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE NETWORK
Third Act New Hampshire teams with our national organization of seniors and local NH partners for collective actions to help stabilize the climate, and protect our democracy. You can check us out on our website at https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/ and at statewide meetings on the third Thursday of the month.
An overview of a number of activities scheduled by Third Act NH over the Summer and early Fall. Much of the near term focus involves connecting climate, democracy and voting in the Fall election. Please check out current plans at https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/events/
Tuesday, July 30, 12-1pm Energy Storage for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Webinar
-States are increasingly adopting ambitious clean energy and climate goals, which will require both renewable generation and energy storage technologies. Energy storage can charge directly from renewables or from the electric grid during periods of high renewable energy production, and then export that energy back to the grid during periods of high demand and low renewable availability. This reduces the need to draw upon fossil fuel resources during high demand times, and thereby reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
However, to ensure that energy storage is used in this manner, state programs and policies designed to incentivize energy storage adoption must also be strategically structured to incentivize greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This webinar will feature two different state approaches to reducing emissions with energy storage.
The webinar will feature presentations by Brian McAuley, Principal Consultant with Verdant Associates, a consultant group that conducts an annual evaluation report on California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program, and Stephan Wollenburg, Director at Sustainable Energy Advantage, a consulting and advisory firm involved in the design of the Massachusetts’s Clean Peak Energy Standard. Dr. Imre Gyuk, Chief Scientist of Energy Storage Research at the U.S. Department of Energy, will give some brief remarks on this topic at the start of the webinar.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Brainfood: important report: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Mobilizing-Federal-Action-on-Plastic-Pollution-Progress-Principles-and-Priorities-July-2024.pdf
Notable quote, p. 8 of the report: Under business-as-usual production and management scenarios, plastic production may account for 15-31% of the global carbon budget by 2050, undermining efforts to keep global temperatures within a 1.5 degrees Celsius climate threshold. These trends in growth are unsustainable and should be reversed.
Bill McKibben writes: Your regular election-season reminder that you can keep track of payoffs from the fossil industry to its favorite politicians here.
Also from Bill McKibben - messaging matters
Genevieve Gunther’s new book is finally out. It’s really interesting and really useful. Here’s a little sampler, from Mother Jones
Her book lays out six key terms that she believes command the conversation, to the detriment of climate action: “alarmist,” “costs,” “growth,” “India and China,” “innovation,” and “resilience.”
These words are often used to prop up fossil fuels: by accusing people who speak out about the risks as overly alarmed, by pitting climate action against economic prosperity, by deflecting attention away from the US and onto other countries, and by protecting the status quo by pointing to carbon removal technologies and societies’ ability to bounce back. The book seeks to debunk these points of view, smartly documenting, for example, how economic models failed to account for the true costs of climate change for so long.
For each term, Guenther offers substitute arguments that “will be hard for fossil fuel interests to appropriate.” Don’t talk about “resilience,” she says, because it implies people can tough out extreme weather; talk about “transformation” instead. The result is a binary approach that suggests there is a right way and a wrong way to talk about the climate. This quest for black-and-white moral clarity risks antagonizing potential allies—such as the climate-concerned folks who think that carbon removal has promise or advocates who worry that a message could backfire if it sounds too scary, not to mention younger Republicans, two-thirds of whom favor prioritizing renewable energy over expanding fossil fuels. But that’s a risk Guenther is willing to take.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
-EPA New England is pleased to announce that the Healthy Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects that will benefit one or more New England communities. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 1, 11:59 p.m.
Project Eligibility
The Healthy Communities Grant Program will identify and fund projects that:
Target resources to benefit communities at risk (environmental justice areas of potential concern and/or sensitive populations [e.g., children, elderly, tribes, urban and rural residents, and others at increased risk]).
Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations (e.g., grassroots and/or community-based organizations). Eligible projects under this program must be located in and/or directly benefit one or more of the Target Investment Areas and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental and/or public health results in one or more of the Target Program Areas. More detailed descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Request for Applications.
Information Sessions To provide an overview of the application process and address questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host four virtual information sessions before the application
deadline. Sessions will take place at the following times:
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Please visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for a session, and for further details.
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update 8/05/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of August 5
-Join us for the New Hampshire Network 3rd Annual Green Summit - August 24th -to collaborate on statewide initiatives for a sustainable NH.
Register at bit.ly/EnvironmentalSummit
-The BIG news this week is the signing of HB 1649 which limits PFAS inclusion in a number of products. Congrats to Representative Ebel and all who worked on this bill’s passage and signing! An August 2nd press release from her office.
“Landmark legislation, HB 1649, became law today, prohibiting many commonly used consumer products with harmful PFAS from being sold in our state, including food packaging, children’s products, cosmetics, feminine hygiene products, carpets and furniture. Supported by a broad, bipartisan coalition, this hard-won effort will start to reduce PFAS use in New Hampshire, already so greatly burdened by forever chemical contamination, protecting our health, our drinking water and our environment.
This bill also ensures that industries will be held strictly liable to the state for cleanup, restoration, and other remediation costs due to PFAS contamination, while also creating a private right of action for individuals whose wells have been contaminated.
Granite Staters have the right to trust the products they buy and their drinking water without fear of negative, long-term health impacts. HB 1649's passage is a major, common-sense step to protect Granite Staters' health and our irreplaceable New Hampshire environment. Requiring PFAS to be removed from consumer products that we use daily and ensuring proper PFAS pollution cleanup is vital. The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil we walk on should be free of forever chemicals. We deserve nothing less.”
AUGUST MEETING OPPORTUNITIES:
August 7th: Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters for a Greener Granite State! An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH
RSVP to join us in Concord here: Concord Event with Ro Khanna and REP-NH/LCV Wednesday, 8/7/24 - 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (google.com)
August 10th: Join the 250th Bethlehem town celebration and advocate for “Save Forest Lake”
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxtlVZjCxzkFgLMLBdcXwDxNw
August 15th: UUActionNH has monthly meetings (meet each 3rd Thursday of the month) to share issues of environmental importance. Join them on August 15th for a webinar on composting.
https://secure.everyaction.com/pdX12RjP1Ei_FRUci01MoQ2
August 20: NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action): Climate cafe meeting
-Decision 2024 - Making the ENVIRONMENT an election PRIORITY.
A portion, albeit large portion, of this week’s summary includes past suggestions for becoming involved in the fall primary and the November election. People will choose to volunteer at different times, so previous week’s suggestions are offered, again. Pick and choose what is most appealing to you.
Postcards and canvassing are effective tools, and knocking on doors is already in progress. Contact your local candidates or favored political party to participate. Here is a link to several postcard writing options.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxlMmPCWKgfbvnGWHLgFMzDfn
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Ask the Candidates:
We at NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action) are asking our constituents to attend local candidate forums and ask pointed questions about the candidate’s commitment to climate action. We have prepared a set of sample questions as prompts:
Some sample Questions for Candidates:
Do you feel the NH legislature should act to support efforts by individuals, businesses, municipalities and utilities at reducing the rate of climate change that is occurring?
In light of its impact on our economy via reduced winter tourism and costly recovery from extreme weather events, and on the health of our citizens via vector-borne illness, air and water quality, heat stress and food reliability, what role do you think our state government should play in reducing human contributions to climate change?
Do you believe that the New Hampshire legislature should address the production of greenhouse gas emissions that is fueling the well-documented climate changes we have been seeing in New Hampshire?
As predicted by the scientists who study climate change, we in New Hampshire have seen a 75% increase in storms with more than 2” of rain in 24 hours, and other examples of extreme weather. If elected to the legislature, how would you address this increasing risk to our homes, roads, bridges, and businesses?
In central NH, we have seen a doubling of days with a heat index over 90 degrees since 1980. How should the state government respond to the increasing number of high heat days and their potential impact on the health of New Hampshire citizens, particularly the young and old?
What role do you believe that individuals, corporations, municipalities and state governments have in slowing the observed changes in our climate? Which can have the most impact?
What role do you think the state government should play in helping NH residents to become more resilient in the face of weather emergencies and effectively plan for them?
What specific programs or policies would you support to address the impact of extreme weather or climate change?
Do you feel the NH legislature should play a role in promoting clean energy and the electric grid upgrades that would be required?
Do you believe that our state PUC may need clearer guidance from the legislature in assuring funding for energy conservation through weatherization programs (i.e. NH Saves) and promoting clean energy source development?
Do you believe the State should take action to promote the development of off-shore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine?
ELECTION HELP from NH Network:
Talking points, Environment/Energy/Climate - NH issues
Environmental bills were often passed in a bipartisan manner in the past. This year, in many cases, whether or not a bill passed depended on who showed up to vote. We need to help make sure that legislators who care about the environment are elected, well-informed, and present at the State House for critical votes!
Weather is getting more variable and more extreme. Clear and universally accepted scientific evidence points to the burning of fossil fuels as the main reason for this, since it produces carbon dioxide, methane and other gasses that trap the sun's energy in the atmosphere, warming the planet. This means that average global and local temperatures have been rising for decades, and that strong storms and wildfires are becoming more likely. The impacts of global warming are already affecting New Hampshire residents and communities:
Higher temperatures and longer heat waves harm humans, especially the young and the old; flooding damages homes, businesses, roads; both heat and flooding destroy crops.
Longer summers mean the “vectors” (mosquitoes, ticks) that carry disease have longer to get established and do their harm.
Warmer waters allow more algal blooms (cyanobacteria) to invade our waterways, making the water unsafe for swimming and for pets.
Will our children see NH winters? Will they get to ski NH’s mountains? Skate, play ice hockey or go ice fishing on our ponds? Hike in the summer?
In spite of these real impacts, several NH beneficial bills were defeated in the legislature. These bills would have:
Established a Climate & Health Protection Program in the NH Department of Health & Human Services;
Included language in the NH Constitution that “the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations”;
Expanded the Comprehensive State Development plan to protect natural resources, identify environmental threats, and consider the mounting effects of cumulative threats to air, water and land; and
Identified all old growth and mature forests on public land. (Why do old and wild forests matter? Not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and absorbing flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.)
Not only were bills to protect New Hampshire's environment defeated, but numerous bills that would have supported the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources were also voted down. These bills targeted not only clean energy generation, such as solar and batteries, but also transportation and the building sectors.
Our 5 New England neighbors have committed to 80% or more renewable energy sources by 2050, while NH’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard is only 25% by 2025. Once again this year, no plan was accepted for increasing NH’s use of renewable energy, now proven to be both reliable and less expensive than fossil fuels. Yet on the State House floor, legislators continued the lie that only fossil fuels provide energy security.
In New Hampshire, the transportation sector is the largest consumer of energy and main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in air pollutants. However, the NH legislature voted down several bills, which included:
Providing incentives for the purchase or leasing of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including for low income residents; and
Developing light rail service in the state.
The current administration has been sitting on transportation funds from a legal settlement with VW, yet has not used the funds to create EV charging stations or help reduce other transportation emissions.
Our buildings are another huge source of energy consumption, energy costs, and GHG emissions. But the legislature undermined efforts to improve building energy consumption, with impacts that will last for decades. This included:
Adopting new building codes while rejecting more energy-efficient building standards (which would have reduced energy bills for occupants); and
Prohibiting towns and cities from adopting more ambitious building energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues whittling away at NH Saves, which helps with energy efficiency to homes and businesses.
For renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind, we need the Department of Energy to permit (not obstruct or slow-walk):
Many more transmission lines and newer transmission lines to connect the energy source to the home or business that would use it (that’s what is meant by “update the grid”);
More reasonable reimbursements for homes and businesses that have spent money for solar arrays, expecting to sell power back to the grid to help pay for their investment (that’s “net metering”);
Larger net metering projects, including for nonprofits like hospitals;
Community solar projects that would allow renters or people whose homes are shaded to invest in large solar arrays near their communities;
Offshore wind – New England’s most under-utilized natural resource.
Additional Environmental Issues: We need help to keep the land, air and water clean.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has determined that NH already has sufficient landfill capacity to serve us at least another 8 years, yet bills that would have stemmed the tide of new landfill construction and expansion were defeated:
Putting a moratorium on landfill permits until 2028, giving us time to get the technical information we need, and to address health and environmental concerns heard throughout the state.
Reducing the amount of trash that comes from out of state, from the current 50% to a manageable 15%.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has been relaxing landfill standards, even as proposed landfills threaten pristine lakes.
Landfills are a lucrative business for private waste management companies, who are known to have helped shape DES regulations to their advantage.
Other bills would have reduced our solid waste problems, but were defeated:
restricting single use plastic,
setting up a bottle deposit system,
standardizing labels for items that can be composted or recycled.
The lax regulatory standards of NH encourage facilities like the St. Gobain factory (responsible for much of NH’s current PFAS) and landfill businesses to situate themselves in NH.
Also, a bill to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in NH was defeated. Why do old and wild forests matter? Put simply: not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and sinking flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
-EPA New England is pleased to announce that the Healthy Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects that will benefit one or more New England communities. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 1, 11:59 p.m.
Project Eligibility
The Healthy Communities Grant Program will identify and fund projects that:
Target resources to benefit communities at risk (environmental justice areas of potential concern and/or sensitive populations [e.g., children, elderly, tribes, urban and rural residents, and others at increased risk]).
Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations (e.g., grassroots and/or community-based organizations). Eligible projects under this program must be located in and/or directly benefit one or more of the Target Investment Areas and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental and/or public health results in one or more of the Target Program Areas. More detailed descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Request for Applications.
Information Sessions To provide an overview of the application process and address questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host four virtual information sessions before the application
deadline. Sessions will take place at the following times:
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Please visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for a session, and for further details.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of July 29
-There is a lot in this week’s summary including several suggestions for raising climate issues as the election approaches. Pick and choose what is most effective for you.
-Join us for the New Hampshire Network 3rd Annual Green Summit - August 24th -to collaborate on statewide initiatives for a sustainable NH.
Register at bit.ly/EnvironmentalSummit
-Decision 2024 - Making the ENVIRONMENT an election PRIORITY. Regardless of one’s political persuasion, each of us cares about our family’s health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
Postcards and canvassing are effective tools, and knocking on doors in already in progress. Contact your local candidates or favored political party to participate. Here is a link to several postcard writing options.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzQVxlMmPCWKgfbvnGWHLgFMzDfn
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Ask the Candidates:
We at NH Healthy Climate (formerly NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action) are asking our constituents to attend local candidate forums and ask pointed questions about the candidate’s commitment to climate action. We have prepared a set of sample questions as prompts:
Some sample Questions for Candidates:
Do you feel the NH legislature should act to support efforts by individuals, businesses, municipalities and utilities at reducing the rate of climate change that is occurring?
In light of its impact on our economy via reduced winter tourism and costly recovery from extreme weather events, and on the health of our citizens via vector-borne illness, air and water quality, heat stress and food reliability, what role do you think our state government should play in reducing human contributions to climate change?
Do you believe that the New Hampshire legislature should address the production of greenhouse gas emissions that is fueling the well-documented climate changes we have been seeing in New Hampshire?
As predicted by the scientists who study climate change, we in New Hampshire have seen a 75% increase in storms with more than 2” of rain in 24 hours, and other examples of extreme weather. If elected to the legislature, how would you address this increasing risk to our homes, roads, bridges, and businesses?
In central NH, we have seen a doubling of days with a heat index over 90 degrees since 1980. How should the state government respond to the increasing number of high heat days and their potential impact on the health of New Hampshire citizens, particularly the young and old?
What role do you believe that individuals, corporations, municipalities and state government have in slowing the observed changes in our climate? Which can have the most impact?
What role do you think the state government should play in helping NH residents to become more resilient in the face of weather emergencies and effectively plan for them?
What specific programs or policies would you support to address the impact of extreme weather or climate change?
Do you feel the NH legislature should play a role in promoting clean energy and the electric grid upgrades that would be required?
Do you believe that our state PUC may need clearer guidance from the legislature in assuring funding for energy conservation through weatherization programs (i.e. NH Saves) and promoting clean energy source development?
Do you believe the State should take action to promote the development of off-shore wind energy in the Gulf of Maine?
ELECTION HELP from NH Network:
Talking points, Environment/Energy/Climate - NH issues
Environmental bills were often passed in a bipartisan manner in the past. This year, in many cases, whether or not a bill passed depended on who showed up to vote. We need to help make sure that legislators who care about the environment are elected, well-informed, and present at the State House for critical votes!
Weather is getting more variable and more extreme. Clear and universally accepted scientific evidence points to the burning of fossil fuels as the main reason for this, since it produces carbon dioxide, methane and other gasses that trap the sun's energy in the atmosphere, warming the planet. This means that average global and local temperatures have been rising for decades, and that strong storms and wildfires are becoming more likely. The impacts of global warming are already affecting New Hampshire residents and communities:
Higher temperatures and longer heat waves harm humans, especially the young and the old; flooding damages homes, businesses, roads; both heat and flooding destroy crops.
Longer summers mean the “vectors” (mosquitoes, ticks) that carry disease have longer to get established and do their harm.
Warmer waters allow more algal blooms (cyanobacteria) to invade our waterways, making the water unsafe for swimming and for pets.
Will our children see NH winters? Will they get to ski NH’s mountains? Skate, play ice hockey or go ice fishing on our ponds? Hike in the summer?
In spite of these real impacts, several NH beneficial bills were defeated in the legislature. These bills would have:
Established a Climate & Health Protection Program in the NH Department of Health & Human Services;
Included language in the NH Constitution that “the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations”;
Expanded the Comprehensive State Development plan to protect natural resources, identify environmental threats, and consider the mounting effects of cumulative lthreats to air, water and land; and
Identified all old growth and mature forests on public land. (Why do old and wild forests matter? Not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and absorbing flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.)
Not only were bills to protect New Hampshire's environment defeated, but numerous bills that would have supported the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy sources were also voted down. These bills targeted not only clean energy generation, such as solar and batteries, but also transportation and the building sectors.
Our 5 New England neighbors have committed to 80% or more renewable energy sources by 2050, while NH’s current Renewable Portfolio Standard is only 25% by 2025. Once again this year, no plan was accepted for increasing NH’s use of renewable energy, now proven to be both reliable and less expensive than fossil fuels. Yet on the State House floor, legislators continued the lie that only fossil fuels provide energy security.
In New Hampshire, the transportation sector is the largest consumer of energy and main source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in air pollutants. However, the NH legislature voted down several bills, which included:
Providing incentives for the purchase or leasing of Electric Vehicles (EVs), including for low income residents; and
Developing light rail service in the state.
The current administration has been sitting on transportation funds from a legal settlement with VW, yet has not used the funds to create EV charging stations or help reduce other transportation emissions.
Our buildings are another huge source of energy consumption, energy costs, and GHG emissions. But the legislature undermined efforts to improve building energy consumption, with impacts that will last for decades. This included:
Adopting new building codes while rejecting more energy-efficient building standards (which would have reduced energy bills for occupants); and
Prohibiting towns and cities from adopting more ambitious building energy efficiency standards.
Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) continues whittling away at NH Saves, which helps with energy efficiency to homes and businesses.
For renewable sources of energy such as solar and wind, we need the Department of Energy to permit (not obstruct or slow-walk):
Many more transmission lines and newer transmission lines to connect the energy source to the home or business that would use it (that’s what is meant by “update the grid”);
More reasonable reimbursements for homes and businesses that have spent money for solar arrays, expecting to sell power back to the grid to help pay for their investment (that’s “net metering”);
Larger net metering projects, including for nonprofits like hospitals;
Community solar projects that would allow renters or people whose homes are shaded to invest in large solar arrays near their communities;
Offshore wind – New England’s most under-utilized natural resource.
Additional Environmental Issues: We need help to keep the land, air and water clean.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has determined that NH already has sufficient landfill capacity to serve us at least another 8 years, yet bills that would have stemmed the tide of new landfill construction and expansion were defeated:
Putting a moratorium on landfill permits until 2028, giving us time to get the technical information we need, and to address health and environmental concerns heard throughout the state.
Reducing the amount of trash that comes from out of state, from the current 50% to a manageable 15%.
The Department of Environmental Services (DES) has been relaxing landfill standards, even as proposed landfills threaten pristine lakes.
Landfills are a lucrative business for private waste management companies, who are known to have helped shape DES regulations to their advantage.
Other bills would have reduced our solid waste problems, but were defeated:
restricting single use plastic,
setting up a bottle deposit system,
standardizing labels for items that can be composted or recycled.
The lax regulatory standards of NH encourage facilities like the St. Gobain factory (responsible for much of NH’s current PFAS) and landfill businesses to situate themselves in NH.
Also, a bill to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in NH was defeated. Why do old and wild forests matter? Put simply: not all forests are equal when it comes to slowing, spreading, and sinking flood waters, supporting native biodiversity, removing phosphorus from our waters, mitigating climate change, and reconnecting people with nature.
-Most of the environment, energy and climate bills were decided by voice vote, so there is no record of how any single legislator voted. Here are four significant bills for which there is a voting record for anyone who was in the legislature this past year.
The voting question on the floor for these 4 bills could be:
OTP = Ought to Pass
ITL = Inexpedient to Legislate
OTPA = Ought to pass with amendment
(other possible votes include: to table a bill, indefinitely postpone, reconsider, or send it for interim study)
Date of final vote
Bill number
Bill title
The question
Discussion
2/22/24
HB1472
Relative to rebates of energy efficiency funds for electric vehicles.
(There were also votes to Indefinitely Postpone, to Table and to Reconsider.)
OTP
Yea means supporting funds for EV purchase.
RESULT: defeated, then tabled 2/24
3/07/24
CACR14
Relating to the environment and natural resources. Providing that the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations.
ITL
Yea means go ahead and kill this bill.
Nay means do NOT kill this bill.
RESULT: ITL 197-168, 3/24
4/11/24
HB1649
Relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems.
(There were also votes whether or not to Table and on specific amendments.)
OTPA
Yea means in support of this bill as amended.
RESULT: OTPA 233-140, 4/24
5/02/24
SB496
Directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program.
ITL
Yea means go ahead and kill this bill.
Nay means do NOT kill this bill.
RESULT: ITL 186-182, 5/24
To see how a legislator voted:
For those who were a Senator or a Representative this past season,
> go to www.gencourt.state.nh.us
> for a Senator, go to Senate > select Senators > choose the Senator from the Roster and click on Current Voting Record
> for a Rep, go to House > then select House Roster > and “Select a Member” > then choose “Voting Record”
MEETING OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE NETWORK
Third Act New Hampshire teams with our national organization of seniors and local NH partners for collective actions to help stabilize the climate, and protect our democracy. You can check us out on our website at https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/ and at statewide meetings on the third Thursday of the month.
An overview of a number of activities scheduled by Third Act NH over the Summer and early Fall. Much of the near term focus involves connecting climate, democracy and voting in the Fall election. Please check out current plans at https://thirdact.org/new-hampshire/events/
Tuesday, July 30, 12-1pm Energy Storage for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Webinar
-States are increasingly adopting ambitious clean energy and climate goals, which will require both renewable generation and energy storage technologies. Energy storage can charge directly from renewables or from the electric grid during periods of high renewable energy production, and then export that energy back to the grid during periods of high demand and low renewable availability. This reduces the need to draw upon fossil fuel resources during high demand times, and thereby reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
However, to ensure that energy storage is used in this manner, state programs and policies designed to incentivize energy storage adoption must also be strategically structured to incentivize greenhouse gas emissions reduction. This webinar will feature two different state approaches to reducing emissions with energy storage.
The webinar will feature presentations by Brian McAuley, Principal Consultant with Verdant Associates, a consultant group that conducts an annual evaluation report on California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program, and Stephan Wollenburg, Director at Sustainable Energy Advantage, a consulting and advisory firm involved in the design of the Massachusetts’s Clean Peak Energy Standard. Dr. Imre Gyuk, Chief Scientist of Energy Storage Research at the U.S. Department of Energy, will give some brief remarks on this topic at the start of the webinar.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Brainfood: important report: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Mobilizing-Federal-Action-on-Plastic-Pollution-Progress-Principles-and-Priorities-July-2024.pdf
Notable quote, p. 8 of the report: Under business-as-usual production and management scenarios, plastic production may account for 15-31% of the global carbon budget by 2050, undermining efforts to keep global temperatures within a 1.5 degrees Celsius climate threshold. These trends in growth are unsustainable and should be reversed.
Bill McKibben writes: Your regular election-season reminder that you can keep track of payoffs from the fossil industry to its favorite politicians here.
Also from Bill McKibben - messaging matters
Genevieve Gunther’s new book is finally out. It’s really interesting and really useful. Here’s a little sampler, from Mother Jones
Her book lays out six key terms that she believes command the conversation, to the detriment of climate action: “alarmist,” “costs,” “growth,” “India and China,” “innovation,” and “resilience.”
These words are often used to prop up fossil fuels: by accusing people who speak out about the risks as overly alarmed, by pitting climate action against economic prosperity, by deflecting attention away from the US and onto other countries, and by protecting the status quo by pointing to carbon removal technologies and societies’ ability to bounce back. The book seeks to debunk these points of view, smartly documenting, for example, how economic models failed to account for the true costs of climate change for so long.
For each term, Guenther offers substitute arguments that “will be hard for fossil fuel interests to appropriate.” Don’t talk about “resilience,” she says, because it implies people can tough out extreme weather; talk about “transformation” instead. The result is a binary approach that suggests there is a right way and a wrong way to talk about the climate. This quest for black-and-white moral clarity risks antagonizing potential allies—such as the climate-concerned folks who think that carbon removal has promise or advocates who worry that a message could backfire if it sounds too scary, not to mention younger Republicans, two-thirds of whom favor prioritizing renewable energy over expanding fossil fuels. But that’s a risk Guenther is willing to take.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
-EPA New England is pleased to announce that the Healthy Communities Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects that will benefit one or more New England communities. EPA plans to award approximately 15 cooperative agreements for amounts up to $40,000. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, November 1, 11:59 p.m.
Project Eligibility
The Healthy Communities Grant Program will identify and fund projects that:
Target resources to benefit communities at risk (environmental justice areas of potential concern and/or sensitive populations [e.g., children, elderly, tribes, urban and rural residents, and others at increased risk]).
Assess, understand, and reduce environmental and human health risks.
Increase collaboration through partnerships and community-based projects.
Build institutional and community capacity to understand and solve environmental and human health problems.
Achieve measurable environmental and human health benefits.
Eligible applicants include state and local governments, public nonprofit institutions or organizations, private nonprofit institutions or organizations, quasi-public nonprofit institutions or organizations, federally recognized Tribal governments, K-12 schools or school districts, and nonprofit organizations (e.g., grassroots and/or community-based organizations). Eligible projects under this program must be located in and/or directly benefit one or more of the Target Investment Areas and identify how the proposed project will achieve measurable environmental and/or public health results in one or more of the Target Program Areas. More detailed descriptions of the target areas can be found in the 2024 Request for Applications.
Information Sessions To provide an overview of the application process and address questions from prospective applicants, the Healthy Communities Grant Program will host four virtual information sessions before the application
deadline. Sessions will take place at the following times:
August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
September 10, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET
October 2, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET
Please visit the Healthy Communities webpage to register for a session, and for further details.
Weekly Update 7/10/24
health and the NH way of life. Network summaries will offer tips for meeting/engaging candidates and their positions on energy, climate and the environment. Spot a candidate? Use the opportunity to ask them a question about the environment! View these ideas and more at newhampshirenetwork.org/events June 13 “Climate Voters Unite.” OPTIONS OFFERED BELOW.
-Meeting the Challenge of Climate Change
In a recent “Green Monadnock” column, MSH board member Matthew Boulton breaks down the complexities and challenges of climate change into three simple questions: What’s going on? Why is it important? What can we do? With these questions, he puts into context the challenge we face and gives some clear, concrete steps we can take to be a part of the solution. You can read Matthew’s column here.
Network Meetings
Friday, July 12 7 pm NH Network Climate Working Group -
There's never been a more defining election cycle for the climate. One candidate has offered the fossil fuel industry carte blanche if its executives will give him $1 billion in campaign contributions. The other has committed the U.S. to a 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030 (from the 2005 level) goal and signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, the CHIPS Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, which together put us within 10% of achieving that goal. Most NH voters care about climate change and want it addressed, but don't think to ask their candidates' opinions about it. You can help them connect the dots!
Did you catch the NH Network's three recent climate events? Each provided a different aspect of climate solutions advocacy with valuable information from experts - these are all well worth your time:
Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Other Meetings: MEET THE CANDIDATES
Thursday, July 11 - this program will run from 5 to 7 pm
We are lucky to have two stellar candidates running for NH's 2nd Congressional District, Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern. Join us for a panel discussion moderated by former congresswoman, the Honorable Carol Shea-Porter.
SIGN UP HERE to have a zoom link sent to you.
July 15th 6:30 pm Gubernatorial Candidate Q&A
The Common Man, N. Main St., Plymouth
RSVP required: Email joyce.weston@plymouthareademocrats.org
Tuesday, July 16th 5:30 PM – 7 PM League of Conservation Voters:
Join Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire & The League of Conservation Voters.
An Evening in Support of Candidates for State Office in NH. The Home of Rep. Peter Lovett and Kim Godfrey Lovett 46 Lane Road, Holderness, New Hampshire
Responsible Environmental Protection for New Hampshire (REP-NH) supports candidates for public office in the Granite State that share environmental & Climate Action values. It is imperative for our future that new leadership takes office in 2025 to move our state forward and build a resilient and positive future for our citizens. RSVP to join us in Holderness: RSVP - Support Environmental Champions - 7/16/24 in Holderness, NH (google.com)
For more information, contact Rob Werner, NH State Director, League of Conservation Voters rob_werner@lcv.org or (603) 674-9810
TRAINING
From Kent Street: If you are looking for some instructional information on effective canvassing, I would suggest https://www.youtube.com/@conversationcanvassingnh. These are a series of videos created by a group in Grafton County (I think the longest one is about 14 minutes). They also offer a free workshop to train people on how to approach people that may not be receptive to your message.
We are having a Meet the Candidates event for our canvassers to informally chat with candidates (no big presentations). joannecasino@comcast.net
Monadnock Sustainability Hub: Municipal Solar Grant Program is Open
The NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) will be receiving a $1.6 million grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. With this award, the NHDOE has established a grant program to fund municipal solar projects both to lower municipal energy costs and local property taxes. Proposals for municipal solar projects are due by August 1st, 2024. More information on this and other clean energy funding can be found at NHDOE’s website under RFP 2024-006 Municipal Solar Grant Program. Monadnock Energy Circuit Rider Frank Richter is available to help with applications. He can be contacted at frank@cleanenergynh.org.
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem. Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments, PDF or word
Letters are strongest when including concrete examples of how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business.
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
FUNDING NEWS from the office of Senator Jeanne Shaheen
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Please reach out if we can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant. Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. For a complete list of IRA and BIL grants & programs please check out the IRA Guidebook and the BIL Guidebook. New resource! Check out EPA’s Clean Energy Finance Tools and Resources.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced grant funding to help coastal and Great Lakes communities protect the health of beachgoers. The funding will assist many states, Tribes, and territories in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches, including New Hampshire, who will receive $194,000 in grant funding from this program. Please visit the NH Department of Environmental Services website for Healthy Swimming Monitoring in New Hampshire.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $18.5 million to four states and 20 local governments for the next round of formula grants through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. These projects, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help advance state and local governments efforts to improve energy efficiency, reduce climate pollution, and lower overall energy use. The New Hampshire Department of Energy received $1.6 million and has launched a Municipal Solar Grant Program with the funds. NH DOE is accepting proposals until August 1. Please visit NH DOE’s website to learn more.
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to lead the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Blueprint Cohorts, a key technical assistance program offered to the nearly 2,700 state, Tribal, and local governments throughout the country eligible for EECBG funding. ACEEE, along with a team of partner organizations, including the University of New Hampshire Carsey School of Public Policy, will provide training and educational materials to build the capacity of local governments and Tribes as they implement EECBG-funded projects. The EECBG Program provides eligible communities $431 million in flexible federal funds to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and grow renewable energy projects.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
The Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country. One awardee is The Greater Boston Coastal Resilience Jobs Alliance
The Wildfire Crisis Strategy now includes USDA Forest Service’s threat analysis report, addressing the durability, distribution, and redundancy of mature and old-growth forests facing threats like wildfire, insects, disease and changing climate. It also provides information for climate-informed stewardship of these forests. More information including links for public meetings are at the National Old Growth Amendment website.
Join Surfrider and help protect the ocean, waves and beaches for all people
Weekly Update 6/16/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of June 16
The legislative season has ended, yet there are a few more opportunities to act. Also, a year end summary of legislative successes and disappointments are listed.
Urge Governor Sununu to Veto HB 1187: This bill, relative to prohibiting lease agreements of equipment for building or facility improvements, will require a supermajority vote at town meeting in order for municipalities to engage in energy performance contracts. These contracts are a popular method that many towns and cities use to invest in efficiency upgrades in their schools or public buildings. HB 1187 will virtually guarantee that fewer cost effective energy efficiency projects are completed, and will raise costs for taxpayers.
The bill was amended to include an exception for these kinds of upgrades, but that exception has a 3-year sunset provision tied to it. That means three years of uncertainty and economic disruption, followed by the imposition of this problematic change, in the best case scenario.
Is your town or city considering an energy efficiency project? This bill could reduce your community’s options, and is an attack on free market solutions to the difficult economic incentives posed by the long payback periods of some energy savings projects. We think that municipal perspectives should be particularly compelling to the governor, so please also consider forwarding this email to your community’s elected officials or professional staff.
Ask them to encourage the Governor to veto this bill. HB 1187 is a solution in search of a problem and Governor Sununu should veto the bill when it reaches his desk. governorsununu@nh.gov or 603-271-2121.
The PUC still has not resolved the Net Metering Docket, which is needed to maintain the incentives that support solar. This may sound familiar, but once again please write the PUC, and send copies to the DOE and the Governor.
Find talking points at: https://www.cleanenergynh.org/nem
Send your letter to the PUC: ClerksOffice@PUC.NH.gov
with copies to the DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov
and governorsununu@nh.gov,
Be sure to reference: PUC Docket DE 22-060
Ideally letters are sent as attachments (PDF or word),
Letters are strongest when include how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business (concrete examples are best)
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
More examples can be found in the comments submitted to the NH PUC at the bottom of this website for the NEM docket.
Help Forest Lake and the North Country:
1. PLEASE attend the Monday, June 17 Dalton Selectboard meeting at the town municipal building, which begins at 6:30PM, Dalton Municipal Building, 756 Dalton Road, Dalton, NH 03598
2. In person, attend the "DENY The Dump" Rally on Wednesday, June 26, at 4PM in front of the Dalton Municipal Building (before the 5PM Army Corps informational meeting). We need a HUGE crowd to show up, with signs, urging Army Corp to do the right thing and DENY the permit application under consideration.
3. In person or virtual: Information meeting with Army Corps of Engineers,
June 26 at the Dalton Municipal Building, 756 Dalton Road, Dalton, NH 03598
5:00PM – 7:00PM Public Meeting: USACE Review process, Project Description, Q&A Session
7:30PM-8:30PM Roundtable Discussion, Meaningful Engagement and Discussions on Environmental Justice Concerns
The applicant (Casella) will make a presentation and be available to answer questions related to the project.
Hybrid option link: Log into WebEx Meeting Number: 199 945 8471
Join by video system: Dial cenae-pa@usace1.webex.com
You can also dial 207.182.190.20 and enter your meeting number.
Join by phone: 1-844-800-2712 US Toll Free; 1-669-234-1177 US Toll
Access code: 199 945 8471
Public Notice Link: https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory/PublicNotices/Article/3735000/nae-2021-02240/
BEFORE JULY 3, write the the US Army Corps of Engineers to deny the permit for this landfill in the middle of the Ammonoosuc River watershed right next to Forest Lake State Park.
Comment Period Begins: May 28, 2024
Comment Period Ends: July 3, 2024
File Number: NAE-2021-02240
Phone: (978) 318-8295
Email: CENAE-R-PN-NH@usace.army.mil
PUBLIC NOTICE As described in the original public notice, comments should be submitted in writing by the above date. If you have any questions, please contact USACE, Regulatory Division, at CENAE-R-PN-NH@usace.army.mil, (978) 318-8295 (800) 343-4789 or (800) 362-
4367.
Some good bills passed:
SB 391 relative to electric grid interconnection - needed to get projects connected to the grid.
HB 1431 relative to utility requirements for integrated distribution planning - needed for energy planning.
HB 1499 establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps
HB 558 requiring the department of energy to initiate a microgrid study.
HB 1649 relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems.
HB 1143 including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program.
HB 1221 relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact.
Some bad bills have been stopped:
HB 1623 relative to involuntary retirement or decommissioning of electricity generators - stripped of provisions that would have hindered renewable energy.
HB 1332 relative to prohibiting electric vehicles from parking in parking garages.
HB 1333 relative to prohibiting state agencies from buying or leasing fleet electric vehicles for 10 years.
And there were disappointments:
HB 1600 original title: “relative to participation in net energy metering” - was turned into a study committee, stalling for another year.
HB 242 relative to banning PFAS in food packaging.
HB 465 restricting use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain consumer products
Numerous landfill bills: SB 227, HB 300, HB 462, HB 602, HB 1145, HB 1620, HB 1632.
To all of this, we say that NEXT YEAR we get another chance, and we come closer.
Now we wait to see what the Governor will sign…
ACTION STILL NEEDED!
The next stage of NH’s Climate Action Plan, the “Comprehensive Climate Action Plan” (CCAP), where NH competes for the big money, is due out by August 15. PLEASE WRITE US WITH YOUR IDEAS no later than July 10 – for what you want to see in this plan, how to go about it, goals and/or timelines. Send your ideas to newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com or susan7richman@gmail.com . We will consolidate your recommendations and send them to the right people in an engaging and compelling letter!
ELECTION NEWS
If you suddenly have the urge to run for office, check with Jonathan George (859) 519-8146 and Julian Sutcliffe (603) 657-4401 to find out if they can help you get on the ticket, if there is an opening in your town.
350NH has started their endorsement process to help elect climate champions to the State House!
If you are running for office please fill out our 350NH Action endorsement questionnaire as completely as possible to be considered for an endorsement. If you are not running for office but you know someone who is - you can help us too! Nominate a local climate champion here! And forward this email to them so they’ll know to fill out our questionnaire to be considered for endorsement.
Deadline for returning 350NH’s questionnaire: June 21
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Summer 2024
-June 19 3 pm Municipal Energy Committees - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
You can view recordings of previous meetings at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy
-June 19, 6pm Maria Finnegan (of NH Healthcare Workers, see her info on CHICKS below), will explain and walk us through a Climate Cafe - for our Climate WG meeting (a week later than usual)- Join online: https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
-Thursday, June 20th 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Wolfeboro Town Hall (84 S Main St)
The Lake Winnipesaukee Association in partnership with Miracle Farms Landscaping and the Wentworth Watershed Association, is hosting a Lake Friendly Landscaping Workshop!
Join us to learn what you can do on your property to protect our lakes! Discover how native plants can protect the shoreline, enhance habitat, and support local wildlife and biodiversity. We'll also cover methods to prevent, reduce, and manage erosion and stormwater runoff, and how to avoid lake pollution.
This event is FREE and open to the public! We kindly request that you register to help us plan accordingly.
Register Here or with QR Code For more info, contact Bree Rossiter
603-619-8703
-Plastics - Sun, June 30, 6pm https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Minutes and recordings at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/plastics-working-group
-Environment - Wed, June 26, 5pm https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1#success
Recordings of past meetings at
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/environment-working-group
The Aftermath of Fast Fashion: Textile Waste and Environmental Impact
Wednesday, June 26th from 6:00-7:15 PM - Virtual Event
After oil, fast fashion is the second most polluting industry on the planet, producing 4% of the world's total carbon emissions. It takes 2,000 gallons of water to make just 1 pair of jeans. 87% of materials used to make clothing are landfilled — one truckload every second. The fashion industry causes 35% of the plastic waste in the oceans and only 1% of clothes are recycled into new garments. (Source: 47 Official Sustainable Fashion Statistics).
Presenter: Julia DeVoy, PhD, MTS, MBA, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs and Students, Boston College
Dr. DeVoy will trace the current status of textile waste in the United States, its global public health impacts, and associated issues of environmental injustice.
AUG 24- SAVE THE DATE!!
2024 Keep NH Green Summit, Saturday, August 24, 9:30am-12:30pm at Starr King UU Fellowship in Plymouth NH
August 24 we’ll be hosting the second annual in-person Keep NH Green Environmental Summit in Plymouth, NH. The goal this year is to determine areas where, by working together, the state’s environmental groups can be a force for more positive action in New Hampshire. Please share this date with your other networks, and email us at newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com to help shape our goals for this special event. What do you think is possible? Email to help plan the agenda: newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com
We hope this will be a COLLABORATIVE event, in which we set goals for actions we can work on together. Here are just a few possibilities:
communication with every town and city about environmental goals that might be within reach
banding together on a single issue that we'll all give our greatest effort (landfills? safe water?)
protecting vigorous energy efficiency measures
developing communication networks for our singular message (municipal TV stations? "the environment is on the ballot"?)
For the issues we decide to adopt, we'd have time to flesh out teams and timelines.
PLEASE REGISTER (and you can indicate interest in helping plan the agenda): https://bit.ly/Interested2024Summit
(byo brown bag lunch - Zero waste event)
AND………………….SEE NEXT PAGE:
From CAW: Grassroots Organizing Summit hosted by Community Action Works and other grassroots organizations on Saturday June 22nd, 2024 at UMass Boston.
You can apply to attend at this link here to join community groups to share organizing experiences, meet with other community activists, attend issue briefings and get help organizing your own community.
upcoming train the trainer webinar for lead awareness that you might find useful, since I know many of you are doing work in lead. This training is part of a National EPA contract for lead education. Here is the link for the webpage for more information, it has the full curriculum in English and Spanish and links to recorded sessions at the bottom, and there is more information on the registration link. I can also send the link to recordings to anyone interested but unable to attend.
—-----------------
Upcoming Virtual Train the Trainer Sessions:
Tuesday, June 25, 2024, 1—3:30 p.m. EDT (Presented in English)
Below is a description of the course:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites you to join us for a 2.5-hour Train-the-Trainer webinar to learn about the Lead Awareness in Indian Country: Keeping our Children Healthy! Curriculum (commonly referred to as the Lead Awareness Curriculum). By the end of the webinar, participants will know simple actions they can take to reduce lead exposure, be familiar with all materials included within the Lead Awareness Curriculum, understand how the curriculum is designed to be modified to fit an individual community’s needs, and have a plan for how to facilitate sessions in their own communities. Attendees will receive a digital certificate of participation upon completion of the webinar. The curriculum was built with tribes but designed to be adaptable for all communities. It is designed to be taught by community leaders with experience educating and training members of their community. Prior knowledge of lead or lead exposure is not required to teach the curriculum. To learn more and to download the curriculum, visit https://www.epa.gov/lead/tribal-lead-curriculum.
Weekly Update 5/19/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of May 19 to May 26, 2024
Hello Friends,
Candidates for the Legislature and Executive Council will register by June 14. What are your organizations and municipalities planning to do, to help citizens know the candidates? NH Network is gathering your information to share with members – so we can make sure the Environment is top of mind for voters this year. Please send your information to newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com – and join us on June 13 when we’ll learn how other NH environmental groups will be a force in this election: “Climate Voters Unite!” on zoom at 6pm.
PS If you registered Independent and want to vote in the Primaries, you have until June 4 to change your registration.
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of May 19 to 26
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
(Thank you to Susan Richman and Donna Reardon for organizing this information.)
This week’s bills are in three sections. The first section is action items for this week. The second section is two bills with mixed results. The third section is current bills with outcomes the Network supported. A lot of good news other than disappointment on landfill initiatives.
SECTION I:
-These bills will be debated on the Senate Floor, May 23. Ask your Senator to support them. More information is available via the Network link https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
- NH HB 1415 Title: relative to PFAS facility liability. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/23/2024, Vote 5-0; SC 20)
- NH HB 1678 Title: establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/23/2024, Vote 7-0; SC 20)
NH HB 1059 Relative to the state building code. Although this bill is not scheduled for debate, please ask your Senator to request a FLOOR DEBATE, and then request the McWilliams amendment to include 2021 Energy Building Codes. Otherwise buildings will be 10% less efficient with this bill.
-These bills will be a voice vote without debate, and probably don’t need further support:
- NH HB 1221 Title: relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2024-1942s, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
- NH HB 1320 Title: relative to real property and flood risk disclosure. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2024-1954s, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
- NH HB 1490 Title: relative to the solid waste management act. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
SECTION II (mixed results):
- NH HB 1499 Title: establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
NH SB 543 Title establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council.(Committee Report: Ought to Pass 05/14/2024; Vote 14-3; CC; HC 20) Will be voted on in the HOUSE.
SECTION III successes:
These bills are “done” for the season. Either they are INTERIM STUDY- some legislators may choose to work on them this summer. (Otherwise, it is dead with dignity.) INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE (dead without dignity) or OUGHT TO PASS: let’s see what the Governor does; but the Legislature has approved it.
NH HB 1036 Title: relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1103 Title: relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1726s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1121 Title: relative to creating certain wetlands permit exemptions after a natural disaster or flooding event. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2024-1947s, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
- NH HB 1139 Title: relative to location of conventional septic systems relative to the seasonal high water table. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1143 Title: including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1103 Title: relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1726s, MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1139 Title: relative to location of conventional septic systems relative to the seasonal high water table. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1181 Title: relative to solid waste districts. -- (Last action: May 16, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/16/2024, Vote 3-0; SC 19)
- NH HB 1221 Title: relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. -- (Last action: May 23, 2024, Senate: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment #2024-1942s, 05/23/2024; Vote 5-0; CC; SC 20)
- NH HB 1293 Title: (New Title) relative to the use of certain fertilizers on turf. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1371 Title: relative to allowing the land use master plan to include a section on waste reduction. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass: MA, VV; OT3rdg; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1649 Title: relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment 2024-1899s, MA, VV; Refer to Finance Rule 4-5; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
SECTION III defeats/disappointments:
- NH HB 602 Title: relative to landfill siting. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1145 Title: prohibiting the private ownership of landfills. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1314 Title: relative to the comprehensive state development plan. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1620 Title: relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1687 Title: relative to disposal of construction and demolition debris from state construction projects. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 1632 Title: relative to out-of-state solid waste. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
- NH HB 622 Title: (New Title) relative to the grid modernization advisory group. -- (Last action: May 15, 2024, Senate: Refer to Interim Study, MA, VV; 05/15/2024; SJ 12)
NH Network Events:
-Sunday, May 19 6 pm Plastics Working Group
Here is the agenda for Sunday’s meeting - any additions, please let Cindy Heath know. Summer meetings will take place on June 30 & July 28. Regular meeting scheduled to resume August 11. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-Monday, May 20 - Climate Solutions Update 2024: Peek Under the Hood of the New En-ROADS! 5:30 online, REGISTER AT: bit.ly/2024-nh-network-en-roads
MIT Sloan and Climate Interactive's En-ROADS climate policy simulator gives powerful insight into actions and policies that can get us to our climate goals. Pose your questions, see what happens as we tinker with the possibilities.
-Wednesday, May 22 5 pm Environmental Working Group
This week’s environment working group meeting will provide an intro to our environmental justice efforts in conjunction with CLF and other organizations.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-June 12, 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
-June 13 6 pm - Climate Voters Unite! Learn how you can be involved with other environmental groups to make the environment an important issue in the upcoming elections. Registration TBA
-June 19 3 pm Municipal Energy Committees - https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
You can view recordings of previous meetings at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/energy
-June 26 6 pm - The Aftermath of Fast Fashion, with Dr. Julia DeVoy. Registration TBA
-August 24 - Keep NH Green Environmental Summit 2024 in-person at Starr King in Plymouth, NH. Email to help plan the agenda: newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com
Legislative Policy Working Group- STILL ASKING YOU TO speak with your Senator; CHECK FOR this week’s actions at www.newhampshirenetwork.org Will let you know when our Friday meetings resume - but please contact Chris@cleanenergynh.org with your ideas of legislation for next session!
MORE EVENTS!
Here is a great opportunity to socialize with other Third Actors while making a difference!
-Tuesday, May 21, 1:30 at the Concord Food Coop. We will be writing postcards to Montana voters. Come grab yourself a delicious lunch, snack or drink and help registered Montana individuals develop the habit of voting. We will provide postcards, stamps, addresses and the script to write on the postcards. Bring or refer a friend!
Looking forward to seeing you there. Please RSVP only if you plan to attend: thirdactnh@gmail.com
-Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:00pm Intro to Social Media: The Modern Tools of Advocacy and Activism
Do you want to be more involved in online activism? Join us for our Intro to Social Media training on. Learn the basics of digital advocacy across the popular social media platforms of today.
RSVP at: opendemocracynh.org/social_media_intro
-Wednesday, May 22 6 pm A prayer/learning/discussion at St. Patrick’s School Bld in Pelham Earth Day/Laudato Si’ Week Guide: Healing Our Throwaway Culture - Focus on Plastics, as well as referencing the UCC Plastic Jesus: Real Faith in a Synthetic World , as a preparation for Plastic Free July.
Three opportunities to learn what’s happening with Offshore Wind:
Thursday, May 23, 2024, Time: 6-8 p.m Offshore Wind VIRTUAL: General Public, registration required Registration
-Offshore Wind IN-PERSON MEETINGS:
BOEM will host these “open-house” style in-person meetings to allow the public to talk with BOEM’s scientists and other personnel. This informal format allows people to ask questions and share information directly with BOEM employees on the Proposed Sale Notice. Registration is encouraged. More info: BOEM's website
Open House – Portland, Maine
Date: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 5-8 pm
Location: Holiday Inn Portland-by the Bay (88 Spring Street Portland, ME 04101)
Open House – Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 2024 5-8 pm
Location: Urban Forestry Center (45 Elwyn Rd, Portsmouth, NH 03801)
June 3-4: NRRA conference, Northeast Resource Recovery Association annual recycling conference in Concord.
-June 4, 12-3 pm. ISO-NE Consumer liaison group (CLG) has its quarterly meeting.
Attend in person (Holyoke, MA, where you'll get a "free" lunch) or via Webex.
Why attend? To show ISO-NE that ratepayers care and that we're watching what they do. Traditionally, the CLG has been made up of industry people-- supporters of fossil fuels. You may recall that in November of 2022, 6 of the 12 members of the CLG that got elected were climate activists working with groups like 350.org and NoCoalNoGas. (See the Ballroom COup article by Don Kreis) These members are forcing the group -- and ISO-NE --to think and talk about climate change.
Go here to register: https://www.iso-ne.com/event-details?eventId=153989
More info on the Consumer Liaison Group: https://www.iso-ne.com/committees/industry-collaborations/consumer-liaison
Even if you attend via webex -- you don't necessarily have to pay attention the whole time, do laundry, do your dishes... we just want lots of people to show ISO-NE that ratepayers care! Want to carpool? Email newhampshirenetwork@gmail.com.
-June 18, 2:00 – 3:30 PM. CET Center for Ecotechnology virtual event on reducing wasted food for New Hampshire-based businesses, institutions, and schools,
CET, the NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), and Blue Loon Bakery will present strategies to minimize and sustainably manage wasted food, and an overview of NH’s upcoming food waste ban. Includes an optional, half-hour discussion where participants can engage with one another and ask questions. Click here. to register for the event.
Center for Ecotechnology (CET) works in a number of sectors, and has a USDA grant to provide free technical assistance to reduce food waste in states across the country. And check out this cool toolkit.
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE many fine events being sponsored by UU CHURCH , BUT this software does not support their imaging. PLEASE OPEN THIS WEEK'S EMAIL FOR THEIR UPCOMING EVENTS.
Brain food:
Prior piece on Off-shore wind lease areas: https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-03-15/feds-pick-new-englands-offshore-wind-area-drawing-cheers-and-questions
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary. Questions? Email Kennedy at kenne...@gmail.com.
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to
keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the
network and our members. Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
BRAINFOOD: CERES promotes business involvement with environmental issues - here’s stuff to sample:
Our most recent public events and webinars are below. All of our past Ceres public events and webinars are listed here to view at your leisure. Please reach out to info@ceres.org if you have any questions.
(Webinar) Meeting Investor Expectations: Introducing the Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark, May 2, 2024
(Webinar) A New Era of Federal Procurement: Managing Climate Risks and Promoting Sustainable Supply Chains, April 29, 2024
(In-Person) Ecosperity Week 2024, April 15-17, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "Ecology and Prosperity, Policy as a Balancing Spring," April 15, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "The Climate in the Boardroom," the Council for Board Diversity (CBD), April 15, 2024
(Webinar) The New Era of Transparency: A Briefing on the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule, April 8, 2024
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Weekly Update 5/12/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of May 13 to 17
—>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
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
We are nearing the finish line, and final contacts with representatives and senators may be critical in saving or passing bills. If you have previously commented on legislation, it is fine to do it again. Please do the first 2 bills BEFORE May 14, and the others BEFORE Wednesday, May 15.
There will be an additional update on PFAS legislation later this week.
Tuesday, May 14:
-SB 543 (House Public Works and Highways 10:30 am Room 201 LOB) Establishes the state environmental, resilience and innovation council with stakeholders from state commissions, NH Municipal Association, and governor appointees. SUPPORT
-HB 1678 (Senate Finance 1:30 Room 103 SH) Establishes a NH farm to school local food pilot program to encourage schools to purchase food from local NH and NE producers. SUPPORT (Can Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills for this initial hearing.)
Take action by this Wednesday. Contact your Senators for the HB bills.
SB 373 Without the McWilliams amendment to include 2021 energy codes, OPPOSE this bill. As written, this bill retains 2018 codes. Clean Energy NH shares that the 2021 codes will result in ten percent increased efficiency. (For this bill contact your reps.)
HB 1623 This bill will promote continuation of fossil fuels while disincentivizing renewable alternatives. Passage will continue sending NH dollars out of state for energy needs. In addition, this bill will result in likely litigation between federal and NH government which, in turn, will hamper transition to in-state renewables. Note that Schiller and Bow power plants are already transitioning to battery storage and solar arrays. This bill will hamper these kinds of efforts.
Clean Energy writes: “HB 1623 restructures our energy policy to favor traditional, centralized power plants, diverting attention and resources away from renewable resources and energy efficiency programs. This change could have long-term detrimental impacts on New Hampshire's energy landscape, particularly in rolling back initiatives like NH Saves, which have been instrumental in advancing efficiency and cost savings for our residents.” PRIORITY OPPOSE
HB 1600 This bill has strong bi-partisan support. This bill is pragmatic and necessary to clarify roles. The Dept of Energy had no complaints until the bill passed unanimously onto the Senate. Now their letter says they do not know what it would mean to pass this bill and want it stopped to prevent unintended consequences. It infers the ever-popular
‘cost-shifting’ scenario. But if a group host generator becomes a customer with community power coalition for their community, all monies are handled internally and have no effect on the default provider or their customers. This bill furthers what we were trying to do with HB315 – support a competitive supply market that would inspire greater investment. SUPPORT
Contact NH DOE Commissioner Jared Chicoine (603-271-6505) and Deputy Commissioner Christopher Ellms, Jr. (603-271-6507) by email and phone and ask them to support passage of HB 1600 (leave a message). Encourage your town leaders to support this initiative that promotes community power.
Sample letter from your town or yourself:
Our [CITY/TOWN], having implemented a Community Power Aggregation, is excited to have realized cost savings [INSERT AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE] for our customers while expanding energy choices. Over the long term, we aim to realize additional benefits for our community’s electricity customers including those associated with development of local energy generation projects.
HB 1600 will improve our ability to gain local control over our energy resources by developing community generators that cost-effectively supply power directly to our residents and businesses. Community generators create local economic development benefits and bring our sources power closer to home. In doing so, we can drive down certain costs associated with over-reliance on out-of-state generators (e.g., transmission costs).
Please vote yes on HB 1600 so that together we can build a more robust local electricity market in New Hampshire to serve the needs of our energy customers.
Policy Brief (pretty wonky, but..) Current state law limits the ability of CPAs to compensate net-metered generators (also referred to as “customer-generators”) up to 1 MW in size. The only option for generators between 1 and 5 MW to participate in net metering is through Municipal Host Group Net Metering, which is only available to Municipals Hosts that are on utility default service. HB 1600 would open the market so that CPAs could compete to serve community-scale generators through their own net metering programs. Under HB 1600, cost shifting by the distribution utilities is avoided by requiring the net metered generator to be a customer of a CPA with compensation provided by the CPA for their energy and capacity value to serve the load, as well as avoided transmission costs if otherwise allowed. The bill does not alter the existing Municipal Host Group Net Metering construct, which would remain an option. The bill also corrects a reference error in RSA 53-E, the municipal and county aggregation statute, from a previous amendment.
-These landfill bills ALL passed with BIPARTISAN SUPPORT in the House, but have been hamstrung by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Please contact your senator. The bills WILL BE DEBATED on the Senate floor, so we need as many senators as possible to turn these around. The senate committee passed “interim study” for some and “ITL” for others. Request OUGHT TO PASS for each bill.
- NH HB 1145 Relative to prohibiting the private ownership of landfills.
- NH HB 1620 Relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031.
- NH HB 1632 Title: Relative to out-of-state solid waste.
- NH HB 602 Title: relative to landfill siting. Introduces new requirements for the siting of landfills, to be overseen by the Department of Environmental Services (DES).
The DES would create a "preliminary application phase" for landfill permit applications, requiring sufficient information determine if the proposed location meets certain prohibitive locational criteria. Prohibitive locational criteria may include soil permeability, bedrock fractures, distance from waste generation sources, impact on greenhouse gas emissions and traffic, and the environmental sensitivity of the proposed site, including whether it is over significant aquifers, coastal sand dune systems, prime wetlands, or undisturbed natural areas.
- NH HB 1504: Relative to architectural paint recycling. Proposes extended producer responsibility for household paint, that is, the creation of a paint stewardship program in NH, which would be managed by a nonprofit organization approved by the Department of Environmental Services. The program would facilitate the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of post-consumer householdl paint, thereby reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
-Update from NH Lakes.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee has been busy the past few weeks considering a number of lake-friendly bills. We’re grateful for their time and consideration and for recommending that the following bills be passed by the full Senate. (See the complete list at: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxTFZVsmwjBhhTqVpGQFMsxXnG)
HB 1103, relative to revising the penalties for the shoreland protection act
Strengthens the Department of Environmental Services’ ability to seek penalties and fines for proven violations of the act when property owners don’t work to correct violations.
HB 1113, relative to shoreland septic systems
Provides more protection to our lakes from septic system pollution by modifying requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems when a property is transferred.
HB 1143, including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire Clean Lakes Program
Allows the Department of Environmental Services to monitor, manage, and reduce the risks of cyanobacteria blooms and conduct in-lake management practices, when appropriate, to control cyanobacteria blooms in our waters.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of May 11 to May 18, 2024
GOOD NEWS AND AN OPPORTUNITY:
The Plastics WG has secured funding to work with schools to save waste. It is a part time internship that will run from May to June 2024. Applications should be submitted by May 22. Details contained within this link.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/bugs42953%40gmail.com/FMfcgzGxTFcnwpvTTVTgMwQlLcPBlTMQ?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
Network meetings:
-Wednesday, May 15 3 pm Municipal Energy Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
-Wednesday, May 16 4-5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Sunday, May 19 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-Monday, May 20 - TBD: En-ROADS "Under the Hood" - An MIT Expert Shares How it Works
-Wednesday, May 22 5 pm Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
Always check the news feed for events that were listed but were too far into the future.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
ADDITIONAL MEETING OPPORTUNITIES, BEYOND THE NETWORK OFFERINGS, LISTED BELONG.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary. Questions? Email Kennedy at kenne...@gmail.com.
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to
keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the
network and our members. Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
MORE from groups around New Hampshire – VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.
-Monday, May 13 3 pm Join us for a webinar hosted by SWANA Young Professionals on Understanding and Building Robust Compost & Food Waste Programs
With increasing regulatory and public pressure, organic diversion is becoming a top priority for businesses and communities. With a task as big as this it is often difficult to know where to start. Join us for an enlightening session that dives deep into the practices, policies, and innovations surrounding compost and food waste recycling. This webinar brings together industry pioneers and community leaders to discuss the future of composting and how to effectively implement robust compost and food waste programs in your community.
Host: Mikey Pasciuto, currently serves as the Co-Founder at Scrapp, a start-up dedicated to creating data-driven sustainable waste programs.
https://swana.org/ Solid Waste Association of North America
https://store.swana.org/store/events/registration.aspx?event=WEBO51324
- Monday, May 13th at 6:00pm on Zoom (click this link to participate) Join NH 350 to talk about what we can do in New Hampshire to fight for a more just utility system. Fossil fuel utilities are blocking the transition to renewable energy and ruthlessly profiting off of ratepayers - and we are going to do something about it!
2. Thursday, May 23rd at 7:00pm on Zoom with local 350 groups from across the country for a Teach-In about utilities and the climate crisis.During the teach-in, we'll hear from leaders across the US-from New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Colorado, and San Diego. We'll hear stories about campaigns targeting utilities that have won, campaigns that lost but learned valuable lessons, and campaigns that are just getting off the ground.
Register HERE for the Teach-In, and sign up here for our volunteer interest meeting!
BRAINFOOD: CERES promotes business involvement with environmental issues - here’s stuff to sample:
Our most recent public events and webinars are below. All of our past Ceres public events and webinars are listed here to view at your leisure. Please reach out to info@ceres.org if you have any questions.
(Webinar) Meeting Investor Expectations: Introducing the Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark, May 2, 2024
(Webinar) A New Era of Federal Procurement: Managing Climate Risks and Promoting Sustainable Supply Chains, April 29, 2024
(In-Person) Ecosperity Week 2024, April 15-17, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "Ecology and Prosperity, Policy as a Balancing Spring," April 15, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "The Climate in the Boardroom," the Council for Board Diversity (CBD), April 15, 2024
(Webinar) The New Era of Transparency: A Briefing on the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule, April 8, 2024
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Weekly Update 5/12/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of May 13 to 17
—>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
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
We are nearing the finish line, and final contacts with representatives and senators may be critical in saving or passing bills. If you have previously commented on legislation, it is fine to do it again. Please do the first 2 bills BEFORE May 14, and the others BEFORE Wednesday, May 15.
There will be an additional update on PFAS legislation later this week.
Tuesday, May 14:
-SB 543 (House Public Works and Highways 10:30 am Room 201 LOB) Establishes the state environmental, resilience and innovation council with stakeholders from state commissions, NH Municipal Association, and governor appointees. SUPPORT
-HB 1678 (Senate Finance 1:30 Room 103 SH) Establishes a NH farm to school local food pilot program to encourage schools to purchase food from local NH and NE producers. SUPPORT (Can Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills for this initial hearing.)
Take action by this Wednesday. Contact your Senators for the HB bills.
SB 373 Without the McWilliams amendment to include 2021 energy codes, OPPOSE this bill. As written, this bill retains 2018 codes. Clean Energy NH shares that the 2021 codes will result in ten percent increased efficiency. (For this bill contact your reps.)
HB 1623 This bill will promote continuation of fossil fuels while disincentivizing renewable alternatives. Passage will continue sending NH dollars out of state for energy needs. In addition, this bill will result in likely litigation between federal and NH government which, in turn, will hamper transition to in-state renewables. Note that Schiller and Bow power plants are already transitioning to battery storage and solar arrays. This bill will hamper these kinds of efforts.
Clean Energy writes: “HB 1623 restructures our energy policy to favor traditional, centralized power plants, diverting attention and resources away from renewable resources and energy efficiency programs. This change could have long-term detrimental impacts on New Hampshire's energy landscape, particularly in rolling back initiatives like NH Saves, which have been instrumental in advancing efficiency and cost savings for our residents.” PRIORITY OPPOSE
HB 1600 This bill has strong bi-partisan support. This bill is pragmatic and necessary to clarify roles. The Dept of Energy had no complaints until the bill passed unanimously onto the Senate. Now their letter says they do not know what it would mean to pass this bill and want it stopped to prevent unintended consequences. It infers the ever-popular
‘cost-shifting’ scenario. But if a group host generator becomes a customer with community power coalition for their community, all monies are handled internally and have no effect on the default provider or their customers. This bill furthers what we were trying to do with HB315 – support a competitive supply market that would inspire greater investment. SUPPORT
Contact NH DOE Commissioner Jared Chicoine (603-271-6505) and Deputy Commissioner Christopher Ellms, Jr. (603-271-6507) by email and phone and ask them to support passage of HB 1600 (leave a message). Encourage your town leaders to support this initiative that promotes community power.
Sample letter from your town or yourself:
Our [CITY/TOWN], having implemented a Community Power Aggregation, is excited to have realized cost savings [INSERT AMOUNT, IF APPLICABLE] for our customers while expanding energy choices. Over the long term, we aim to realize additional benefits for our community’s electricity customers including those associated with development of local energy generation projects.
HB 1600 will improve our ability to gain local control over our energy resources by developing community generators that cost-effectively supply power directly to our residents and businesses. Community generators create local economic development benefits and bring our sources power closer to home. In doing so, we can drive down certain costs associated with over-reliance on out-of-state generators (e.g., transmission costs).
Please vote yes on HB 1600 so that together we can build a more robust local electricity market in New Hampshire to serve the needs of our energy customers.
Policy Brief (pretty wonky, but..) Current state law limits the ability of CPAs to compensate net-metered generators (also referred to as “customer-generators”) up to 1 MW in size. The only option for generators between 1 and 5 MW to participate in net metering is through Municipal Host Group Net Metering, which is only available to Municipals Hosts that are on utility default service. HB 1600 would open the market so that CPAs could compete to serve community-scale generators through their own net metering programs. Under HB 1600, cost shifting by the distribution utilities is avoided by requiring the net metered generator to be a customer of a CPA with compensation provided by the CPA for their energy and capacity value to serve the load, as well as avoided transmission costs if otherwise allowed. The bill does not alter the existing Municipal Host Group Net Metering construct, which would remain an option. The bill also corrects a reference error in RSA 53-E, the municipal and county aggregation statute, from a previous amendment.
-These landfill bills ALL passed with BIPARTISAN SUPPORT in the House, but have been hamstrung by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Please contact your senator. The bills WILL BE DEBATED on the Senate floor, so we need as many senators as possible to turn these around. The senate committee passed “interim study” for some and “ITL” for others. Request OUGHT TO PASS for each bill.
- NH HB 1145 Relative to prohibiting the private ownership of landfills.
- NH HB 1620 Relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031.
- NH HB 1632 Title: Relative to out-of-state solid waste.
- NH HB 602 Title: relative to landfill siting. Introduces new requirements for the siting of landfills, to be overseen by the Department of Environmental Services (DES).
The DES would create a "preliminary application phase" for landfill permit applications, requiring sufficient information determine if the proposed location meets certain prohibitive locational criteria. Prohibitive locational criteria may include soil permeability, bedrock fractures, distance from waste generation sources, impact on greenhouse gas emissions and traffic, and the environmental sensitivity of the proposed site, including whether it is over significant aquifers, coastal sand dune systems, prime wetlands, or undisturbed natural areas.
- NH HB 1504: Relative to architectural paint recycling. Proposes extended producer responsibility for household paint, that is, the creation of a paint stewardship program in NH, which would be managed by a nonprofit organization approved by the Department of Environmental Services. The program would facilitate the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of post-consumer householdl paint, thereby reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
-Update from NH Lakes.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee has been busy the past few weeks considering a number of lake-friendly bills. We’re grateful for their time and consideration and for recommending that the following bills be passed by the full Senate. (See the complete list at: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxTFZVsmwjBhhTqVpGQFMsxXnG)
HB 1103, relative to revising the penalties for the shoreland protection act
Strengthens the Department of Environmental Services’ ability to seek penalties and fines for proven violations of the act when property owners don’t work to correct violations.
HB 1113, relative to shoreland septic systems
Provides more protection to our lakes from septic system pollution by modifying requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems when a property is transferred.
HB 1143, including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire Clean Lakes Program
Allows the Department of Environmental Services to monitor, manage, and reduce the risks of cyanobacteria blooms and conduct in-lake management practices, when appropriate, to control cyanobacteria blooms in our waters.
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Week of May 11 to May 18, 2024
GOOD NEWS AND AN OPPORTUNITY:
The Plastics WG has secured funding to work with schools to save waste. It is a part time internship that will run from May to June 2024. Applications should be submitted by May 22. Details contained within this link.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/bugs42953%40gmail.com/FMfcgzGxTFcnwpvTTVTgMwQlLcPBlTMQ?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
Network meetings:
-Wednesday, May 15 3 pm Municipal Energy Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
-Wednesday, May 16 4-5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Sunday, May 19 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-Monday, May 20 - TBD: En-ROADS "Under the Hood" - An MIT Expert Shares How it Works
-Wednesday, May 22 5 pm Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
Always check the news feed for events that were listed but were too far into the future.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
ADDITIONAL MEETING OPPORTUNITIES, BEYOND THE NETWORK OFFERINGS, LISTED BELONG.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary. Questions? Email Kennedy at kenne...@gmail.com.
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to
keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the
network and our members. Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
MORE from groups around New Hampshire – VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.
-Monday, May 13 3 pm Join us for a webinar hosted by SWANA Young Professionals on Understanding and Building Robust Compost & Food Waste Programs
With increasing regulatory and public pressure, organic diversion is becoming a top priority for businesses and communities. With a task as big as this it is often difficult to know where to start. Join us for an enlightening session that dives deep into the practices, policies, and innovations surrounding compost and food waste recycling. This webinar brings together industry pioneers and community leaders to discuss the future of composting and how to effectively implement robust compost and food waste programs in your community.
Host: Mikey Pasciuto, currently serves as the Co-Founder at Scrapp, a start-up dedicated to creating data-driven sustainable waste programs.
https://swana.org/ Solid Waste Association of North America
https://store.swana.org/store/events/registration.aspx?event=WEBO51324
- Monday, May 13th at 6:00pm on Zoom (click this link to participate) Join NH 350 to talk about what we can do in New Hampshire to fight for a more just utility system. Fossil fuel utilities are blocking the transition to renewable energy and ruthlessly profiting off of ratepayers - and we are going to do something about it!
2. Thursday, May 23rd at 7:00pm on Zoom with local 350 groups from across the country for a Teach-In about utilities and the climate crisis.During the teach-in, we'll hear from leaders across the US-from New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Colorado, and San Diego. We'll hear stories about campaigns targeting utilities that have won, campaigns that lost but learned valuable lessons, and campaigns that are just getting off the ground.
Register HERE for the Teach-In, and sign up here for our volunteer interest meeting!
BRAINFOOD: CERES promotes business involvement with environmental issues - here’s stuff to sample:
Our most recent public events and webinars are below. All of our past Ceres public events and webinars are listed here to view at your leisure. Please reach out to info@ceres.org if you have any questions.
(Webinar) Meeting Investor Expectations: Introducing the Nature Action 100 Company Benchmark, May 2, 2024
(Webinar) A New Era of Federal Procurement: Managing Climate Risks and Promoting Sustainable Supply Chains, April 29, 2024
(In-Person) Ecosperity Week 2024, April 15-17, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "Ecology and Prosperity, Policy as a Balancing Spring," April 15, 2024
Mindy Lubber on "The Climate in the Boardroom," the Council for Board Diversity (CBD), April 15, 2024
(Webinar) The New Era of Transparency: A Briefing on the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule, April 8, 2024
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Weekly Update 5/05/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of May 5 to 11, 2024
On Saturday, May 4th, the Steering Committee held its annual retreat.
NH Network is gaining name recognition in the state, along with credit for our growing political strength in the testimonies and letters you submit to our leaders in Concord. Our email outreach has upwards of 800 members. We are known for being open and welcoming to all who choose to join us. We believe we are upholding our pledge of “Linking citizens statewide to share information and implement actions for a sustainable New Hampshire.” Thank you to all our members - this is your work!
For much of this year, due to generous anonymous funding, we have enjoyed the part-time services of media guru and UNH microbiology student Kennedy McGrath. She expects to stay with us at least through next year. To consolidate and further our growth, we have decided to seek further funding to pay for a part-time Executive Director and for more help maintaining the website. At this time we do not seek 501c3 “nonprofit” status but will continue to ask NH Healthcare Workers to act as our fiscal agent.
The November 2024 NH elections can make an immeasurable difference in our environmental work. We will be sharing our plans to partner with others across the state to make sure the environment receives the legislative support it deserves.
Best, and THANK YOU for your efforts on behalf of New Hampshire
The NH Network Steering Committee
ALERT: Now and in the coming weeks, the main action is to contact your reps or senators directly. Most public hearings have concluded, crossover has occurred, and your senators, in particular, need to hear from you.
—>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
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
From Clean Energy NH: We urgently need your voice to ensure that this bill does not pass the Senate. We are calling on all our members to contact Senate leadership and members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to express your strong opposition to HB 1623. This bill crossovered without recommendation (10-10 deadlock) so your voice is needed. PRIORITY OPPOSE.
For further information, open the following link
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9512436?e=9969d39f74
From Sling Shot (Hayley Jones)
Casella Waste Systems recently submitted a federal permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their controversial Granite State Landfill project.
North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, Save Forest Lake, and the Forest Lake Association (a coalition loosely known as Be SMART NH) have been asking NH folks to send in public comments calling for the permit rejection.
We are also petitioning the Army Corps to hold a public hearing in Whitefield in order to actually hear residents' concerns about the project. It would be amazing if folks could sign and share the petition linked here!
Monday, May 6:
HB 1600 Contact your senator directly. Details and talking points relative to net metering and community aggregate power are included in the following link. This bill has bi-partisan support, but the Department of Energy is balking and raising the myth of cost shifting. This is a pragmatic bill that supports power aggregators like Community Power Coalition which, in turn, supports a supply market that will inspire greater investment. It needs one final push (contact your reps/senators) to get it passed.
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/UVDbCHUeK1s
Tuesday, May 7
-There are three lake friendly bills passed by the House and are now being reviewed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. SUPPORT (Best to submit your support by 5 pm May 5th)
HB 1293 9:00 am relative to restricting phosphorus use
HB 1113 9:20 am relative to regulating shoreline septic systems
HB 1554 9:40 am relative to requiring the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services to regulate the cutting of native aquatic vegetation on submerged lands in lakes and establishing rulemaking authority for such regulation.
Vote YES to give the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) the authority to regulate the cutting and management of Native Aquatic Vegetation as they do for exotic/invasive plant species. Better guidance and regulation is critical in preventing mismanagement that can lead to unintended consequences such as cyanobacteria blooms. NOTE: SUPPORT THIS BILL WITH AMENDMENT. The original bill does not include specific enough language.
For more information open the following link:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/nh+lakes/FMfcgzGxTFQQxqkMlkVkwgdcMgGxDtlb
-HB 1118 (Senate Judiciary 1 pm) This bill is beyond our mission, but perhaps you would like to take a stand.
This bill seeks to deny driver’s licenses to legal immigrant families until they receive a green card which can take months or years. OPPOSE
Some talking points:
-Impact Essential Mobility: In New Hampshire, where public transportation is sparse, driving is not a luxury but a necessity for accessing work, education, healthcare, and groceries. For many, especially new arrivals, who are eager to work, driving represents a lifeline to employment, self-sufficiency, and integration.
-Hinder Economic Growth: Refugees and asylees, who are here legally, play a vital role in our economy. By limiting their access to driver’s licenses, we not only undermine economic growth but also risk pushing individuals toward public assistance at a time when our economy faces labor shortages.
-Ignore Existing Security and Compliance: Refugees and asylees granted legal status undergo more stringent security screenings than any other immigrant group entering the United States. They are committed to following our laws and contributing positively to society.
Wednesday, May 8
SB431 Relative to wake surfing. Executive Session. Write to committee members. Their emails are included in this link: SUPPORT
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/nh+lakes/FMfcgzGxTFQQxqkMlkVkwgdcMgGxDtlb
Thursday, May 9
HB 1698 FN Relative to the use of drones for aerial spraying. It has passed out of committee and the full senate will vote on the 9th. NH Sierra Club does not support this bill. OPPOSE
For more detail click the following link
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxTFSkMSVSZctXCXMfNpDMLsWS
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Check the newsfeed for additional events https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Week of May 5 to 11, 2024
The Healthcare Workers for Climate Action and and The NH Network are co-hosting:
Community Choice Aggregation and Energy Justice", with Dr. Sarah Kelly on Wednesday, May 8th at 6 pm
Sarah Kelly is a geographer with fifteen years of experience in community-based research on water and energy equity. As an applied researcher, she was trained in the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology at the University of Arizona. Sarah holds long-term research relationships with Mapuche-Williche communities in Chile, where she has investigated hydropower, cultural cartography, and Indigenous rights. In 2021, she co-founded the Energy Justice Clinic at Dartmouth College. Originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sarah is excited to expand upon local collaborations in New Hampshire and Vermont to support making the energy transition more just and accessible for all. Sarah's research is published in Energy Policy, Energy Research and Social Science, and Geoforum, among other journals.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary. Questions? Email Kennedy at kenne...@gmail.com.
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to
keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the
network and our members. Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
It is energy week in New Hampshire: Planning the Future. There are nearly twenty events educating the public on issues including solar, sustainability, transportation, career workshop for those interested in the energy field, new technologies, reimagining Schiller Station to energy trivia games. Most workshops are free, but registration is required.
https://nhenergyfuture.org/nhew/
-Sunday, May 5, 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-Wednesday, May 8 4 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Wednesday, May 8 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
-Wednesday, May 8th at 6 pm Community Choice Aggregation and Energy Justice", with Dr. Sarah Kelly
-Friday, May 10 2 pm Legislative Working Group ( energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Weekly Update 5/05/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of May 5 to 11, 2024
On Saturday, May 4th, the Steering Committee held its annual retreat.
NH Network is gaining name recognition in the state, along with credit for our growing political strength in the testimonies and letters you submit to our leaders in Concord. Our email outreach has upwards of 800 members. We are known for being open and welcoming to all who choose to join us. We believe we are upholding our pledge of “Linking citizens statewide to share information and implement actions for a sustainable New Hampshire.” Thank you to all our members - this is your work!
For much of this year, due to generous anonymous funding, we have enjoyed the part-time services of media guru and UNH microbiology student Kennedy McGrath. She expects to stay with us at least through next year. To consolidate and further our growth, we have decided to seek further funding to pay for a part-time Executive Director and for more help maintaining the website. At this time we do not seek 501c3 “nonprofit” status but will continue to ask NH Healthcare Workers to act as our fiscal agent.
The November 2024 NH elections can make an immeasurable difference in our environmental work. We will be sharing our plans to partner with others across the state to make sure the environment receives the legislative support it deserves.
Best, and THANK YOU for your efforts on behalf of New Hampshire
The NH Network Steering Committee
ALERT: Now and in the coming weeks, the main action is to contact your reps or senators directly. Most public hearings have concluded, crossover has occurred, and your senators, in particular, need to hear from you.
—>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
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
From Clean Energy NH: We urgently need your voice to ensure that this bill does not pass the Senate. We are calling on all our members to contact Senate leadership and members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to express your strong opposition to HB 1623. This bill crossovered without recommendation (10-10 deadlock) so your voice is needed. PRIORITY OPPOSE.
For further information, open the following link
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9512436?e=9969d39f74
From Sling Shot (Hayley Jones)
Casella Waste Systems recently submitted a federal permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their controversial Granite State Landfill project.
North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, Save Forest Lake, and the Forest Lake Association (a coalition loosely known as Be SMART NH) have been asking NH folks to send in public comments calling for the permit rejection.
We are also petitioning the Army Corps to hold a public hearing in Whitefield in order to actually hear residents' concerns about the project. It would be amazing if folks could sign and share the petition linked here!
Monday, May 6:
HB 1600 Contact your senator directly. Details and talking points relative to net metering and community aggregate power are included in the following link. This bill has bi-partisan support, but the Department of Energy is balking and raising the myth of cost shifting. This is a pragmatic bill that supports power aggregators like Community Power Coalition which, in turn, supports a supply market that will inspire greater investment. It needs one final push (contact your reps/senators) to get it passed.
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/UVDbCHUeK1s
Tuesday, May 7
-There are three lake friendly bills passed by the House and are now being reviewed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee. SUPPORT (Best to submit your support by 5 pm May 5th)
HB 1293 9:00 am relative to restricting phosphorus use
HB 1113 9:20 am relative to regulating shoreline septic systems
HB 1554 9:40 am relative to requiring the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services to regulate the cutting of native aquatic vegetation on submerged lands in lakes and establishing rulemaking authority for such regulation.
Vote YES to give the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) the authority to regulate the cutting and management of Native Aquatic Vegetation as they do for exotic/invasive plant species. Better guidance and regulation is critical in preventing mismanagement that can lead to unintended consequences such as cyanobacteria blooms. NOTE: SUPPORT THIS BILL WITH AMENDMENT. The original bill does not include specific enough language.
For more information open the following link:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/nh+lakes/FMfcgzGxTFQQxqkMlkVkwgdcMgGxDtlb
-HB 1118 (Senate Judiciary 1 pm) This bill is beyond our mission, but perhaps you would like to take a stand.
This bill seeks to deny driver’s licenses to legal immigrant families until they receive a green card which can take months or years. OPPOSE
Some talking points:
-Impact Essential Mobility: In New Hampshire, where public transportation is sparse, driving is not a luxury but a necessity for accessing work, education, healthcare, and groceries. For many, especially new arrivals, who are eager to work, driving represents a lifeline to employment, self-sufficiency, and integration.
-Hinder Economic Growth: Refugees and asylees, who are here legally, play a vital role in our economy. By limiting their access to driver’s licenses, we not only undermine economic growth but also risk pushing individuals toward public assistance at a time when our economy faces labor shortages.
-Ignore Existing Security and Compliance: Refugees and asylees granted legal status undergo more stringent security screenings than any other immigrant group entering the United States. They are committed to following our laws and contributing positively to society.
Wednesday, May 8
SB431 Relative to wake surfing. Executive Session. Write to committee members. Their emails are included in this link: SUPPORT
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/nh+lakes/FMfcgzGxTFQQxqkMlkVkwgdcMgGxDtlb
Thursday, May 9
HB 1698 FN Relative to the use of drones for aerial spraying. It has passed out of committee and the full senate will vote on the 9th. NH Sierra Club does not support this bill. OPPOSE
For more detail click the following link
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxTFSkMSVSZctXCXMfNpDMLsWS
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Check the newsfeed for additional events https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Week of May 5 to 11, 2024
The Healthcare Workers for Climate Action and and The NH Network are co-hosting:
Community Choice Aggregation and Energy Justice", with Dr. Sarah Kelly on Wednesday, May 8th at 6 pm
Sarah Kelly is a geographer with fifteen years of experience in community-based research on water and energy equity. As an applied researcher, she was trained in the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology at the University of Arizona. Sarah holds long-term research relationships with Mapuche-Williche communities in Chile, where she has investigated hydropower, cultural cartography, and Indigenous rights. In 2021, she co-founded the Energy Justice Clinic at Dartmouth College. Originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Sarah is excited to expand upon local collaborations in New Hampshire and Vermont to support making the energy transition more just and accessible for all. Sarah's research is published in Energy Policy, Energy Research and Social Science, and Geoforum, among other journals.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary. Questions? Email Kennedy at kenne...@gmail.com.
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to
keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the
network and our members. Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
It is energy week in New Hampshire: Planning the Future. There are nearly twenty events educating the public on issues including solar, sustainability, transportation, career workshop for those interested in the energy field, new technologies, reimagining Schiller Station to energy trivia games. Most workshops are free, but registration is required.
https://nhenergyfuture.org/nhew/
-Sunday, May 5, 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
-Wednesday, May 8 4 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
-Wednesday, May 8 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
-Wednesday, May 8th at 6 pm Community Choice Aggregation and Energy Justice", with Dr. Sarah Kelly
-Friday, May 10 2 pm Legislative Working Group ( energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Weekly Update 4/28/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS, including movies, webinars, and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar and open the event. The link for that event will appear. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Monday, April 29 at the Kilton Library at 7:30 PM
Sustainable Lebanon is hosting a free film screening of Blue Vinyl, an award winning documentary looking at the health impacts of the chemical vinyl chloride, classified as a carcinogen by the EPA, and used in many consumer products including children’s toys.
This will be an in person screening, with a virtual discussion following with Christina Dubin, National Outreach Coordinator with Beyond Plastics, a NH resident and plastics policy expert. This film screening aligns with efforts by Beyond Plastics to ban vinyl chloride at the federal level because of its harmful effects on our health.
While we in NH are free of pipelines carrying explosive materials thanks to local and statewide activist efforts, hazardous materials do flow through our communities on the roads and highways, so it is important to stay informed.
Refreshments provided. This will be a Zero Waste event, so feel free to bring your reusable plate, mug & napkin - these will be on hand as well.
Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Webinars by Zoom. Go to our calendar for details.
6:30 pm. 7 Essentials of Seed Starting (and the common mistakes to avoid)
7:00-8:00 pm. Plastic is a Hazardous Substance (How to Turn Off the Tap). REGISTER
Hosted by Claremont Anti-Litter Task Force
7:00-8:00 pm. Synthetic Turf Webinar. REGISTER
Our friends at Zero Waste Ithaca are hosting a panel presentation on the hazards of synthetic
turf.
Wednesday, May 1, 4 to 5 pm, Communications Working Group by Zoom.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Agenda.
1. Welcome.
2. Highlights of last week’s Meeting with Rebecca Beaulieu.
3. Social Media Highlights for Earth Day Week, Ideas, and Questions.
4. Next events and needs? Link to Events on the Network website.
5. Other
Next Meeting: Wed, May 8, 2024, 4-5 pm.
Contact Donna Reardon, bugs42953@gmail.com, or Mary Beth Raven, marybeth.raven@gmail.com, for questions.
Thursday, May 2, 2024, 7 to 8 pm. Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure. Please click here to register
Thursday, May 2, 2024. Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit
Duke Energy Convention Center, Cincinnati, OH
The Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit is the largest sustainability conference, bringing together 600 passionate and visionary leaders to share inspiring, forward-thinking, and solution-oriented ideas that propel us toward a healthier, more resilient, sustainable, and equitable future. Join Fortune 500 powerhouses, innovative entrepreneurs, government officials, sustainability directors, academic, non-profit, and community leaders committed to solving some of the region’s toughest environmental problems while creating a positive economic impact.
Dan Saccardi, Program Director, Company Network, Ceres, will join this event.
Please Click Here to REGISTER.
Friday, May 3, 11:30 to 12:15 pm, Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
LEGISLATIVE EDITION
—>Link to our bill page: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 29
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
*SB 451 (House STE Committee) Relative to an expedited track for certain applications to the site evaluation committee. Full Committee Work session at 9:00 am, LOB 302-304, then Exec Session 10:30 AM PRIORITY OPPOSE. Call or write STE Reps
Tuesday, April 30
HB 1114 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Extending the commission to investigate and analyze the environmental and public health impacts relating to releases of perfluorinated chemicals in the air, soil, and groundwater in Merrimack, Bedford, Londonderry, Hudson and Litchfield. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:00 am. SUPPORT
HB 1143 (Senate & Energy Natural Resources Committee) Including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:10 am. Priority SUPPORT: Our lakes need to be protected.
HB 1360 (Senate & Energy Natural Resources Committee) Relative to emergency authority on the public or coastal waters of the state. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:20 am. SUPPORT
HB 1371 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Relative to allowing the land use master plan to include a section on waste reduction. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:30 am. SUPPORT
HB 1221 (Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee) Relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. Public Hearing 4/30/24, SH Room 103, 9:40 am. SUPPORT
Wednesday, May 1
HB 413 (House Judiciary) Relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination. Exec Session, 10:00 am, LOB, Room 206-208. Bipartisan. SUPPORT
Thursday, May 2
House Session, May 2
Reps will be in session Thursday, but write the Reps in the next 2 days (by Wed) knowing that it will help.
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
*SB 391 (House STE Committee) OTP w/A 04/15/2024 (Vote 18-1; Consent Calendar)
Frustrations with times that are laid out, more than 6 months, are far too loose. OPPOSE until shorten timeframes.
*SB 386 (House STE Committee) EXECUTIVE SESSION (was on 4/22/24) write STE committee members directly relative to establishing a committee to study power generation. The vote seems close, so your help is needed. Majority Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment # 2024-1558h, (NT) 04/22/2024 (Vote 10-9; Regular Calendar) Priority Support
Senate Session May 2
Senators will be in session Thursday, but you can write to the Senators in the next 2 days (by Wed night) knowing that it will help.
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
HB 1386 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. OTP w/A. Support
*HB 1431 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to utility requirements for integrated distribution planning. OTP w/A. Priority Support. Important bill.
Please write to Senate Energy & Natural Resources committee members directly relative to needing strict deadline requirements especially since many people have been adversely affected by interconnection delays.
HB 1613 (Senate Ways and Means) Establishing a trust fund for money from soil and water environmental contamination court settlements. Consent Calendar. Support
HB 1697 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Relative to forest carbon credit programs. OTP Senate Calendar 17. Support
*HB1698-FN (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Committee Report: Ought to Pass, 05/02/2024, Vote 4-0; Senate Calendar 17.
Tell your state senator to OPPOSE HB 1698-FN exempting aerial application of pesticides using drones from notification processes, exposing Granite State families and pollinators to poisons hazardous to our health. OPPOSE
HB 1709 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources) Establishing the forest carbon commission. Committee Report ITL, Vote 4-0; Senate Calendar 17. Support
Friday, May 3 Enjoy your day!
BILL ACTIONS
The full House will meet in session on Thursday, May 2. You can watch it here.
They also plan to meet on May 9, May 23 and May 30. It is possible they will also meet on May 22 if an additional day is needed to complete work on Senate bills.
The full Senate will meet in session on Wednesday, May 2, 10 am-5 pm. You can watch it here.
Here is the link for our bills: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills. (May not be updated.)
Action Alert! From Clean Energy NH STATE HOUSE UPDATE
Click on the link for the Complete Update →
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9512436?e=9969d39f74
*URGENT OPPOSE HB 1623. This bill has passed the House and will move on to the Senate. Please begin TODAY to let our Senators know that this is a bad bill, VERY BAD bill, and we must stop it.
Call to Action ASAP
We urgently need your voice to ensure that this bill does not pass. We are calling on all our members to contact Senate leadership and members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to express your strong opposition to HB 1623 .
Why We Must Act Now
HB 1623 restructures our energy policy to favor traditional, centralized power plants, diverting attention and resources away from renewable resources and energy efficiency programs. This change could have long-term detrimental impacts on New Hampshire's energy landscape, particularly in rolling back initiatives like NH Saves, which have been instrumental in advancing efficiency and cost savings for our residents.
How You Can Help
Contact Senate Leadership: Reach out to the Senate President and other key leaders. Emphasize the importance of sustainable energy policy that prioritizes and encourages innovation, efficiency, safety, and affordability.
Reach Out to the Committee: The members of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee are pivotal in this decision. It's crucial that they hear from their constituents and stakeholders about the negative implications of HB 1623.
Spread the Word: Share this alert with your networks. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to join in our efforts. The more voices that express opposition, the stronger our impact will be.
Summary of those that Support the bill, those that Oppose the bill, and those that are Neutral. Link https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/billinfo.aspx?id=1757&inflect=2
FEED YOUR BRAIN
Here’s a worthwhile article from InDepth NH link: Click on this link to open→
Designation Gives EPA Tools to Hammer Down on Polluters, Some in NH
Op-Ed: Hydrogen is not the answer (link) – Rebecca Beaulieu for Foster’s Daily Democrat (April 28, 2024) – “If Granite Shore Power is actually committed to transitioning their facilities into a newer, cleaner energy future that is good for economic growth as well as community health, they would not waste time pursuing ‘clean hydrogen’ or ‘green biofuels.’ Those are simply dirty fuel sources hiding behind the words ‘clean’ and ‘green’ to attempt to convince you they will not have dangerous side-effects on the communities hosting those energy facilities.”
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/22/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Week of April 21 to 26
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS including movies, webinars and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link will for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-Wednesday, April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Wednesday, April 24 4 to 5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Wednesday, April 24 Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-Friday, April 26 11:30 to 12:15 pm Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Friday, April 26 6 pm
A DECADE OF ADVOCACY WITH LCV AND CLIMATE ACTION NH – TIME TO CELEBRATE!
Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event on Friday, April 26th at the NH Audubon in Concord!
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
-Thursday, May 2 7 to 8 pm Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure.
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 22-26
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 22
SB 386 (STE Committee 9 am ) EXECUTIVE SESSION write committee members directly
relative to establishing a committee to study power generation SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 23
HB 1103 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 ) Relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. SUPPORT
SB 431 (House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee 12 noon.) Actively supported by the Water Sports Industry Association, a national industry group, SB 431 bill does not provide a reasonable compromise for balancing the opportunity for wake surfing with protecting the fragile health of our lakes here in New Hampshire. OPPOSE
The members of the House RR&D Committee must hear from YOU about why SB 431, as currently written, does not provide a reasonable compromise to restore and preserve the health of our lakes.
The proposed 200-foot setback for wake surfing is just 50 feet more than New Hampshire's 150-foot safe passage law for all boating activities–a standard created over 60 years ago before the advent of wake surfing on our lakes. Due to wake surfing’s markedly higher wave heights and wave energy, the proposed 200-foot distance is inadequate to secure the needed protections for shorelines that prompted the existing 150-foot standard. Recommend a 300 foot minimum to protect shore lines
SB 437 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:00 am) EXECUTIVE SESSION - Write committee members directly.
-relative to local authority to amend the state building code. OPPOSE. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES
SB 365 (The House Commerce committee 1:45 pm) Public hearing
-relative to the sale or use of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles, scooters, or personal electric mobility devices. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 24
SB 543 (The House Public Works & Highways committee 11:30 am) Public hearing
-Establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council. SUPPORT
SB 373 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:30 am) Public hearing
-relative to the state building code which limits local municipal control OPPOSE unless 2021 energy codes are included. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES.
Thursday, April 26
HB 1139 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9 am) Relative to location of septic systems at high water mark SUPPORT
HB 1490 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am) Relative to the management of solid waste SUPPORT
ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS
SB 391 | Electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
The amendment to SB 391 mandates that the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 60 days, provide updates to the House and Senate every six months, and submit final rules within a further 15 months. The bill now heads back to the Senate, where they body will either concur with the changes made by the House or form a committee of conference to produce a final version to send to the Governor for signature.
Please reach out to your Senator and ask them to support more aggressive timelines that reflect the urgency of interconnection delays for NH residential and commercial generators.
HB 1036 | Assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge
- CENH Position: Oppose
Notably, HB 1623 is an extreme attempt to shift our energy policy away from a balanced approach that includes public and environmental health, to a focus solely on "baseload" generation. This shift could undermine sustainable and distributed clean energy solutions. We strongly encourage you to join us in opposing this bill by reaching out to committee members.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (THIS IS A SUMMARY FROM CLEAN ENERGY NH)
HERE ARE UPDATES ON MANY BILLS WE FOLLOWED LAST WEEK.
SB 303 | Use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
SB 388 | Administration of utilities by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
SB 451 | An expedited track for certain applications to the Site Evaluation Committee
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - N/A. Bill was deferred for additional work, indicating complexities that require more time to resolve.
SB 540 | Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage
CENH Position - Monitor
Committee Recommendation - Interim Study
-Here are bills we recommended last week. At present, they have not moved to Executive session so you can still voice your opinion on these. YOU CAN GO TO THE NETWORK "BILLS OF INTEREST" FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.
HB 1600 | Participation in net energy metering
- Support
HB 1623 | The state energy policy
- Oppose
HB 1431 | Utility requirements for integrated distribution planning
- Support
Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan. This is his opinion)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-NH Lakes Month Newsletter
Weekly Update 4/21/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state. PLEASE NOTE that our FB page contains opportunities not included in the weekly summary.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Week of April 21 to 26
MEETINGS
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS including movies, webinars and local actions. After you link to the website, scroll to the calendar, and open the event. The link will for that event will appear.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-Wednesday, April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Wednesday, April 24 4 to 5 pm Communications Working Group
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Wednesday, April 24 Environmental Working Group
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88452788711?pwd=xeFP6yCjRP1H2Fksjbk8PYq9RYu9KJ.1
-Friday, April 26 11:30 to 12:15 pm Legislative WG with Clean Energy NH.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Friday, April 26 6 pm
A DECADE OF ADVOCACY WITH LCV AND CLIMATE ACTION NH – TIME TO CELEBRATE!
Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event on Friday, April 26th at the NH Audubon in Concord!
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
-Thursday, May 2 7 to 8 pm Plastics and Your Health
Micro- and nanoplastics are present in our air, water, and soil, as well as at every level of the food chain. And these tiny bits of plastic are also already inside all of us. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a world-renowned pediatrician, public health physician is headlining this free educational webinar. Dr. Landrigan is at the forefront of exploring what our ever-increasing exposure to plastics means for our health and longevity as well as how we can reduce our exposure.
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 22-26
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for your emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this link to email all members of a Senate Committee
https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
THIS WEEK THERE WILL NOT BE AN UPDATED SPREADSHEET ON THE NETWORK WEBSITE as MOST OF THE TEAM IS ON VACATION. INSTEAD, INFORMATION IS OFFERED HERE.
BILLS THIS WEEK
Monday, April 22
SB 386 (STE Committee 9 am ) EXECUTIVE SESSION write committee members directly
relative to establishing a committee to study power generation SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 23
HB 1103 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 ) Relative to revising the penalties of the shoreland protection act. SUPPORT
SB 431 (House Resources, Recreation, and Development Committee 12 noon.) Actively supported by the Water Sports Industry Association, a national industry group, SB 431 bill does not provide a reasonable compromise for balancing the opportunity for wake surfing with protecting the fragile health of our lakes here in New Hampshire. OPPOSE
The members of the House RR&D Committee must hear from YOU about why SB 431, as currently written, does not provide a reasonable compromise to restore and preserve the health of our lakes.
The proposed 200-foot setback for wake surfing is just 50 feet more than New Hampshire's 150-foot safe passage law for all boating activities–a standard created over 60 years ago before the advent of wake surfing on our lakes. Due to wake surfing’s markedly higher wave heights and wave energy, the proposed 200-foot distance is inadequate to secure the needed protections for shorelines that prompted the existing 150-foot standard. Recommend a 300 foot minimum to protect shore lines
SB 437 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:00 am) EXECUTIVE SESSION - Write committee members directly.
-relative to local authority to amend the state building code. OPPOSE. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES
Wednesday, April 24
SB 365 (The House Commerce committee 1:45 pm) Public hearing
-relative to the sale or use of lithium-ion batteries for electric bicycles, scooters, or personal electric mobility devices. SUPPORT
SB 543 (The House Public Works & Highways committee 11:30 am) Public hearing
-Establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council. SUPPORT
SB 373 (House Executive Department and Administration 11:30 am) Public hearing
-relative to the state building code which limits local municipal control OPPOSE unless 2021 energy codes are included. SEE PREVIOUS NETWORK NOTES.
Thursday, April 26
HB 1139 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9 am) Relative to location of septic systems at high water mark SUPPORT
HB 1490 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am) Relative to the management of solid waste SUPPORT
ADDITIONAL ACTION ITEMS
SB 391 | Electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
The amendment to SB 391 mandates that the NH Department of Energy (NHDOE) initiate a rulemaking proceeding within 60 days, provide updates to the House and Senate every six months, and submit final rules within a further 15 months. The bill now heads back to the Senate, where they body will either concur with the changes made by the House or form a committee of conference to produce a final version to send to the Governor for signature.
Please reach out to your Senator and ask them to support more aggressive timelines that reflect the urgency of interconnection delays for NH residential and commercial generators.
HB 1036 | Assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge
- CENH Position: Oppose
Notably, HB 1623 is an extreme attempt to shift our energy policy away from a balanced approach that includes public and environmental health, to a focus solely on "baseload" generation. This shift could undermine sustainable and distributed clean energy solutions. We strongly encourage you to join us in opposing this bill by reaching out to committee members.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (THIS IS A SUMMARY FROM CLEAN ENERGY NH)
HERE ARE UPDATES ON MANY BILLS WE FOLLOWED LAST WEEK.
SB 303 | Use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass
SB 388 | Administration of utilities by the Department of Energy
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - Ought to Pass as Amended
SB 451 | An expedited track for certain applications to the Site Evaluation Committee
CENH Position - Support
Committee Recommendation - N/A. Bill was deferred for additional work, indicating complexities that require more time to resolve.
SB 540 | Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage
CENH Position - Monitor
Committee Recommendation - Interim Study
-Here are bills we recommended last week. At present, they have not moved to Executive session so you can still voice your opinion on these. YOU CAN GO TO THE NETWORK "BILLS OF INTEREST" FOR DETAILED INFORMATION.
HB 1600 | Participation in net energy metering
- Support
HB 1623 | The state energy policy
- Oppose
HB 1431 | Utility requirements for integrated distribution planning
- Support
Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan. This is his opinion)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-NH Lakes Month Newsletter
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxSlWQWStHWrQVWClRqtDRgzDs
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/14/24
What’s Happening at the NH Network!
LEGISLATIVE EDITION Week of April 15 to 19
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
IMPORTANT: In order for emails sent to representatives to be part of the record, you should either request this in your email or send a copy to the committee’s legislative aide. IF you email the entire committee via a group email, the aide will receive your email and your comments will be part of the record.
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
Monday, April 15 (Your opinion on bills in Executive session must be sent directly to the committee. Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
-SB 386 (10 am House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Establish a committee to study power generation, transmission , distribution and storage. SUPPORT
-SB 388 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Relative to the administration of utilities by the DOE. SUPPORT
-SB 391 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04) SUPPORT WITH AMENDMENT
-Improve SB 391 (From Clean Energy NH)
The House Science, Technology, and Energy committee will deliberate on an amendment to SB 391 before proceeding to an executive session (vote). This amendment has significant implications for those adversely affected by interconnection delays — a hurdle that has stymied both households and businesses’ ability to control their own energy costs. We strongly encourage you to reach out directly to the members of the committee, advocating for the establishment of stringent deadlines for the completion and adoption of interconnection rules and standards.
-SB 540 (2 pm House STE Committee room 302-04 EXECUTIVE SESSION) Require DOE to investigate behind the meter and Utility scale energy storage. PRIORITY SUPPORT
Tuesday, April 16
-HB 1600, 1623, 1431, 1036 (Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee 9 am room 103)
Clean Energy New Hampshire fully supports two of these bills (HB 1431and HB 1600) for their innovative approach to energy planning and community-scale projects, while CENH vehemently oppose the other two for their potential to undermine our clean energy progress broadly and energy efficiency, specifically (HB 1036 and HB 1623).
This Clean Energy link explains each of these bills. In addition, these bills are listed on the Network website
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/clean+e/FMfcgzGxSlKsrGrbRpGCFDQTrvZNJLSF
Wednesday, April 17
-SB 496 (Health and Human Services Committee 2:30 room 206 EXECUTIVE session) Requires the DOH to establish a climate and health protection program. SUPPORT
-Here is an update from NH Lakes on crossover bills.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/andrea/FMfcgzGxSlNLcVbVXwfVtTRqjfddkZlZ
-Save Forest Lake Update (from Jon Swan)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a Public Notice after apparently receiving a permit application from Casella for their proposed GSL landfill project next to Forest Lake and the state park. The USACE is soliciting comments from the public in order to consider and evaluate the impacts of the Casella landfill development.
4/9/2024 USACE Public Notice: https://media.defense.gov/2024/Apr/09/2003434400/-1/-1/1/20240404_NAE-2021-02240_PUBLIC_NOTICE.PDF
The public comment period has begun, as of April 9, 2024 and ends May 8, 2024.
PLEASE, we need EVERYONE to send an email requesting USACE to DENY the permit application!
Email your comments to: CENAE-...@usace.army.mil
Your email subject line: USACE File Number NAE-2021-02240
According to the notice:
"The decision whether to issue a permit will be based on an evaluation of the probable impact of the proposed activity on the public interest. That decision will reflect the national concern for both protection and utilization of important resources. The benefit which may reasonably accrue from the proposal must be balanced against its reasonably foreseeable detriments. All factors which may be relevant to the proposal will be considered, including the cumulative effects thereof; among those are:
conservation, economics, aesthetics, general environmental concerns, wetlands, cultural value, fish and wildlife values, flood hazards, flood plain value, land use, navigation, shoreline erosion and accretion, recreation, water supply and conservation, water quality, energy needs, safety, food production and, in general, the needs and welfare of the people."
I would suggest you take a look at "The Report of the Dalton Conservation Commission" for talking points and supported information:
Meetings Week of April 14 to 21
From Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
-Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event,Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
-Wednesday, April 17 4 pm Network Communications WG
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/3593768649?pwd=bXZmbHpoTXBram9DalhqZFBaWkprUT09
Passcode is zoom (should not need it, but that's the passcode if you are ever asked.)
-Wednesday, April 17 7 pm Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
-Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Topic: Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Time: Mar 15, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Fri 2:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
-Thursday, April 18 6:30 to 7:30 UUC Webinar on making your church or community center more sustainable
Register: https://secure.everyaction.com/BXgC3gb03UO2gZyzThJmcw2
-April 20 Rally for Climate and Earth Day - Concord NH
-Sunday, April 21 6 pm Plastics Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
-April 24 12 noon Climate and Health: Lunch and Learn Series
Climate change is having a real and increasing impact on human health. Dr. Dewey representing the New Hampshire Healthcare Workers for Climate Action, a grassroots, non-partisan coalition of healthcare workers, will discuss the basics of climate science and how climate change impacts health (including extreme heat, air pollution, vector borne diseases, and extreme weather events, among others). Adaptations to protect ourselves from these impacts, climate solutions, and suggested actions will also be discussed.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqceuqpzssGtW6w7uahMOxEujzKgNICHAP#/registration
-Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
FEED YOUR BRAIN
-Recording of the Network April 8th Beauty and the Beast meeting
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ESzx3Zaa5n4
-From the Plastics WG
“This group is on fire.
Be sure to read the community level actions everyone is taking, and add your information into the notes here so we can all be inspired by your good works as well.”
Also listed are the many events to attend to support the Ten Towns Ten Actions members at the local level.
See the Network “Bills of Interest” for this week’s action items
Bruce's Weekly Update - 4/7/24
Overview
Join Us! NH Network’s 3rd Annual Crossover Season at the NH Legislature, ”the Beauties” and “the Beasts” of the legislative season, with
Senator Debra Altschiller, Stratham (Senate District 24)
Representative Kat McGhee, Hollis (Hillsborough-District 35)
Representative Tony Caplan, Henniker (Merrimack-District 8)
WHEN: Monday, April 8, 2024, 5:30-6:30 pm (free virtual event)
Register here: bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Social Media Update from Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com:
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Send me a headshot of yourself to be featured alongside other women of the NHN in celebration of all you do! You probably saw other organizations you follow doing this kind of post on International Women’s Day 3/8, but we will be doing it at the end of the month. (Thank you to those who have already sent me a photo!)
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Follow Us on Social Media
Join our online community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Social Media Accounts
Check out what we’ve been doing and push it out to your networks!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewHampshireNetwork/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new_hampshire_network/
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Sunday, April 7 at 6 pm Plastics Working Group
(Here are the notes from the March 24 Plastics Working Group meeting. Many thanks to Carol Foss of Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies for facilitating and to Cynthia Walter for taking notes.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
Monday, April 8 at 5:30 pm 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts."
Register: bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Tuesday, April 9 at 11 am FHWA
FHWA plans to conduct outreach regarding ATIIP in the form of a virtual meeting Register for the ATIIP outreach webinar here. Registrants will be provided teleconference information to access the audio portion of the webinar.
FUNDING AVAILABLE - Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP)
The Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP) is a new competitive grant program created by Section 11529 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (enacted as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58) to construct projects to provide safe and connected active transportation facilities in active transportation networks or active transportation spines. In 2023, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) received $45 million in funding for ATIIP from the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), the first funds appropriated for this program. Applications are due June 17, 2024.
Wednesday, April 10 at 7 PM Climate Working Group
citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, April 12 at 2 PM Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 12 6:30-9:30 pm The Story of Plastic at the Community Theatre in Peterborough! A free and zero-waste event. https://pctmovies.com
Saturday, April 13 1 to 3 pm Coal Free New Hampshire Event in Concord - KID friendly
Saturday, April 13 - Tabling at Dover Public Library Earth Week event, Dover Plastic Reduction Group
Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon to 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event, Connie Bean Community Center , 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
Tuesday/Wednesday April 16 and 17 NRRA
The Northeast Resource Recovery Association (NRRA), NH Department of Environmental Services, and Mark King of the Maine Compost School are teaming up to bring this FREE 4-workshop series on April 16 and 17 in Concord, NH. Workshops will address everything from the basics of food waste diversion to specifics on how to implement a food waste diversion program within your community, including outreach and community education.
What’s the Big Deal About Food Waste?
Composting Basics: Don’t Oversimplify It
Implementing Food Waste Diversion Activities at Your Facility
Education, Outreach, and Grabbing the Public’s Attention
For more information about the workshops and a link to the registration form, please visit the NRRA website: https://www.nrrarecycles.org/news/food-waste-diversion-composting-workshop-series.
Friday, April 26th 5:30 pm the NH Audubon in Concord Join the League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action New Hampshire in celebrating a decade of environmental, climate, and clean energy advocacy at our ten-year anniversary event. TIME TO CELEBRATE!
RSVP here: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/617425/
As we reflect on our partnerships and accomplishments while continuing to work towards a greener future, this evening promises to be filled with inspiration, community, and commitment to protecting New Hampshire’s natural treasures and creating a more resilient future for our state and our citizens.
From engaging speakers to interactive activities, join fellow environmental champions to commemorate our shared journey and renew our dedication to safeguarding our planet for generations to come. Our featured guest is League of Conservation Voters president Gene Karpinski.
Take Action
Take Action on This Week’s Bills
Link to NH Bill Actions
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Good news: SB 543 establishing the state environmental adaptation, resilience, and innovation council passed the full Senate.
Read on to see more bills you will recognize, that survived in their first round and are being heard in the next chamber.
Bills This Week/Take Action:
Tuesday, April 9
HB 1314 Relative to the comprehensive state development plan. (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:00 AM, SH, Room 103) This is a landmark - it will provide NH with a roadmap. It expands the previous Plan to include provisions related to the protection of natural resources and the identification of environmental threats, including chemical and biological contamination, waste disposal, and inadequate recycling opportunities. This will include cumulative and possible future threats to air, water, land and the natural environment. SUPPORT
HB 1709 Establishing the forest carbon commission. (Senate Energy and Natural Resources 9:50 AM SH, Room 103) Seeking to establish co-existence between logging, farming and the new carbon capture economy. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 10
HB 1059 Relative to the state building code. (Executive Department and Administration 9:00 AM, Room 103) Please write, have your town write or give testimony to include Rep. McWilliam’s amendment to include 2021 energy code requirements. See the bottom of this newsletter for a letter we would like your municipal energy committee to endorse. Use this letter or its talking points for additional letters from you and your town leaders.
SB 437 Relative to local authority to amend the state building code. (House Executive Departments and Administration 10:30 AM, LOB, Room 306-308) Towns should retain the ability to adopt modern codes, if the state does not. OPPOSE
HB 1613 Establishing a trust fund for money from soil and water environmental contamination court settlements. (Senate Ways and Means 10:30 AM, SH, Room 100) This fund ensures that affected NH residents receive settlement money, and establishes parameters for this fund. Previously settlement funds were directed to the general fund, without such assurance. SUPPORT
SB 496 Directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program. (House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs 11:00 AM, LOB, Room 203) SUPPORT
SB 430 Relative to establishing a council to study the impacts of electric vehicles, e-mobility devices, and the associated lithium-ion batteries on first responder response, the environment, building and fire codes, life safety, and property protection. (House Executive Departments and Administration 1:30 PM, LOB, Room 306-308) This bill has been requested by the Fire Marshall and other state agencies, and seeks to gather data about these new technologies. SUPPORT
Please ask members of your municipal energy committee and other municipal leaders to endorse this letter. Email it to:
Howard.Pearl@leg.state.nh.us; Sharon.Carson@leg.state.nh.us; Carrie.Gendreau@leg.state.nh.us; Rebecca.PerkinsKwoka@leg.state.nh.us; Debra.Altschiller@leg.state.nh.us; Kevin.Condict@leg.state.nh.us
April 10, 2024
Senator Howard Pearl, Chair
Senate Executive Departments and Administration
NH State House, Room 103
Concord, NH 03301
RE: HB1059, Relative to the State Building Code
Local Government Support for 2021 IECC Adoption for Commercial and Residential
Dear Chair Pearl and members of the Committee,
We, the undersigned municipal officials, members of community energy committees, and concerned citizens are writing to express our support for the adoption and enforcement of modern building energy codes in New Hampshire and ask that HB1059 be amended to include both the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC).
We note that this 2021 edition of the building energy codes includes a manageable and cost-effective improvement in efficiency, and does not require that building be built to achieve a “net zero energy rating” as has been falsely claimed.
Failure to adopt the 2021 energy code would represent an unfair cost shift to renters, homeowners, and businesses that will use newly constructed buildings and facilities for decades and likely into the next century.
As stewards of our community's well-being, we recognize the significant role that modern, energy-efficient building practices play in lowering energy costs, improving public health, and enhancing environmental quality. Supporting energy efficiency in residential, commercial, and municipal buildings aligns with local governments' goals of fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship, public health promotion, economic development, resilience, and community engagement.
As energy prices fluctuate, as we have seen the past two years across all fuels, the avoided-energy savings associated with the 2021 IECC will only continue to increase. Energy codes, therefore, provide energy and economic security to building occupants, as well as the state as a whole.
The 2021 IECC and 2021 IRC are consistent with traditional Yankee thrift and ingenuity, rooted in the values of resourcefulness, efficiency, and innovation commonly associated with New Hampshire and New England. For example:
Resilience and Durability
Extreme cold weather events, a hallmark of New Hampshire winters–as we've just experienced this past week–can strain energy infrastructure and contribute to power outages and service disruptions. Highly efficient buildings can provide safe and comfortable shelter from extreme weather even during a power outage.
Maximum Benefit with Minimal Costs
Yankee thrift emphasizes the efficient use of resources to achieve maximum value and benefit. Modern building energy codes prioritize energy efficiency by setting standards for the design, construction, and operation of buildings to minimize energy costs and maximize performance (e.g. comfort, health, low environmental impact).
Resourcefulness and Innovation
Ingenuity is a hallmark of Yankee culture, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges and achieve goals. Modern building energy codes encourage innovation by promoting the use of advanced technologies, materials, and construction practices that improve energy efficiency and performance. From high-performance insulation and windows to energy-efficient HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, builders and designers are encouraged to innovate and incorporate new solutions to meet energy code requirements while enhancing building performance and occupant comfort.
Long-Term Value: Household and Community Benefits
Yankee thrift emphasizes the long-term value of investments and the importance of making decisions that yield lasting benefits. Energy-efficient buildings offer long-term value to homeowners, businesses, and communities by providing significant savings on energy costs over the lifespan of the building, while also improving comfort, indoor air quality, and resilience to changing environmental conditions. Further, efficient buildings can help reduce total electricity consumption demand and alleviate pressure on energy infrastructure during periods of high demand. This can result in significant reductions in distribution and transmission system upgrades, saving money for all energy consumers.
By investing in cost-effective energy efficiency through adoption of the 2021 IECC, we ensure the durability, affordability, and performance of New Hampshire homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.
Sincerely,
1. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
2. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
3. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
4. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
5. [Name], [Position/Title], [Municipality/Community Energy Committee]
Feed Your Brain
From Jon Swan
Below is a link to video of the April 2, 2024 NH State Senate E&NR hearing for HB1620, which would prohibit NHDES from issuing new landfill permits until 2028. There was some excellent testimony in SUPPORT of HB1620, along with the typical, nonsensical testimony in opposition, including from the NH Department of Environmental Services, who appear to be supportive of the GSL project or expansion of the NCES Landfill in Bethlehem. A perfect example of agency capture by industry. (As Jon suggests “don’t sue him, this is only an opinion’).
PLEASE, begin reaching out to the 24 NH State Senators and ask them to do the right thing and SUPPORT HB1620. We have time, let's not rush into what could potentially be another environmental disaster for the state. #PeopleOverProfit
NH State Senate roster: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/members/senate_roster.aspx
HB1620 Senate E&NR hearing video: https://youtu.be/o-mXXWKIh5c
Also, please consider making a donation to our friends at North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, http://www.NorthCountryABC.net as they have been incurring some significant expenses to retain legal and environmental expertise to help in the fight to save Forest Lake and the North Country!
Senator Shaheen Updates:
Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee secured a number of top priorities in the final government funding package for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Included in this package was over $100 million for 101 Congressionally Directed Spending projects. These projects will go towards a range of Granite State priorities throughout the state, including water and transportation infrastructure, health care facility investments, educational training, resources to combat homelessness, support for substance use disorder programs, tools to build safe and prosperous communities and much more.
Senator Shaheen and U.S. Representative Chris Pappas sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the Department to support the State of New Hampshire’s request to exclude payments from the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Rebate Program from income taxes, ensuring Granite Staters do not have to pay more out-of-pocket costs to address drinking water contamination.
Building Energy Codes:
Last month, Senator Shaheen sent a letter to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) urging it to require that new homes with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac meet up-to-date building codes for energy efficiency. Expanding the number of homes covered by updated codes would help Granite Staters save money and provide consistency for builders. Senator Shaheen secured $2.5 million in the Inflation Reduction Act for New Hampshire to adopt updated building energy codes, with another $1.6 million available for net zero codes.
In the news: Senator Shaheen advocates for energy-efficient building codes to lower New Hampshire housing costs. You can also read Senator Shaheen’s newsletter about codes here.
In case you missed it, Senator Shaheen, NH Municipal Association, International Code Council and ASHRAE held an information webinar about federal funding for building energy codes. You can find a recording of the webinar here.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) in Vermont and New Hampshire, announced $2,284,401 in funding for Twin State small businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
Federal Grants & Programs Announced:
Inflation Reduction Act open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. The Biden Administration released a technical assistance guide. This guide provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs.
Below are a few grants and programs that were announced last month. Please reach out if Senator Shaheen can be helpful in identifying grants or writing a letter of support for a federal grant.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $90 million in funding to support building energy code adoption, training, and technical assistance at the state and local level. The funding, which is the second installment in a $225 million program established by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, continues historic investment into state agencies, communities, and programs to successfully implement modern building codes. DOE estimates that from 2010 through 2040 energy codes will have saved homes and businesses $182 billion on utility bills and prevented as much carbon dioxide from reaching the atmosphere as that of 187 million gasoline-powered cars annually.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) opened applications for the 2024 Renew America's Schools Prize, which will award $180 million to districts across the country engaging in strategic partnerships to build capacity and implement energy upgrades at K-12 schools, lowering energy use and costs, improving indoor air quality, and fostering healthier learning environments. The 2024 Renew America’s Schools Prize, funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, represents a groundbreaking investment in energy-efficient and renewable energy infrastructure at underserved K-12 public schools and contributes toward the Administration’s broader Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced $171 million for 49 projects across 21 states to reduce industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and accelerate the development of innovative decarbonization technologies. DOE also announced that applications are open for an $83 million funding opportunity to decrease emissions from hard-to-decarbonize industrial sectors, which represent roughly 30 percent of total U.S. carbon emissions
The EPA announced the availability of nearly $24 million in grants to support states, U.S. territories, and Tribes in providing technical assistance to businesses to develop and adopt pollution prevention practices.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced $100 million through the Forest Landowner Support Program to support the participation of underserved forest landowners in emerging private markets for climate mitigation and forest resilience.
BOEM finalizes wind energy area in the Gulf of Maine and announces upcoming environmental review of potential offshore wind leasing activities.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/31/24
Overview
IMPORTANT: On April 8 at 5:30pm we'll hold our 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts." Hear from Representatives Kat McGhee and Tony Caplan and Senator Debra Altschiller about the bills still standing and what they hope for in the remaining week.
Register at bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
GOOD NEWS:
NH Coal plants shutting down.
Three bills managing landfills pass the House, and are now on to the Senate.
AND MORE: (from Kennedy McGrath kennedymc07@gmail.com.)
As you have probably heard, I have taken over the NHN social media pages to revamp and create new content to show the community what we do, appeal to a wide age range, and potentially gain new members. To advance that goal, I wanted to share some opportunities to contribute ideas and content to the Facebook and Instagram pages that you think people want to see.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Send me a headshot of yourself to be featured alongside other women of the NHN in celebration of all you do! You probably saw other organizations you follow doing this kind of post on International Women’s Day 3/8, but we will be doing it at the end of the month. (Thank you to those who have already sent me a photo!)
EARTH DAY (WEEK)
Earth Day is a great time to get people interested in learning more about environment, energy, and climate issues that they may already be interested in but don’t know much about. If you have an idea for a topic or are hosting an Earth Day-related event, let me know! We will be doing a series of posts encompassing all of the NHN focus areas for Earth “week” to engage people in these topics.
OTHER EVENTS
I have also been managing the NHN calendar, so if you need an event posted, email me to let me know! I can also promote the event on social media, and cover the highlights with photos after the fact. Any time you lead or attend an event, snap a photo so people can see the amazing work you are doing in your community! Vertical videos are also extremely impactful and will reach more people.
GENERAL POST IDEAS:
Even if there is not a specific holiday or event to tie a social media campaign, you can submit an idea for a post using the form below!
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Wednesday, April 3 — 6 to 8 pm
We at GSOP (Granite State Organizing Project) are very excited to offer a series of FREE, virtual trainings on Zoom. These will be held on Wednesday evenings in April (the 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th respectively). It will be a great way for those seasoned or new to grassroots organizing and mobilizing communities to come together, trade tips and tricks, meet some of the GSOP staff, and connect with grassroots leaders from across the state that they may not have met before!
You are invited: Organizing 101- Making Change Together!
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYlcOupqzMiE9Wos9AQKDm4yIkFe5_D27OZ#/registration
Wednesday, April 3 — 7 pm NH Network Steering Committee
Here's the Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81008368803?pwd=Q2syUVBFdCtFeC9VMGVuc2RhOWU1QT09
Meeting ID: 810 0836 8803 Passcode: 385644
Thursday, April 4 — 2-6 pm NHPR Climate Summit at UNH Memorial Union Building
Thursday, April 4 — 12:00-1:30 pm Northeast Energy & Commerce Assoc: Low Carbon Fuel standard primer, https://necanews.org/product/ticket-low-carbon-fuel-standard-primer/
Friday, April 5 — 1-2 pm NH Food Alliance: What's Next For New Hampshire
https://www.nhfoodalliance.org/get-involved/network-cafe-series
Friday, April 5 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 5th — 8:30 am to 12 noon Pelham Clean Water Initiative: Understanding Watersheds and Cyanobacteria Conference at Pelham Town Hall, Pelham
Sunday, April 7 — 6 pm Plastics Working Group
(Here are the notes from the March 24 Plastics Working Group meeting. Many thanks to Carol Foss of Collaborative Solid Waste Strategies for facilitating and to Cynthia Walter for taking notes.
(Please go into the notes and add your local community updates so we can learn and be inspired by each other’s local actions.)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
IMPORTANT: On April 8 at 5:30 pm we'll hold our 3rd annual legislative crossover event, "The Beauties and the Beasts." Hear from Representatives Kat McGhee and Tony Caplan and Senator Debra Altschiller about the bills still standing and what they hope for in the remaining week.
Register at bit.ly/CrossoverAPRIL8
Wednesday, April 10 — 7 pm Climate Working Group
citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, April 12 — 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Friday, April 12 — 6:30-9:30 pm
The Story of Plastic at the Community Theatre in Peterborough!
Saturday, April 13 - Tabling at Dover Public Library Earth Week event, Dover Plastic Reduction Group
Sunday, April 14 - 12 noon - 3 pm Portsmouth Earth Week Event, Connie Bean Center 155 Parrott Ave Portsmouth jesspblasko@gmail.com
Bills to take action on:
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y
Take Action
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective, and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move on to either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks. https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills#h.ouvlymurdh7y
The Network is a volunteer-driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
The building industry thought they had a slam-dunk with HB 1059, building codes that ignored updated energy codes. Thanks to all the letters and calls made by NH Network, they had to work supremely hard to keep their ground. We didn’t get those energy codes added, but we’ll have another opportunity in the Senate. See what Donald Kreis has to say: Calling B.S. on the Energy Conservation Code - InDepthNH.orgInDepthNH.org
https://indepthnh.org/2024/03/26/calling-b-s-on-the-energy-conservation-code/
AND
Keep pushing! This week we’re urging our Energy Committees and Municipal leaders to OPPOSE SB 437: relative to local authority to amend the state building code, that will “cross over” to have its hearing in the House on April 10. If the State rejects best practices, then each municipality should have the LOCAL CONTROL to opt for the building standards that will create living spaces that are more efficient to heat and cool, healthier to live in and save their residents money.
Link to NH Network website for additional detail on these bills: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Tuesday, April 2nd:
HB 602 (Senate Energy and Resources 9 am room 103) Relative to siting landfills. SUPPORT
HB 1386 (Senate Energy and Resources 9:15 am room 103) Relative to disposal of lithium batteries in landfill SUPPORT
HB 1620 (Senate Energy and Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to suspending new landfill permits until 2031 PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1302 (Senate Election 9:50 room 103) Relative to elected conservation commissions in towns OPPOSE
HB 1047 (Senate Commerce 10:10 SH) Relative to state outreach for residents without computers, tablets, or smartphones. SUPPORT
Wednesday, April 3
SB 496 (House Health and Human Services 11 am room 203) Directs the DHH to establish climate and health protection programs. PRIORITY SUPPORT
UPDATE ON LAKE BILLS:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/lakes/FMfcgzGxSRSCHfDMGgWBhFgxHHrJNdfn
Feed Your Brain
Boston Globe Sustainability Week (free registration for April 22 to 25 webinars)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/Inmkdjm0EG0
Last Coal Plants Shutting Down
The Gas Industry Gutted Green Building Codes. Now, Republicans Want To Go Further.
GOP lawmakers are pushing back on programs designed to help states and cities modernize construction standards and save more energy.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/republicans-building-codes-climate_n_6605b8f8e4b05f4de3282cb4
Paul Bemis: There's nothing conservative about wasting heat (Network WG leader)
NH has become Massachusetts Dumping Ground
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/25/24
Overview
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Perhaps this case is known to some, but to others, it is new. Feel free to act as time is short. Joseph Stigliz is a highly respected economist and former government official. His argument is compelling.
Save Juliana — Our Children's Trust
JOSEPH STIGLITZ' STATEMENT FROM LINK IN ABOVE INFO
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/655a2d016eb74e41dc292ed5/t/65efa267091ae274cc2f73c8/1710203495510/DktEntry+7.3+Stiglitz+Decl+2024.02.12.pdf
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Link to these and other important events and meetings can be found on the calendar at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 24 6 pm Plastics Work Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Wednesday, March 27 8 am 2024 Climate Action Maple Breakfast with US Senator Maggie Hassan and the NH Maple Producers Association
Mobilize registration link: https://www.mobilize.us/lcvnh/event/610462/
Wednesday, March 27 5pm Environmental Work Group
Zoom link at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/working-groups/environment-working-group
Friday, March 29 2pm Legislation Working Group
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450 Passcode: 658454
Sunday, April 20 1 pm UCC Annual Earth Summit
Register: https://www.ucc.org/event/2024-ucc-annual-earth-summit/
The UCC's second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, "Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?" Additionally, the following panel of award-winning activists will speak about the multi-national struggle against the pollution of Formosa Plastics, one of the world's largest plastics producers:
-Sharon Lavigne, 2021 Goldman Prize Winner, Rise St. James
-Diane Wilson, 2023 Goldman Prize Winner, San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper
-Nancy Bui, International Monitor Formosa Alliance and Justice for Formosa Victims
This event will be both in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Along with The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, cohosts include the UCC's Council for Climate Justice, the National Setting of the UCC, and the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC.
Friday, May 17 The NH Food System Statewide Gathering is a day full of networking, learning, professional development (and, of course, delicious food!) shared amongst the most influential and innovative food system professionals in New Hampshire.
We will spend our time together in six dynamic breakout sessions, learning and connecting on a variety of food system topics, as well as strengthening our connections through networking activities, a locally-sourced lunch, and end-of-gathering celebration. The full schedule of the day will be available on April 1.
But don't wait, our early bird registration period closes on March 31!
Take Action
Please see separate Google Group email titled “Legislative Alert” and/or visit the NH Bill Actions page.
Feed Your Brain
Thank you for sharing your relevant articles. Feel free to forward to us any that you feel are important, new information, and should be shared.
March 20, 2024 - Municipal Energy Committee (Current solar activism in NH towns)
video recording, chat, meeting notes
The True Cost of Food (Network Environmental WG webinar)
Recording at newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Darren Woods is Wrong. The Past Matters (Important interview with the Exxon CEO)
PBS: The Story of Plastics Recycling Fraud
The National Funding Foundation is offering the Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
Virtual Online Program on June 17, 2024. Interested development professionals, administrators, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly. Please forward, post, and distribute this e-mail to your colleagues and listservs.
All participants will receive the National Funding Foundation's Certificate in Professional Grant Proposal Writing.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/17/24
Overview
This is a condensed Vacation version of the highlights for the Week of March 17-23, 2024. It may be shorter but contains lots of very important highlights and information. There are many relevant articles members have shared with the Network. Feel free to forward to us anything you feel is important and should be shared.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
March 20th Twofers!
March 20th, 3:00-4:00 pm on Zoom
Energy Working Group: the subgroup for members of Municipal Energy Committees and interested others.
Topic: Solar projects, big and small – opportunities, challenges, with opportunity to discuss our experiences. Discussion led by Paul Bemis (presenter of “Building Codes” earlier this month), with special guest Melissa Elander (presenter of “Funding Sources” last month).
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526 Passcode: 753869
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
March 20th, 5:00-6:00 pm on Zoom
The True Cost of Food
Presenter: Gene Jonas – organic farmer,
owner, and operator of Hungry Bear Farm, Wilton, NH
Why does local food cost more than what we buy from the grocery store? In this workshop, Hungry Bear Farm owner and operator Gene Jonas will share a holistic analysis of the costs of the industrialized food production systems that dominate the landscape today, and why buying local is actually better for you and your wallet.
Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
Sponsored by the NH Network Environment Working Group
THROUGHOUT THE STATE:
March 21, 6:30-7:30 pm, Save Money, Protect Health, Cut Waste - Paige Wilson on Composting and Dover Plastic Reduction Group on non-plastic alternatives - Dover Public Library https://dovernh.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/talking-trash-with-the-plastic-reduction-group/
March 22, 9:30 am, Solid Waste Working Group Meeting - Presentation by Signalfire Group (subsidiary of RRS) Principal Resa Domino on Extended Producer Responsibility (RPS) https://www.des.nh.gov/event/new-hampshire-solid-waste-working-group-meeting-3
March23, 9am - 3pm - Seacoast Environmental Film Festival, Kittery Community CenterSeacoast Environmental Film Festival - KITTERY LAND TRUST (weebly.com)- possible Tabling for NH Network and PWG (contact cawalter22@gmail.com)
March 26, Noon Hidden Toxics in Our Products & the Transition to Green Chemistry, UNH Sustainability Institute.
TODAY, March 18 is the last day to register by end of day today at bit.ly/FTG-communitysummit for the “Fix the Grid” full day workshop in Danville, NH. We'll be digging into energy democracy topics (including microgrids, demand response projects, and municipal utilities) in the morning, and then go into governance reform efforts in the afternoon. We also have communications experts 90West joining us for a messaging workshop!
Take Action
URGENT: SUPPORT SB 391
Link to the Action Alert URGENT: SUPPORT SB 391
https://mailchi.mp/cleanenergynh/state-house-update-9508895?e=5f324ddf0a
LEGISLATIVE EDITION
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week:
There are 4 bills of interest that are having a public hearing this week, 3 of them were passed in the Senate, and the first one is still in the House. We are monitoring the first one, HB 609 The other 3 SB bills passed in the Senate, moved to the House, and are important enough to ask you to sign in and Support, write testimony or contact your Rep if you can.
Bills This Week
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Week of March 18, 20
Tue 3/19/24 9:45am SH 103
Senate Energy & Natural Resources
relative to the site evaluation committee for energy facility siting.
MONITOR
Some are concerned about less public input, but recommended OTP unanimously by House STE committee. Fixes an acknowledged need to streamline siting procedures for energy projects to meet future electrification needs while still providing meaningful public participation.
Public Hearing Tue 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 9:30am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to the use of renewable energy funds by the department of energy.
SUPPORT
Adds battery storage projects to uses of the renewable energy fund, deletes a required renewable generation incentive program, and authorizes a political subdivision incentive, rebate, or grant program using the fund. The bill also modifies the reporting date by the department of energy concerning the renewable energy fund. This bill is a request of the department of energy.
Public Hearing Tue 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 10:00 am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to administration of utilities by the department of energy.
SUPPORT
Makes various changes to the administration of public utilities and the duties of the department of energy. A housecleaning bill, which makes no meaningful changes to any programs
Public Hearing 3/19/24
Tue 3/19/24 10:30am LOB 302-304
House Science, Technology & Energy
relative to electric grid interconnection for certain customer generators.
SUPPORT
This bill is a request of the department of energy. This bill attempts to fix bottlenecks in the process for renewable energy projects to interconnect to the distribution grid by adopting best practices focused on engineering standards, review processes, time lines, cost responsibilities, information sharing and transparency, and dispute resolution.
Public Hearing 3/19/24
Thursday, March 21 there will be House and Senate Sessions to hear and vote on Bills that have passed to them. More Information to follow.
Enjoy the sunny day.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mHOpeOcgpjb__LptVG2di615i0GKMKYkFT2kB8fyG4g/edit?usp=sharing
Feed Your Brain
Article:
Floodwaters inundate Maine, New Hampshire for fourth time since December https://wapo.st/49N4zpa
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/10/24
Four important announcements.
One, your work is making a difference. The Network continues to receive thanks (and accolades) for our legislative efforts and results. For example, progress on forest carbon bills HB1697, HB1709; prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS HB1649; health protection program SB496; moratorium on new landfills until 2031, HB1620.
Two, the next NHNetwork webinar is on March 20th from 5 to 6 pm
“The True Cost of Food” moderated by the NHNetwork Environmental Working Group
presents NH organic farmer Gene Jonas with The True Cost of Food
>> Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
Three, the United Universalist Church is taking the lead on many issues that mirror our goals, and they are offering monthly webinars.
This month’s March 21st meeting focus is Heating and Cooling. Future meeting topics include: “What’s New in Solar”, “Community Power and Choosing an Alternative Power Company”, and “Energy Policy In NH”. Click this link for more information: https://uuactionnh.org/
Four, if you were unable to attend the March 7 Network meeting on the significance of energy building codes, here is the recording: https://www.nhclimatehealth.org/our-past-events
It contains important information to support HB 1059 incorporating 2021 energy codes for future construction, the health and economic benefits of proper insulation and vapor barriers. PS Your NH Network letters are getting our legislators to reconsider the need for updating energy building codes – please share with your municipal leaders, as well!
In addition, here is a Washington Post article detailing the national effort to derail energy codes:
Overview
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Join our online community on Facebook and (NEW) Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 10 6 pm Plastics Working Group
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. NH NETWORK: Climate working group
Zoom: citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Friday, March 15 2 pm Legislation/Policy (all topics: energy, climate, environment)
Zoom: To be announced.
Sunday, March 17 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing. (March 17, 31 and April 14, 28)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation.
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302 Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
Wednesday, March 20 3 pm Municipal Energy Committees - members and interested individuals
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526 Passcode: 753869
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Wednesday, March 20 5 pm NH Network monthly webinar: The True Cost of Food.
Register at bit.ly/TrueCostOfFood
March 21st 6:30-7:30 pm Dover Public Library (in-person), Save Money, Protect Health, Cut Waste -
Paige Wilson on Composting; Dover Plastic Reduction Group on non-plastic alternatives.
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t8B4--qUuf2BBvPg0kir-p3VzMrsYCLA/view?ts=65e13949
Saturday, March 23 9:30 to 5 pm Fix the Grid Summit
Our progress: In the last year, the Fix the Grid campaign has seen tremendous momentum grow in our efforts to accelerate a just transition to a clean, renewable, transparency electric system for our region. But we also know that the pandemic and the regional nature of our work have made it challenging to build connections between leaders in this movement. So, we're excited to announce our first-ever in person community summit!
Our plan: This will be a one-day event, located at the Danville Community Center in Southern New Hampshire. We'll provide coffee and bagels as well as lunch, and we'll have child care and interpretation services available.
Our ask: Join us! Fill out this form to let us know you'd like to come, and feel free to spread the word to friends and acquaintances who are also interested in how our electric grid and our energy system impact our lives and our future. bit.ly/FTG-communitysummit
Check out the Fix the Grid website for more information about our campaign!
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Please join us for this gathering in Concord with 350NH staff, volunteers, and community members! We are going to talk about telling our own stories to drive other people to join our efforts. RSVP here so we know how many people to expect! Snacks and coffee will be provided.
April 12 Clean Energy NH Crossover Event: Details to be announced.
Take Action
LEGISLATIVE NEWS
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills (NOT needed this week!)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills (NOT needed this week!) USUALLY (but not this week, see below) Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after its public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly.
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
-The Network is a volunteer driven organization. At times, and particularly when the legislature is in session, the amount of bills can be overwhelming. Choose to help where you can.
Bills This Week: There are NO PUBLIC HEARING THIS WEEK, but lots of work to do.
A number of bills we care about are still in play. For the bills that matter to you, please write or call
your own Reps (you may know more about these bills than they do);
the members of the House or Senate committees involved (call, don’t write them);
And ESPECIALLY your own municipal leaders (Select Board or Town Councilors, and members of committees affected: planning, zoning, public works, agriculture, farmers, conservation, transportation, hazard mitigation, resilience…) Their word may have the strongest effect!
PRIORITY OPPOSE HB1059, Full House vote not yet scheduled.
HB1059 would update building codes, EXCLUDING energy codes, so that occupants for the life of the building would be paying 10% more in utility bills. Built structures create more emissions than transportation. We need buildings that conserve energy, limit emissions, cost the owner or renter less in monthly bills, and has significantly better air quality. WE MAY BE TURNING OPINION AROUND - CONTINUE YOUR EFFORTS. Get your municipal officials to weigh in. Insist that THE MOST RECENT ENERGY CODES be included in NH’s building codes.
PRIORITY OPPOSE HB1479, Headed for a full House vote, possibly March 14 (vote is split so far).
The ultimate gag order: Prohibits anyone receiving public funds – even municipal governments and nonprofits –from being allowed to “lobby, attempt to influence legislation, participate in political activity…” This would prevent knowledgeable people – local officials, environmental groups and other nonprofits – from advocating on behalf of a city or town, sharing their data and reports on the topics they know best. This affects environmental groups and many more, throughout NH.
Sample constituent letter (no copying, please!):
Dear Senator Innis and Reps. See, Aylward,and Andrus,
As a citizen who has been active in her local community for over forty years, I am very concerned about HB1437 and ask that you cast your vote against it.
Those serving in municipal governments, state boards, and nonprofits should be able to voice their concerns or offer information on pending legislation without fear of committing a crime (Class A misdemeanour) and being being personally liable for amounts "equal to 3 times the amount wrongfully paid or expended."
Municipalities and their associations representing their interests should be able to express their thoughts. As a taxpayer, I depend on my own town to do so. Laws should not be passed without municipalities being able to provide their analysis and opinions on how it affects them. How else would elected members of the General Court make informed decisions?
Some may believe that this bill only addresses governments but it goes further. Any other groups, including nonprofits who receive grants for any kind of work would be excluded as well, "Any recipient of public funds that wishes to engage in any of the activities which would require registration as a lobbyist under RSA 15:1, shall segregate public funds in such a manner that such funds are physically and financially separate from any other funds that may be used for any of these purposes. Mere bookkeeping separation of the public funds from other monies shall not be sufficient." (Quote from bill, part of which I have added bold text for my own emphasis.)
No one should live in fear of opening themselves up to lawsuits that could ruin them financially by providing to their members of the General Court, as part of their right to free speech.
Thank you for opposing this bill.
Sincerely,
M.T., resident of Webster, NH
OPPOSE HB1332-FN, Full House vote March 14 (MAJORITY so far: OUGHT TO PASS)
Would prohibit electric vehicles from parking in parking garages – cherry-picking one technology type (EVs) on the basis of weight and fire risk. SUVs and trucks are just as heavy; the Fire Marshall is content that SB430 will study EV safety.
HEADING FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION in their committees:
PRIORITY SUPPORT HB1636-FN, relative to creating the NH container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. House Commerce, Exec Session 10am Wed 3/13 LOB 302-4
SUPPORT HR 30, urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. Inspired by student activists.
Heading towards a 2nd Executive Session!! 10:00 AM Mon March 18• House Education LOB 205-7
From NH LAKES: Link for the Advocacy Alert: https://mailchi.mp/nhlakes/advocacy-alert-344533?e=31b0846a46
SUPPORT HB1390, relative to regulating wakeboarding and wake sports. These sports increase cyanobacteria bloom by churning up sediment, and they cause shore erosion. Executive Session 10:30 AM Wed 3/13• House Resources, Recreation and Development LOB 305
WORK SESSION: One can always can phone or write (especially to committee clerk), allowed to watch the session, but probably not allowed to speak.
SUPPORT HB1678, establishing a New Hampshire farm to school local food incentive pilot program. Bipartisan sponsorship. Work Session, House Committee on Finance Division 1 : 03/13/2024 02:30 pm LOB 212
POLICY AND MORE:
Although CACR 14 (providing a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations) was voted ITL for this year, you may want to watch Nick Germana’s video clip for inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpGg2W72Mno 2:20:22
Chris Skoglund (CENH) https://www.energy.nh.gov/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-homeowners/home-efficiency-rebates-program Dept of Energy call for recommendations for federal Home Energy grants by noon March 13
The NH Climate Action Plan of March 2024 is written!
Feed Your Brain
Steering Committee Notes: SteeringCmteAgenda/Minutes
Useful link from March 8’s weekly 2pm Legislative/Policy Meeting:
Chris Skoglund (CENH) https://www.energy.nh.gov/funding-opportunities/funding-opportunities-homeowners/home-efficiency-rebates-program
John Gage
Distant Dome: Advisory Ethics Opinions Reveal Sticky Issues On Influencing the Legislature - https://indepthnh.org/2024/02/24/distant-dome-advisory-ethics-opinions-reveal-sticky-issues-on-influencing-the-legislature/
Op-Ed:
Dark Money, Texas PAC Has Foothold On Half the GOP’s NH State Reps - https://indepthnh.org/2024/02/19/op-ed-dark-money-texas-pac-has-foothold-on-half-the-gops-nh-state-reps/
NH House Needs a Climate Science Intervention: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1InSSQHkauhN2PrYOub6QRB04Bul6gm5bgnUTsPcvphQ/edit?usp=drivesdk
No Gas No Coal: Click links for informative articles
You can see more context about how and why we are engaging ISO New England here and here. And you can see some of our reflections on the importance of keeping the pressure on here.
-
LINKS from Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks (next meeting Sunday, March 17 4 pm, see “Meetings & Events” above)
1. Storytelling for Social Change: March 17th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YUp3oCXJk
https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/350-storytelling-toolkit_EN.pdf
https://potentialenergycoalition.org/global-report/
2. Striving for Zero Waste: March 31st
3. Challenging the Extractive Mindset: April 14th
https://www.forwardthinkingworkplaces.com/get-out-of-the-extractive-mindset/
4. Rewilding/Plant Intelligence: April 28th
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-02-01/the-future-is-feral-and-climate-resilient/
Bruce's Weekly Update - 3/3/24
GOOD NEWS: Please review the TAKE ACTION section below to view legislative successes and recommended action items.
ACTION ALERT
HB 1059 with amendment is the most recent bill moved from being dead in the water to viable due to Network support and organizations from Clean Energy NH to Municipal Association to AARP. OPPOSE unless 1059 includes Rebecca McWilliams’s amendment to include 2021 energy codes in NH’s building codes
Thursday’s March 7, 4 pm Network presentation in conjunction with NH Health Workers for Climate Action Network is a call to action for HB 1059.
Paul Bemis will explain why this represents a health risk and a markedly increased cost burden for occupants. An amendment to update the energy codes has been proposed, but it faces strong pushback. Senator Shaheen cautions that NH could fail to qualify for several federal funding programs, including workforce training if this bill passes WITHOUT the updated building codes.
Why is a homeowner paying premium prices to put in EV or solar hook-ups, when they could easily be included by the builder? Or, paying 10-20% more in utility bills?
Building Codes: Your health, your wallet, and energy efficiency
Register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
MORE GOOD NEWS
The NH Network is “suffering” a bit from its success. Specifically, we are receiving multiple requests to post meetings and opportunities. We are doing our best with an eye toward not burdening you with too many opportunities.
IMPORTANT LINKS FOR MEETINGS, EDUCATION, and COMMUNITY
Monadnock Sustainability Hub
https://mailchi.mp/monadnocksustainabilityhub/novement2023-10524486?e=3852408a92
Northeast Resource and Recovery Association
https://mailchi.mp/nrrarecycles/fos-february-28-2024?e=dda0acd162
Overview
EXCITING - FOLLOW US!
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Follow our community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT: IF YOU WISH TO POST TO THE NETWORK’S FACEBOOK PAGE, here is the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwfGQbgezbL-jy7H_Z-IwoczA3uC88riaR5LR0TzW3JQ0zQg/viewform
Meetings and Event
Listed in the blue box above or visit the NH Network calendar for further information.
March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Meetings are being offered by NH for Climate Justice and No Gas No Coal
March 21st 6:30 pm Dover in-person meeting (Save money and reduce waste)
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Take Action
Legislative Alerts
Feed Your Brain
Returnable-reusable vs. Refillable
Senator Shaheen Updates
Federal Grants & Programs Announced
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Sunday, March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics about sustainable living. All are welcome—informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31, and April 14, 28, 4 pm (See FEED YOUR BRAIN for details)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation. Resources from the talk are in the link.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9
These meetings are being offered by NH for Climate Justice and No Gas No Coal
March 4th, 7:00 pm: Demand Response Info Session (Virtual)
This webinar will explain some of the basics of our regional energy grid operators (ISO-NE) and "demand response," a mechanism they do not use often enough in their system. RSVP here.
March 5th, 6:30 pm-8:00 pm: Climate & Militarism Community Conversation (Virtual)
The climate crisis and the fossil fuel industry have impacted war and conflict across the globe. Join us for this conversation about the connections between war and climate. RSVP here for the Zoom link
March 6th, 12:00 pm-3:30 pm: Consumer Liaison Group Meeting
Attend the Consumer Liaison Group meeting to pressure our regional energy grid operators (ISO-NE). Click here for more information.
NH Network
Wednesday, March 13 at 7:00 p.m. - Climate Working Group
Meetings will be on Zoom at citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Sunday, March 10, 6 pm NH NETWORK: Plastics Working Group
ZOOM LINK
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87209928697
Meeting ID: 872 0992 8697
One tap mobile +19292056099, 87209928697# US
March 21st 6:30 pm Dover in-person meeting (Save money and reduce waste)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t8B4--qUuf2BBvPg0kir-p3VzMrsYCLA/view?ts=65e13949
March 23rd, 10:00 am-12:00 pm: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement Gathering
Please join us for this gathering in Concord with 350NH staff, volunteers, and community members! We are going to talk about telling our own stories to drive other people to join our efforts. RSVP here so we know how many people to expect! Snacks and coffee will be provided.
Take Action
Good news: We continue to hear from a variety of sources that Network activism is having positive outcomes. In-person testimony, written testimony and sign-ups have moved the needle on multiple bills. For example, SB 303 relative to the use of renewable energy funds by the Department of Energy and SB 388 relative to administration of utilities by the Department of Energy are each OTP and have survived crossover to be reviewed by the STE Committee.
AND:
Two important bills will be voted without debate, both recommended ‘Ought to Pass with Amendment’ by the House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee: :
HB 1600, relative to participation in net energy metering,
HB 1431, relative to utility requirements for integrated distribution planning.
AND:
HB 1059 with amendment is the most recent bill moved from being dead in the water to viable due to Network support and organizations from Clean Energy NH to Municipal Association to AARP. OPPOSE unless 1059 includes Rebecca McWilliams’s amendment to include 2021 energy codes in NH’s building codes
Thursday’s March 7, 4 pm Network presentation in conjunction with NH Health Workers for Climate Action Network is a call to action for HB 1059. Paul Bemis will explain why this represents a health risk and a markedly increased cost burden for occupants. An amendment to update the energy codes has been proposed, but it faces strong pushback. Senator Shaheen cautions that NH could fail to qualify for several federal funding programs, including workforce training if this bill passes WITHOUT the updated building codes.
Why is a homeowner paying premium prices to put in EV or solar hook-ups, when they could easily be included by the builder? Or, paying 10-20% more in utility bills?
Building Codes: Your health, your wallet, and energy efficiency
Register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
BILLS THIS WEEK:
Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Tuesday, March 5:
SB 543 (Energy and Natural Resources 9:45 am room 103) Establish the state environmental adaptation, resilience and innovation council. PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1293 (House Ways and Means 11 am room 202) Relative to the use of fertilizers to protect waterways. SUPPORT
HB 1709 (House Ways and Means 12:15 room 202) Establish carbon forest commission to examine the balance between timber harvesting and forest sequestration. SUPPORT
HR 30 (House Education 1:45 pm Room 205) Urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. SUPPORT
The 350NH Youth Team, with sponsorship from Representatives Wendy Thomas and Tony Caplan, submitted this climate literacy resolution to the NH House of Representatives.
While the resolution is not a bill and does not require the department to act, it details a set of topics that students feel should be included in a robust climate education. Passing HR 30 would show support for climate literacy, including the scientific, human, and economic impacts of climate change. It would give teachers and school boards a resource to reference in making decisions about climate change curriculum.
Wednesday, March 6:
HB 1578 (Environment and Agriculture 1 pm room 301) This bill repeals the certification program and the organic processors-handlers certification fund. PRIORITY OPPOSE
Continue to contact your state reps and/or have your town officers write. NOT TOO LATE TO KEEP UP THE NOISE - Executive Session on critical bills March 6
SB 437 onerous procedures would prohibit municipalities from adopting more stringent codes than the state’s. We allow municipal differences in other aspects. We pay homage to “local control.” Allow municipalities to make these decisions, and provide the state with examples of what works and what doesn’t. OPPOSE.
HB1486 would allow us to see on paper what would be the effect of a carbon price, to prepare for future carbon import fees. SUPPORT.
CONTINUE THE NOISE for Full House votes on hugely important bills March 7
HB 1036, relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge, an effort to remove the “Granite State Test” as the standard by which we evaluate energy efficiency measures, among other projects. Could introduce unnecessary uncertainty into the market and imperil programs like NHSaves. OPPOSE
HB 1623, relative to the state energy policy, which would move NH from a standard that prioritizes access to affordable energy without compromising public and environmental health to a narrow focus on “baseload” generation, implicitly prioritizing traditional fossil fuels. Could keep clean energy from being built. OPPOSE
HB 1332, relative to prohibiting electric vehicles from parking in parking garages. Singles out EVs and EV drivers based on clear misunderstandings or misrepresentations of the data on both vehicle weight (no different from many SUVs and trucks) and battery fires (being studied with SB430). OPPOSE
OTHER POSITIVE OUTCOMES FROM THE ENVIRONMENT AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE (late-night reading from the House Consent Calendar)
HB 1170-FN, requires public benefit and community impact assessments from the Department of Environmental Services. REFER FOR INTERIM STUDY. Rep. Megan Murray for Environment and Agriculture. The committee felt that the concept of public benefit, and net public benefit and community impact has merit to be further explored when looking at several factors around solid waste permitting and their relationship to human impacts. The committee would like to explore concepts around quantifying impacts to communities, including public health, community input and involvement, and assessment as it relates to the Department of Environmental Services. Vote 18-0.
HB 1386-FN, relative to prohibiting the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities, or incinerators. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Judy Aron for Environment and Agriculture. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable batteries found in cell phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices. When they are improperly disposed of the protective pouch around the battery can be punctured or damaged leading to chemical reactions that can cause fire or explosion. The fires caused by these batteries burn hotter and longer, and are difficult to extinguish. This bill prohibits the disposal of lithium-ion batteries in solid waste landfill facilities, composting facilities and incinerators because they have already been known to cause fires and create great damage to existing facilities in NH. The bill also cleans up and expands the definition of electronic devices prohibited in NH landfills. The amendment clarifies that no one will be held liable for disposing banned lithium-ion batteries accidentally. Several trade associations, Waste Haulers, NH Association of Fire Chiefs (NHAFC), and the NH Fire Marshall’s office support this bill. This bill is also consistent with the NH Solid Waste Management Plan adopted in 2022. Vote 18-0.
HB 1490, relative to the Solid Waste Management Act. OUGHT TO PASS. Rep. Peter Bixby for Environment and Agriculture. This bill was a request from the Department of Environmental Services to amend parts of RSA 149-M. The bill is a statute housekeeping bill which modifies the existing definitions of “abutter” and “end-of-life motor vehicle,” corrects a drafting error from the 2019 legislative session, and adds the term “termination” to the list of possible actions in the administration of the permit system. Vote 13-0.
HB 1620-FN, relative to suspending the issuance of new landfill permits until 2031. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Nicholas Germana for Environment and Agriculture. As amended, this bill will suspend the issuance of new landfill permits until July 1, 2028. The Department of Environmental Services shall continue to accept and investigate applications. The period of this suspension will allow for more time for the legislature to consider rules and procedures that assure that landfills in the state will be sited properly, meet the need of public benefit, and advance New Hampshire’s solid waste goals. Vote 18-0.
HB 1687-FN, relative to disposal of construction and demolition debris from state construction projects. OUGHT TO PASS WITH AMENDMENT. Rep. Megan Murray for Environment and Agriculture. Even though there are already best practices in place around hazardous waste disposal and hazardous materials disposal on state construction projects, the amendment and the underlying bill further define the disposal of hazardous waste and hazardous materials as enumerated in the statute. This bill is relative only to state contracts and New Hampshire University System contracts. The bill, as amended, strengthens state contractual positions and will improve compliance with regard to disposal of construction and demolition debris from state construction projects. Vote 18-0.
Feed Your Brain
Returnable-reusable vs. Refillable
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition defines reusable packaging as "designed to be returnable and/or refillable." Upstream feels that when policy is written, there is a need to have specific, separate definitions of what is "returnable" and what is "refillable."
Returnable-Reusable Packaging is designed to be recirculated multiple times for the same or similar purpose in its original format in a system for reuse and is owned by producers or a third party and returned to producers or a third party after each use. We say "returnable-reusable" to avoid confusion with other types of returnables, like returnable cans in a bottle bill system, which are returnable, but not reusable.
Refillable Packaging is designed to be refilled by consumers multiple times for the same or similar purpose in its original format, and is sold or provided to consumers once for the duration of its usable life.
The main point: refillable packaging is owned by consumers while reusable packaging is owned by producers or a third party. Refillables, like BYO or refill at home, require a lot of consumer behavior change. Returnables eliminate the challenges of refillable packaging because they can mimic single-use packaging.
Senator Shaheen Updates
· Senator Shaheen opened the FY25 Congressionally Directed Spending application! The deadline to submit FY25 CDS requests to her office is March 22nd and the application can be found HERE.
Please join one of the webinars below to learn more. For questions about CDS please email appropriations_shaheen@shaheen.senate.gov.
FY25 CDS Information Session with the NH Municipal Association
Date/Time: Tuesday, March 5th from 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Registration here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N3Pr8lU8SoOquF2qQ1BnRQ#/registration
FY25 CDS Information Session with the NH Center for Nonprofits
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 6th from 1 pm – 2 pm
Registration here: https://www.nhnonprofits.org/events/partner-event-how-submit-congressional-directed-spending-0
· Senator Shaheen, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Subcommittee, applauded Senate passage of a bill to keep the government open. This bipartisan agreement moves forward with the full-year appropriations legislation, including the CJS appropriations bill, which invests in a wide range of critical programs benefiting New Hampshire and the country.
· Senator Shaheen along with Senators Collins, King, and Kelley introduced bipartisan legislation to address PFAS contamination in private wells. The Technical Fix for the State Response to Contaminants Program bill would ensure that states have the flexibility to use funding from the $5 billion provided in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for PFAS and other emerging contaminants in small and disadvantaged communities to help assist private well owners get rid of toxins in their drinking water.
· Earlier in the month, Senator Shaheen visited several sites along the Seacoast to tour the extensive damage from recent storms.
· In case you missed it! This week Senator Shaheen, NH Municipal Association, International Code Council, and ASHRAE held an information webinar about federal funding for building energy codes. You can find a recording of the webinar here.
Federal Grants & Programs Announced
The inflation Reduction Act open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law open funding opportunities and complete program resource guidebook. The Biden Administration released a technical assistance guide. This guide provides comprehensive information about more than 100 federal technical assistance programs.
Below are a couple of grants and programs that were announced last month. Please reach out if Senator Shaheen can help identify grants or write a letter of support for a federal grant.
· The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a new $24 million funding opportunity for workforce training programs with a focus on training in clean energy jobs that do not require a four-degree. This funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will further expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network to include more union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools.
· The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) announced it is making up to $15 million available to drive recovery of spent consumer batteries at retailers that can be sent to recyclers.
· The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announced the release of the 2024 Request for Proposals for the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF). They expect to invest approximately $140 million in grants—including approximately $96 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—to support nature-based solutions for coastal resilience that provide a first line of defense for coastal communities and ecosystems from increasing impacts due to rising sea levels and more intense storms.
· The IRS is excited to offer additional office hours (through Microsoft Teams) to help entities with the pre-filing registration process on the new IRA/CHIPS Pre-filing Registration Tool. You can find dates and registration links to the office hours below.
March 6, 2024
1-2:30 PM EST
March 13, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
March 20, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
March 27, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 3, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 10, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 17, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
April 24, 2024
1-2:30 PM EDT
· The 2024 Land and Water Conservation Fund State Assistance Grant, a program providing federal funds to assist with public outdoor recreational projects, is once again open for intents through the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreations.
· The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are launching a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income using underutilized renewable technologies including smaller-scale wind projects. Through the Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy (RAISE) initiative, USDA is setting an initial goal of helping 400 individual farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP).
· The Department of the Interior announced a $195 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade, protecting America’s national parks for generations to come.
· The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of approximately $26 million for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to help local and regional food entities develop, coordinate, and expand producer-to-consumer marketing, local and regional food markets, and local food enterprises. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is accepting applications for the grant program until May 14, 2024.
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/29/24
Invitation to Action from the NH Network's Plastics Working Group
Who would like to help develop an EPR Toolkit: Breaking It Down guide as an educational tool for legislators and possibly Solid Waste Working Group members?
Who would like to develop a PPT presentation on EPR (same as above)?
Contact Cindy, cheath58@gmail.com if interested in doing research, writing, presenting, promoting.
Overview
EXCITING - FOLLOW US!
News about sustainable change in NH can’t always wait until the next newsletter. Follow our community on Facebook and Instagram to stay connected to upcoming events, good news stories, and NH Network happenings across the state.
Here’s what to expect on our social media:
Event announcements, news from the network, and quick educational posts to keep you informed and engaged in our community.
New to Instagram? Check out this 4-minute video on the basics before getting started.
The same messaging you’re used to now with event reminders and news from the network and our members.
Hit the icons to get started! Questions? Email Kennedy at kennedymc07@gmail.com.
Meetings: Listed in the blue box above or visit the NH Network calendar for further information.
Take Action
Legislative Alerts
Comment on state climate action plan
Feed Your Brain
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea and Talks
Meetings and Events
VISIT THE NETWORK CALENDAR FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Friday, March 1, 12 to 1 pm, A series of four workshops organized by Maine Conservation Voters will run weekly throughout the month. Topics range from creating powerful, joyful climate action movement to a regional approach to food system resilience to the fraud of Plastics Recycling
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/ZXII9T7on00
Sunday, March 3, 4 pm Living a Sustainable Lifestyle
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31 and April 14, 28, 4 pm (See FEED YOUR BRAIN for details)
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation. Resources from the talk are in the link.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
Thursday, March 7, 3 pm HOW TO MAXIMIZE solar savings
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/kennedymc07%40gmail.com/FMfcgzGxRwxxJgxFrlJNbqQvWrmqSBrW
Thursday, March 7, 4 to 5 pm NH Network and Health Workers for Climate Action
Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, there has been a mass migration of humans from fresh outdoor air to inside buildings. Most of us spend more than 90% of our time indoors, and indoor air quality is directly linked to our health. Three building code bills before the State House this year will reduce the energy efficiency of newly built homes, and negatively affect indoor air quality and our health.
WHERE: A virtual event, register at: bit.ly/Building_codes
Monday, March 4, at 7 pm begins a series of workshops from From No Gas no Coal Campaign
Detailed information about how the campaign is putting pressure on ISO New England through the Consumer Liaison Group and by other means. If you know others who may want to be on this list, you can point them to nocoalnogas.org/iso where they can sign up for the email list at the bottom of the page.
UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Webinar: ISO New England and Demand Response Basics (presented by us!)
Monday, March 4th at 7pm; Register Here
This session will provide some introduction to ISO New England (the regional electrical grid operator, which is funded by us through unitemized charges on our electrical bills). We'll also discuss the basics of Demand Response, which we believe to be a powerful potential tool around which ratepayers can organize to increase energy democracy, ensure a more sustainable energy future, and more.
The March 6th Consumer Liaison Group meeting topic is Demand Response. This educational opportunity will help you navigate some of the jargon so that you can show up informed and ready to engage the conversation.ISO New England Consumer Liaison Group Meeting
South Portland, Maine and online via WebEx
Wednesday, March 6th; noon-3:30 (online session begins at 12:30)Register Here for in-person attendance
(deadline to register for in-person attendance is noon on Friday, March 1st)
If you DO miss the deadline, but still want to come, please contact Marla .Register Here to attend via WebEx (online)
(no registration deadline)
As you know, ISO-NE (the regional electrical grid operator) is required to engage with the public quarterly via the Consumer Liaison Group (CLG). Meetings are open to the public (with registration required). Activists from No Coal No Gas, our partners at Fix the Grid, and others and are changing the way the CLG holds its meetings AND making space within the CLG for frontline communities and residential ratepayers to have a say in regional energy planning and decisions.
As I mentioned above, the upcoming quarterly meeting is about demand response, a strategy that SHOULD be accessible to residential ratepayers (not just big businesses and industries), but ISO-NE has resisted engaging us about how we can get involved. We continue to insist that they develop tools that give us the information we need to reduce the use of peaker plants that burn fossil fuels.
Our advocacy has already changed the way that ISO-NE is thinking about managing the electrical grid, and we need to keep the pressure on.
You can see more context about how and why we are engaging ISO New England here and here. And you can see some of our reflections on the importance of keeping the pressure on here.
Saturday, March 23, 10 am to noon 350 New Hampshire: Finding Your Story in the Climate Movement
We are holding a gathering at South Church in Concord to talk about finding your place in the climate movement, and telling your story to move others to take action. We are hoping to bring people together who are already working on climate issues in the state with people who are maybe newer to the work to build connections and get people plugged in!
Sign up: share this event
Take Action
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Feb 28, 2024
Here’s the link to this doc: LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Feb 25, 2024
A pause in the action during NH school vacation week… Here’s a quick overview of some actions from this past busy week. See what has happened to the bills we have been following… PLUS important emails we hope you’ll write.
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP - Due to your help, a number of bills are moving forward.
Items highlighted in green are our successes. An additional shout out for last week’s SB 391 Ought to Pass with Amendment, setting rules for timely connections to the grid.
1. NOT OVER YET - Please write…
Please continue to send letters to the NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Governor supporting the current status of Net Metering. (More at cleanenergynh.org/nem)
Time frame:
Continuous letters to Governor’s office and DOE through March 10th
Continuous letters to PUC through April 1
Content:
Ideally letters are sent as attachments (PDF or word),
Letters are strongest when include how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business (concrete examples are best)
Sample residential letter 1 to Gov Sununu (does not need to be this detailed)
Sample community letter 1 to NH PUC
More examples can be found in the comments submitted to the NH PUC at the bottom of this website for the NEM docket.
Recipients
NH PUC sent to: ClerksOffice@puc.nh.gov; puc@puc.nh.gov,
Governor’s Office sent to: governorsununu@nh.gov, jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov, Deanna.E.Jurius@nh.gov
Senate Bill 391 (SB391) - Send letters to the Governor and the NH Department of Energy requesting that they AMEND Senate Bill 391 in order to ensure an effective rulemaking at the NH PUC regarding the “interconnection of distributed energy technologies” this year. There is momentum – Crossover gives us another chance.
Time frame:
Continuous letter to Governor’s office through until May 1
Better to send in March and April.
Background:
This bill is the “twin” to Net Energy Metering as it ensures that projects that can NEM can actually get built in NH.
Interconnection is the multi-step of connecting solar and battery projects to the grid.
There are currently hundreds of projects in NH waiting to interconnect and the wait time is many years to get through.
This delay in interconnection is largely due to the lack of clear rules at the PUC that direct the NH electric utilities to complete the interconnection process within a certain timeframe.
The NH DOE has significantly interfered with the SB391 language in the Senate and removed all requirements in the bill language related to time frame and responsibility of the NH PUC.
The NH DOE has effectively rendered SB391 meaningless.
Attention critical of NH DOE’s actions in the senate being paid to both NH DOE and the Governor’s Office at this time is important to pressuring them to change position and repair the legislation.
Content:
Ideally letters are sent as attachments (PDF or word),
Letters are strongest when include how they will benefit you, your community, and/or your business (concrete examples are best)
Sample community letter 1 to Governor
Recipients
NH PUC sent to: ClerksOffice@puc.nh.gov; puc@puc.nh.gov,
Governor’s Office sent to: governorsununu@nh.gov, Deanna.E.Jurius@nh.gov, jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov, joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov.
ASK YOUR SENATOR to add the “2021 Energy Codes” Amendment to HB 1059 to update the NH building codes which does not currently update the energy codes. There is momentum – Crossover gives us another chance.
Time frame:
Continuous letter to Governor’s office through until May 1
Better to send in March and April.
2. STATUS OF BILLS ACTED ON LAST WEEK
MULTIPLE ISSUES
Env, Energy HB 1697 (New Title) relative to forest carbon credit programs. Feb 22, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment Good, will set guidelines: protecting trees as carbon credits vs. need to harvest for the timber industry.
Env, Climate SB 496 directing the department of health and human services to establish a climate and health protection program. Will go to full Senate Mar 07, 2024 with a Committee Report of Ought to Pass with Amendment
Everything! HR 30 urging a robust climate education in schools including current environmental and economic information. House Education | Mar 06, 2024 09:30 AM, LOB, Room 205-207, Executive Session
ENERGY
Energy, SB 550 for utilities to determine future needs for better planning; CENH reports favorable hearing this week.
Energy, HB 1600 to advance community power, Feb 20, 2024: Committee Report: Ought to Pass with Amendment and will go to Full House.
Energy, Nuclear HB 1465 relative to studies of nuclear energy technologies and renaming the office of offshore wind industry development. Feb 22, 2024, House: Referred to Finance
Energy, EVs HB 1472 relative to rebates of energy efficiency funds for electric vehicles. Feb 22, 2024, House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news
Energy, Renewable Portfolio HB 1644 requiring the department of energy to initiate an investigation of the benefits and key considerations regarding support for clean or non-carbon emitting power generation. Feb 22, 2024, House: Lay HB1644 on Table. Bad bill, threatened to advance nuclear while stalling renewables; halted for now…
ENVIRONMENT
Env, Water HB 1143 including control of cyanobacteria blooms under the New Hampshire clean lakes program. Last action: Feb 22, 2024, House: Ought to Pass with Amendment The amendment requires strong actions to defeat cyanobacteria!
Env, Water HB 1294 (New Title) establishing a committee to study ways to facilitate municipal compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Feb 22, 2024, House: Referred to Finance Watch this bill – to enforce Clean Water Act, or to avoid it?
Env, Landfills HB 1145 prohibiting the private ownership of landfills. House Env & Ag | Mar 06, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Full Committee Work Session
Env, Landfills HB 1221 relative to including solid waste landfills in the definition of development of regional impact. House Env & Ag | Mar 05, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Executive Session
Env, Landfills HB 1632 relative to out-of-state solid waste. House Env & Ag | Mar 06, 2024 10:00 AM, LOB, Room 301-303, Full Committee Work Session
Env, Plastics, Landfills HB 1630 relative to extended producer responsibility. Feb 22, 2024, House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news, but we can build on 1636 “bottle bill” as they did in Maine.
Env, Plastics, Landfills HB 1636 relative to creating the New Hampshire container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. Feb 22, 2024, House: Refer for Interim Study. Work is already beginning to improve and advance this bill. We kept it from being ITL’d
Env, Plastics HB 1207 relative to single-use disposable plastic foodware accessories. Feb 22, 2024, House: Refer for Interim StudyExpect work to be done this summer, so may not be dead.
Env, PFAS HB 1649 relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. Feb 22, 2024, House: Passed on House floor. Referred to Finance Comm, Div. 1, probably 3/13, stay tuned
Env, Food HB 1184 relative to making an appropriation to the organic certification program. Feb 22, 2024,House: Inexpedient to Legislate: Sad news, would have paid for itself.
Env, Climate HB 1423 requiring the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in the state of New Hampshire. Feb 22, 2024, House: Indefinitely Postpone.
Feed Your Brain
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle: Tea & Talks is hosting a discussion series on several topics pertaining to sustainable living. All are welcome. Informal discussion and information sharing.
Dates/Time: Sundays, March 3, 17, 31 and April 14, 28, 4 pm
The complete information is in this Google Doc - the first discussion was on transportation.
ZOOM LINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
2. What’s New in Composting?: March 3rd
https://www.compostingvermont.org/
3. Storytelling for Social Change: March 17th
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1YUp3oCXJk
https://350.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/350-storytelling-toolkit_EN.pdf
https://potentialenergycoalition.org/global-report/
4. Striving for Zero Waste: March 31st
5. Challenging the Extractive Mindset: April 14th
https://www.forwardthinkingworkplaces.com/get-out-of-the-extractive-mindset/
6. Rewilding/Plant Intelligence: April 28th
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2024-02-01/the-future-is-feral-and-climate-resilient/
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/18/24
Always good to start with some positive news. An update from Future Crunch. (You might have to subscribe to attain the full newsletter.)
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGxRfHFmScVpXhZvrPcBXhzvGKk
Plastics Working Group
Recording of Unwrap the Future Presentation: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
Summary:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y9NhCKI9HOovyS4jGIwwA8k3nvbcLj7t-QeTELyQ4v0/edit
Overview
See List at the Top of this Page
Take Action
Bill are below.
Comment on state climate action plan
Feed Your Brain
Truth and Lies about Recycling
Plastics Working Group event recording and minutes
Meeting and Events
Tuesday, February 20: UNH Changemaker Speaker Series- Threads of Change: Rethinking Fast Fashion Supply Chains (go to Network calendar to register)
Wednesday, February 21, 3 PM - MUNICIPAL ENERGY COMMITTEES - discussing the concerns shared by members of NH's energy committees (and interested individuals). (monthly, 3rd Wednesday) Convenor: Paul Bemis
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526
Passcode: 75386
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Wednesday, February 21, 5 PM ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
Meeting ID: 869 9226 6518
Passcode: 911367
Friday, February 23, 2 PM LEGISLATIVE POLICY - this and every Friday at 2 PM , a chance for discussion around the deeper implications and the history/context behind upcoming week's legislation & policy. Also and how to weigh in on bills that are still in play, even after their hearing. Convenor: Chris Skoglund
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 810 2195 4450
Passcode: 658454
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg6cZf5b1
Thursday, February 24, 10 AM 350 NH: Our Own Version of a NH Climate Action Plan (go to the Network calendar to register)
Thursday, March 7, 4 PM Full group meeting, Energy Working Group:
Jan & Feb meetings were presentations, in response to most-requested items in our Interest Survey: legislation and funding. (The recordings of those events, the slide decks and links to resources can be found at https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/events
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING Please offer input on what would be a useful way to use this time together! A chance to discuss a particular topic, regroup after our first round of events, learn from members who have offered to share their expertise. PLEASE OFFER SUGGESTIONS.
NEED one or 2 people to take the lead for this meeting.
Join Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85280864415?pwd=YWl3UFloeUZHUWJ6b0pxT1M3OWJMZz09
Meeting ID: 852 8086 4415
Passcode: 480739
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keJUMFq935
Take Action
There are not many new bills this week, but there are important bills in committee or going to the full House that continue to need the support of your reps, YOUR TOWNS, and you. These are our final chances to support “good” bills and oppose “bad ones.”
Good News: Last week HB 1649, which regulates PFAS, SB 391 with amendment, and HB 1431, which promotes increased efficiency for the grid and rulemaking, are “ought to pass.” Thank you for your efforts on behalf of these bills!
HB 1649 restricts inclusion of PFAS in certain products.
SB 391 requires the PUC to begin rulemaking for the purposes of setting uniform procedures for distributed energy resources that are proposed for interconnection to the electrical infrastructure.
HB 1431 will restore a key planning requirement to utilities to make projections based on expected consumer demand including heat pumps, EVs etc.
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
An easy way to participate:
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose House bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
—>Use this link to sign in to Support/Oppose Senate bills
—>Use this list to email all members of a Senate Committee (member emails by committee)
Bills This Week
Tuesday, February 20
SB 550 (Environment and Natural Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to an integrated distribution plan which will provide the state a detailed plan for future statewide electric demand. SUPPORT
Wednesday, February 21
HB 1371 (Municipal and County 1 pm room 307) Allow land use master plans to include waste reduction SUPPORT
HB 1503 (Resource and Recreation 1 pm room 305) relative to the use of and limits the definition of wetlands. OPPOSE
Further Action Needed
BY FEBRUARY 20: Write/contact your representatives, the appropriate committee, and encourage your town to participate on the following bills. All 3 bills will be “exec” in the Science, Technology and Energy committee at 10 am.
HB 1630 FN RECOMMEND FOR INTERIM STUDY. This is a complex, but critical bill that induces manufacturers to pay for price for waste in their products. It was “killed” in committee and its sponsors are hoping to enable further study with this recommendation.
HB 1630-FN is a bill that aims to establish an extended producer responsibility program for packaging in New Hampshire. The bill includes the creation of a packaging reduction and recycling program, which will be overseen by the Department of Environmental Services. Producers will be required to pay fees based on the amount and type of packaging they use, and these fees will fund the program's administration, local government reimbursements for recycling costs, and educational initiatives. The bill defines various terms related to packaging and recycling, and it exempts producers with less than $1 million in gross revenue or less than one ton of packaging material sold from the requirements.
HB 1059 (subcommittee work group, House Commerce Committee 1 pm room 305) Senator Shaheen warns that this bill will jeopardize federal funding if this bill does not include up to date energy codes OPPOSE unless amendment is included to update building codes
HB 1036 Systems Cost Benefit (SBC) charge helps promote energy efficiency, and has an established calculation. This bill seeks to create an untested calculation for SBC. (Bill heard on 1/16 - review this date on the Network website for more information) OPPOSE
—>Link to NH Network website: https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
HB 1623 Looks harmless but could be a blank check against incentives for renewable energy initiatives and state’s ability to pursue federal funds! (Bill heard on 1/30 - review this date on the Network website for more information) OPPOSE
HB 1600 Support Community Power Coalition of NH and other Community Power Aggregator’s ability to participate in net metering. (Bill heard on 1/29 - review this date for more information) SUPPORT
Thursday, February 22 There is a SENATE FLOOR SESSION 1-8 pm..
The Senate will meet in full session at the State House at 1 pm.
=>> You can livestream the House Session here.
HB 1644 (Science, Technology and Energy, on the consent calendar) requires the Department of Energy to initiate an investigation of the benefits and key considerations regarding support for clean or non-carbon emitting power generation. A full study of the costs, merits and emissions of various energy forms would be wise, but this bill promises to classify nuclear energy (which doesn’t emit carbon) as a “RENEWABLE” source, qualifying towards our Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25%, so that NH currently would be EXCEEDING our RPS standard. Potentially, strangles incentives, growth of solar, wind, hydro, thermal. put wind, solar, thermal, hydro out of business. Please ask STE members and your Representative(s) to put HB1644 on “the regular calendar” (not just “consent”) for full discussion in the House.
OPPOSE “consent” calendar as it will bundle this bill with many others.
Feed Your Brain
Truth and lies about recycling.
We've known for some time that recycling of plastics was almost entirely an empty promise. The plastics industry has known that for a lot longer -- they did the original research. It's not pretty, but it's valuable new documentation. Very thorough.
https://climateintegrity.org/plastics-fraud
Hidden toxins seminar March 26 at 12 Noon
Hidden Toxics in Our Products & the Transition to Green Chemistry
UNH Sustainability Institute
Bruce's Weekly Update - 2/11/24
Meetings and Events
Sunday, 2/11 6 pm Plastics WG
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Monday, 2/12 7 pm Network Monthly Meeting: Unwrap the Future II: Global and Local Solutions
https://actionnetwork.org/events/unwrap-the-future-ii
Monday, 2/12 1 pm Updating the NH Climate Action Plan
Wednesday, February 14, 7 pm Network Climate WG
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408 Passcode: 1632
Or by phone: 1-929-205-6099 9831200408# 1632#
Thursday, February 15 2:30 pm NH Saves Webinar Button Up Home Energy workshop
Friday February 16, 2 pm Network Energy WG
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/nh-network-news-updates-2024
Wednesday February 21, 7 pm Network Steering Committee
Wednesday, 2/21 5 pm Environmental WG
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86992266518?pwd=lOPkWjmtqBtXdALNSy734o5iFCdHaO.1
Addendum
If you're a member of a MUNICIPAL ENERGY COMMITTEE (or are interested in municipal energy actions):
The working group for Municipal Energy Committee members will meet WEDNESDAY, February 21 at 3 pm:
Topic: Municipal Energy Committees - members and interested individuals
Time: Feb 21, 2024 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every month on the Third Wed, 3pm
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89088364526?pwd=QjNrb3lxQkFEcDF5eUxya2xzeXhsUT09
Meeting ID: 890 8836 4526
Passcode: 753869
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,89088364526# US (New York)
+16469313860,,89088364526# US
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k80WGyN4o
Take Action
THIS WEEK WE ARE ASKING MEMBERS TO WRITE COMMENTARY ON 4 Game Changing BILLS .
(DETAILS ARE LISTED BELOW. )
An easy way to participate:
New bills for this week
Tuesday, February 13:
SB 390 (Energy and Natural Resources 9:30 am room 103) Relative to defining critical habitat. SUPPORT
HB 1059 (Executive Departments and Administration 10:30 am room 305) Relative to state building codes. PRIORITY OPPOSITION. Detailed suggestions listed below.
Wednesday, February 14:
HB 1221 (Environment and Agriculture 10 am room 303) Relative to solid waste and landfill. SUPPORT
HB 1314 (Recreation and Resources 1 pm 305) Relative to comprehensive state development plan. SUPPORT
HB1145 (Envir. and Agric. 1 pm room 301) Prohibits private ownership of landfills. SUPPORT
HB 1632 (Envir. and Agric. 2 pm room 301) Relative to out of state solid waste . SUPPORT
HB 1620 (Envir. and Agric. 2: 45 pm room 301) Moratorium on landfills permits until 2031. PRIORITY SUPPORT.
Details for opposing HB 1059
Request to “Amend HB1059 so that it includes the 2021 energy codes for commercial and residential structures.”
Background
HB1059 would adopt the entire 2021 International Construction Code (ICC), except for the Energy Code. Due to pressure from state builders and contractors, this bill would keep the less efficient 2018 version of the energy code in place. In previous legislative negotiations, builders had agreed to hold NH codes at 2-3 years behind the most modern/efficient versions available. While the builders are concerned about their costs, utility bills for occupants (home owners, renters) would be 9-10% higher over the long lifetime of a building. Builders can add these costs to the purchase price – utility savings for the occupants would balance out such additions to the purchase price within 3-4 months.
Reasons to support the 2021 Energy code for commercial and residential buildings:
1. Consumer interests were not represented during the review and adoption of the building energy code by the NH Building Code Review Board.
2. Failure to advance to current energy code passes costs onto consumers. While weaker codes save builders and contractors costs, they force higher energy costs upon homeowners and also renters. These costs are exceptionally hard on lower income families who are not able to participate in the design of buildings.
3. Builders regularly claim “if building occupants want the more efficient builders, they can ask for it when they hire the builders.” However, most homeowners and renters do not contract for the homes and buildings they occupy.
4. Less efficient buildings are more costly to own, and are less resilient during extreme weather (will get hotter and colder during heatwaves and cold spells that correspond with major power outages). (can delete this sentence.)
5. More efficient buildings are less of a burden for our grid-capacity.
Legislative Alert for bills that have already had their hearing.
(SB 391, HB 1600, and SB 437)
These bills need comment from your town officials, energy committees, local businesses and/or you.
Find your State Senator’s contact information here.
Find your State Representatives’ contact information here.
Find members of any Senate committee: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/Senate/committees/senate_committees.aspx
Use this list to email all members of a House Committee (member emails by committee)
SB 391 (more on SB 391 below*)
Encourage town officials and local businesses to send their opposition on their letterhead – and/or by phone call or email. Also contact NH DOE and Gov Sununu and Eversource “concerning Interconnection Bill SB 391 being heard on Thursday by the full Senate.” OPPOSE SB 391 before Thursday’s vote, February 15th.
It is useful to let the DOE and the Governor hear from the public that there is broad disappointment in state agencies blocking clean energy development. SB391 will crossover to the House, and we will need the governor's signature in the end. Broad support now from the grassroots can make a difference!
Governor: governorsununu@nh.gov;
DOE: jared.s.chicoine@energy.nh.gov; joshua.w.elliott@energy.nh.gov
HB 1600
SUPPORT HB 1600 relative to participation in net energy metering, before Tuesday, Feb 20 committee work & executive session
Initial bill presented on January 29: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills.
Encourage the House Science, Technology & Energy committee to support Community Power Coalition of NH and other Community Power Aggregator’s ability to participate in net metering.
SB 437
OPPOSE SB 437 relative to local authority to amend the state building code.
Initial bill presented on February 7: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Keep contacting the Senate Committee on Executive Departments & Administration to ALLOW ambitious local codes. SB437 would insist on one set of (outdated) codes for the entire state. Ask for local control – industry should not be allowed to dictate the floor and ceiling for codes. When municipalities innovate, the entire state can learn. NO DATE has been posted, but consider contacting the committee now.
* OPPOSE SB 391 before Thursday’s vote, February 15th.
Initial bill presented on January 23: details at newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Request the NH Department of Energy (DOE) work with Senate sponsors of SB391 to remove this bill from the February 15th Senate consent calendar, so it will get another chance for discussion.
Remind these parties that SB391 was amended on February 7th by the Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee with input ONLY from the DOE -- rather than any other parties that had a direct relationship to the bill.
During the original bill hearing, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee learned that interconnection delays are costing customers 10s of millions of dollars a year.
The amendment adopted last week would not provide any guarantee of relief for those waiting to have their solar projects interconnected into the grid. Reject the amendment. Pass the original bill.
Reasons that DOE is the wrong government entity to lead this process – give this process to the PUC
NH DOE has not yet undertaken the development of their own administrative rules that govern their activities and actions; they do not yet have a formal process for leading investigations.
NHDOE has already studied interconnection of solar and other distributed energy resources. DOE issued a report, judged to be a very poor report and a missed opportunity.
NHDOE already has several unfinished investigations and studies on other energy topics, which theyare unable to complete due to lack of sufficient staff.
The amended SB391 lacks a clear timeline. Meanwhile communities, businesses and individuals are waiting months if not years for their projects to be interconnected.
A study is not even necessary. The NH Public Utilities Commission (PUC) can begin the process of developing final interconnection rules by starting with model standards. There is NH precedent for using model standards.
Notes: Interconnection is the process by which solar and other distributed energy resources are safely connected to the grid. There are no interconnection rules for the NH. Currently, projects have been installed, inspected and ready for months (or more than a year!) before being interconnected to the grid.
Rules issued by the PUC will clarify interconnection deadlines and speed solar deployment in NH significantly. Our businesses, municipalities, residences and the state economy depend on interconnection.
Original bill: https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2024&v=SI&id=2095&txtFormat=html
Amendment: - https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billtext.aspx?sy=2024&txtFormat=amend&id=2024-0536S
Addendum
Comment by 2/20 on NH State Climate Action Plan
You can access the public notice at the following NHDES website:
I have provided a copy of the public notice in this email, below.
You can download a copy of the draft list of priority measures at the following NHDES website:
Instructions for submitting comments: NHDES will accept comments on its draft priority measures until 4 PM, February 20, 2024. Only written comments will be accepted.
Comments may be sent by mail or email (email is preferred). Please include your name, organization, mailing address, email address, and telephone number with your submittal.
By email: cprg@des.nh.gov. Please include the following text in the subject line: “Public Notice - Draft Priority Measures for New Hampshire’s Priority Climate Action Plan.”
By Mail:
NHDES Climate Pollution Reduction Grants
Attention: Kurt Yuengling, Air Resources Division
NHDES Permitting and Environmental Health Bureau
P.O. Box 95
Concord, NH 03301-0095
Feed Your Brain
Beer, sheep and solar - fun opportunity
Maine and Casella operations
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/cdosouJrA5Q
Workshop in Costa Rica Visions in time of transition (May 2024)
https://www.braveearth.com/experiences/2024/5/20/vision-in-times-of-transition-harnessing-vision-for-resilience-regeneration-amp-climate-solutions
Email chain re: Ashland waste treatment bond
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/1-l5nmPBmHE
Bruce's Weekly Update — 2/4/24
OVERVIEW
Meetings
Energy Transition NH (in person) (2/04)
NH Network Steering Committee (2/07)
NH Associations of Conservation Commissions (2/07)
Energy WG/legislation (2/08)
League of Conservation Voters (2/09)
Plastics WG (2/11)
NH Network Webinar: Unwrap the Future II: (2/12)
Take Action
See below
Feed Your Brain
Update on Maine’s playbook and efforts for implementing EPR
Update on California’s EPR legislation
Monadnock Sustainability Hub monthly newsletter (filled with local successes and information)
MEETINGS AND EVENTS
Sunday, February 4 - 1:30 to 3:30 PM: In person panel discussion: The Energy Transition - What Does it Mean for the Granite State? (click this link for directions to Henniker event) https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/calendar
Wednesday, February 7 - 12 NOON: NH Association of Conservation Commissions Lunch and Learn Series: Learn about NH DES Mapping tools.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJvqmmjqTKTrVmBMCzlbxGwhL
Wednesday, February 7 - 7:00 PM: NH Network Steering Committee
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83305855677?pwd=Q2xVRVVpNUdZQlF3WXJlMWExaTdhdz09
Friday, February 9 - 2:00 PM: Energy Working Group: Legislative and Policy updates
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81021954450?pwd=WExoaGdIdGQ3OEtsc0E2Tk43Tmd3QT09
Friday, February 9- 5:00 PM: League of Conservation Voters at Teetotallers 2 Capital Plaza, Concord
Sunday, February 11 - 6:00 PM: Plastics Working Group meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Monday, February 12 - 7:00 PM: NH Network Presentation: Unwrap the Future II - Global and Local Solutions Plastics Pollution REGISTER
Wednesday, February 14 - 7:00 PM: Climate Working Group monthly meeting
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
* Or at Zoom.us with Meeting Id: 9831200408
TAKE ACTION
The House took another step toward a carbon-free economy this week when they adopted HB1499 in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion. The bill would create a committee to study the creation of a civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps. Now, onto the Senate.
Instructions
Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
What happens to a bill after it’s public hearing and what can I do?
Once bills have had a public hearing, they move onto either work sessions or executive sessions. If you wish to continue to support a bill then your comments should be directed to the committee member’s email. In addition, once a bill is headed for a floor vote, it is important to contact your reps directly
Review the Network’s “Bills of Interest” page to check the status of bills from the previous weeks.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Bills This Week
Tuesday, February 6
-HB 1386 (Enviro and Agric 1:10 pm room 301) Prohibits disposal of lithium batteries in solid landfill (SUPPORT)
-HB 1376 (Enviro and Agric 2:00 pm room 301) Prohibits false labeling of recycling logo. (SUPPORT)
-HB 1681 (Enviro and Agric. 3:00 pm room 301) Prohibits sale of products labeled as biodegradable (SUPPORT)
Wednesday, February 7
-HB 1360 (Resources, Recreation 2 pm room 205) Enables to the state to declare short term speed limits on NH lakes during periods of high water to avoid shoreline erosion (SUPPORT)
-SB 437 (Executive Dept and Admin 9:15 am room 103) Relative to local authority to amend building codes. LIMITS local authority control over energy codes (OPPOSE)
-SB 373 (Executive Dept and Admin 9 am room 103) Relative to state building codes and lack of date energy codes (OPPOSE)
-HB 1114 (Resources, Rec and Dev 11 am room 305) Extending commission to investigate PFAS (SUPPORT)
-HB 1415 (Resources, Rec and Dev 3 pm room 305) Imposing liability for PFAS usage (SUPPORT)
IMPORTANT UPDATES
PLEASE TAKE ACTION: Protect Net Metering
Net Energy Metering (NEM) promotes cost savings, empowers customer choice, stimulates economic growth, and enhances environmental sustainability while contributing to a more reliable and resilient energy grid. Entities with net metering are credited for the energy they put back on the grid, and that makes net metering financially possible.
This policy has been helping local people and municipalities go solar in New Hampshire since 1998, and supports locally generated small-scale hydropower.
But now, the policy that supports local renewable energy is at risk of a rollback. Early next year, New Hampshire’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will decide on how much those who generate local power should be compensated in Docket 22-060. This decision could put solar out of reach for many Granite Staters, hurting both our economy and environment.
Overwhelmingly, new generation sources built just over the last decade have been built because of net metering. Without net metering, New Hampshire will not build the resources needed to electrify the economy.
In early March 2024 the PUC (NH Public Utilities Commission) will decide how much NH homeowners, businesses, and municipalities will get paid for their investment in solar power on their property. Currently payment for net metering is at 75%. If the PUC lowers this payback rate, we may see an end to new solar projects in the state.
VERY IMPORTANT
Much of the energy policy (or lack thereof) in our state comes from regulatory or administrative bodies, like the PUC or the Department of Energy. These agencies do NOT have the decision-making transparency we find at the State House; it is difficult to influence them, and they are powerful. Please:
1. Send written testimony to: clerksoffice@puc.nh.gov
and be sure to reference Docket 22-060
To see what others have said, go to https://www.puc.nh.gov/Regulatory/Docketbk/2022/22-060.html
Spoken testimony begins at #59, and written testimony follows.
2. Have your municipal leaders give testimony ON OFFICIAL LETTERHEAD (this could come from your town manager, town council, energy committee…) The testimony of your town’s officials bears the greatest weight!! Here’s the snail mail address: 21 South Fruit Street, Suite 10, Concord, N.H. 03301-2429
3. PLUS: Please also have your town officials respond to the call for input to the NH Climate Action Plan, cprg@des.nh.gov. Remember: the official comments from our municipal officials have the greatest power to influence policy.
HAPPY NOTE
Your letters at the end of 2023 got the attention of the Department of Energy and the PUC. They are reconsidering their actions, knowing that we are watching and we care.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Go to cleanenergynh.org/nem
(Thanks to CENH for much of this information.)
FEED YOUR BRAIN
- Maine’s EPR (extended producer responsibility) law and its progress.
Here are the (robust) meeting notes. (Go to point 2 for the summary)
- Monadnock Sustainability Hub monthly newsletter
(filled with local successes and information)
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/27/24
Overview
Meetings and Events
NH Network: Plastics Working Group (1/28)
NH Network: Environment Working Group (1/31)
NH Citizens Climate Lobby (1/31)
NH Funding Sources for Municipalities and Businesses (2/01)
NH Network: Energy Working Group: Legislation sub group (2/02)
NH Food Alliance (2/2 -12 pm)
Take Action
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Join the Network Environment Working Group
Feed Your Brain
Join the Active Hope book club
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 28 - 6:00 PM Plastics Working Group Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302
Wednesday, January 31, 4:30 PM Environment Working Group: Second meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/87453733155?pwd=iBKNBUPO7xR8fmrT8fjHZ0ynzubj1m.1
Password: vE4TeM
Wednesday, January 31 - 7:00 PM Monthly Citizens Climate Lobby NH volunteers meeting
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09
Thursday, February 1 - 4:00 PM NH Funding Sources for Municipalities and Businesses
Funding abounds for environmental and energy projects, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and more. But how is a municipality to make sense of the alphabet stew of possibilities? Learn from a panel of experts who give such advice to communities, businesses, individuals and organizations throughout New Hampshire.
Melissa Elander, North Country energy circuit rider, Clean Energy NH
Current funding opportunities for municipalities, schools, nonprofits
Nora Hanke, Program Manager, Monadnock Sustainability Hub
Elective pay, EVs and more – including for businesses & residents
Elizabeth McKenna, Policy & projects, Office of US Sen. Jeanne Shaheen
Who can offer guidance? and the Justice 40 factor
A virtual event, registration at: bit.ly/NHNfunding .
Friday, February 2, Noon to 1:00 PM - NH Agriculture and Strategic Plan: Introduction and Input Session
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/DEZTR5ge0ac
Take Action
Environment WG: If you are keen on joining the Environment Working Group for our second meeting, please use this poll to help us establish a time that will work best for most of those interested.
Rob Pinsonneault and Emily Thompson Co-Chairs, NHN Environment Working Group
Monday, January 29
HB 1431 (Science, Technology and Energy STE 9 am room 302) Will restore a key planning requirement eliminated last year. Essential to business operation, reliability and safety.
SUPPORT
HB1576 (STE 1 pm room 302) Relative to allowing property owners to opt out of public utilities
MONITOR
HB 1600 (STE 2 pm room 302) Relative to net energy metering. Critical for support of community power. PRIORITY SUPPORT
HB 1644 (STE 3 pm room 302) MONITOR
Tuesday, January 30
HB 1623 (STE 10 am room 302) Relative to state energy policy, but in fact may be a poison pen bill against renewables. PRIORITY OPPOSE
HB1416 (Transportation 10:40 am room 203) Prohibits non EV cars from parking in EV allotted spaces. SUPPORT
HB 1332 (Transportation 11 am room 203) Prohibits EV vehicles from parking in public garages OPPOSE
HB 1464 (Public Works 11 am room 201) Needed to keep funding for highways and EV usage) SUPPORT
HB 1302 (Municipal and County 11 30 am room 301) Opposed by NH Association of Conservation Commission. More detail to follow. OPPOSE
HB 1267 (Executive Department 1:45 pm room 210) Prohibits ESG (environment, social and governance) consideration for government investments. OPPOSE
Wednesday, January 31
HB 1131 (Resources, Recreation Committee 10 am room 304) Funding to control cyanobacteria blooms under NH clean lakes program. SUPPORT
HB 1229 (Resources, Recreation 2 pm room 304) Awareness for new property owners of lakeshore property SUPPORT
Feed Your Brain
From Cindy Heath - Active Hope Book Club
Here is the reading list for this year’s Active Hope Book Club, sponsored by the Cornish Library. This is a short series of 4 books highlighting solutions for a positive environmental future for the Earth and for us.
The first session is coming right up, just a week away, kicking off with E. O. Wilson’s Half Earth, which inspired the Half Earth Biodiversity Foundation, which maps the species of the Earth to inform ecosystem protection efforts.
Hope you’ll consider joining for one or all - read and explore with fellow readers or just come to listen in! If your local library doesn’t have the books, they are likely available on a streaming service.
2024 Active Hope Book Club
Thursdays, Feb 1, 22, March 14, April 4
6:30 pm, Virtual
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6275609302?omn=87223328479
Meeting ID: 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
2024 Book Selections
February 1, 630 pm - Half Earth, E.O. Wilson
Despite the Earth's perilous condition, Wilson is no doomsayer, resigned to fatalism. Defying prevailing conventional wisdom, he suggests that we still have time to put aside half the Earth and identifies actual spots where Earth's biodiversity can still be reclaimed. Suffused with a profound Darwinian understanding of our planet's fragility, Half-Earth reverberates with an urgency like few other books, but it offers an attainable goal that we can strive for on behalf of all life.
Edward Osborne Wilson, sometimes credited as E.O. Wilson was an American biologist, researcher, theorist, and author. His biological specialty is myrmecology, a branch of entomology. A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, Wilson is known for his career as a scientist, his advocacy for environmentalism, and his secular-humanist ideas pertaining to religious and ethical matters. He was the Pellegrino University Research Professor in Entomology for the Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. He is a Humanist Laureate of the International Academy of Humanism.
Online Resource to Learn More:
February 22, 6:30 pm - Deep Economy, Bill McKibben
In this powerful and provocative manifesto, Bill McKibben offers the biggest challenge in a generation to the prevailing view of our economy. For the first time in human history, he observes, "more" is no longer synonymous with "better"—indeed, for many of us, they have become almost opposites. McKibben puts forward a new way to think about the things we buy, the food we eat, the energy we use, and the money that pays for it all. Our purchases, he says, need not be at odds with the things we truly value.
Bill McKibben is founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 for action on climate and justice. His 1989 book The End of Nature is regarded as the first book for a general audience about climate change, and has appeared in 24 languages. He’s gone on to write 20 books, and his work appears regularly in periodicals from the New Yorker to Rolling Stone. He serves as the Schumann Distinguished Scholar in Environmental Studies at Middlebury College, as a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and he has won the Gandhi Peace Prize as well as honorary degrees from 20 colleges and universities. McKibben helped found 350.org, the first global grassroots climate campaign, which has organized protests on every continent, including Antarctica, for climate action. He played a leading role in launching the opposition to big oil pipeline projects like Keystone XL, and the fossil fuel divestment campaign, which has become the biggest anti-corporate campaign in history, with endowments worth more than $40 trillion stepping back from oil, gas and coal.
Online Resource to Learn More:
March 14, 6:30 pm - Drawdown
The 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world. "At this point in time, the Drawdown book is exactly what is needed; a credible, conservative solution-by-solution narrative that we can do it. Reading it is an effective inoculation against the widespread perception of doom that humanity cannot and will not solve the climate crisis. Reported by-effects include increased determination and a sense of grounded hope." --Per Espen Stoknes, Author, What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming
Online Resource to Learn More:
April 4, 6:30 pm - Animal, Vegetable, Miracle
Author Barbara Kingsolver and her family abandoned the industrial-food pipeline to live a rural life—vowing that, for one year, they'd only buy food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat.
Barbara Kingsolver was born in 1955, and grew up in rural Kentucky. She earned degrees in biology from DePauw University and the University of Arizona, and has worked as a freelance writer and author since 1985. At various times in her adult life she has lived in England, France, and the Canary Islands, and has worked in Europe, Africa, Asia, Mexico, and South America. She spent two decades in Tucson, Arizona, before moving to southwestern Virginia where she currently resides.
Bruce's Weekly Update – 1/20/24
Overview
Join the monthly Network meeting on January 22nd: A Day in The Life of A NH Lobbyist.
Legislative Updates
HB 1697: The Network opposed this bill as it would decouple NH from RGGI. It has been amended to avoid this outcome.
HB 1486: Some well deserved praise and outcomes from a Network member
Bravo John (and to the other four advocates for HB1486, Carbon Pricing -proxy for NH),
I think the five testimonial were very well done and complimented each other on covering the essential points of pricing the true costs of carbon emissions from fossil fuels. The questions by the House Executive and Administrative Committee were well answered and I think quite well received by most of the committee. John, your specific testimony was compelling information that was integrally important to understanding how Carbon Pricing works.
You (and others) being invited back to help inform a new sub-committee was the best possible outcome, don't you think? Can this happen in this legislative season?
Meetings and Events
NH Network Event: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist (1/22)
A Guide to a Healthier Planet (1/23)
NH Network Working Group Meetings
January 26th (Friday) - 2:00 PM Energy Working Group Policy/Legislative Subgroup
January 28th (Sunday) - 6:00-7:30 PM - Plastics Working Group
Climate Action Plan - Input Requested (multiple dates)
Investment in Conservation and Climate Resilience (2/09)
Take Action — (Details listed below)
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Feed Your Brain
Webinar on International Plastics Treaty 1/31/24
Casella Gives Dalton landfill update
Circuit Rider job opportunities at Clean Energy NH
Meetings and Events
Monday, January 22 7:00 PM — NH Network: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist
Register: https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/wtm1gcWBJAA
Tuesday, January 23 — 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM Recalibrating our Circular Economy. A guide to a healthier planet.
Register: https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/lul5qNcLr5U
Friday, January 26th — 2:00 PM
Energy Working Group - Policy/Legislative Subgroup
Sunday, January 28th — 6:00-7:30 PM
LAST CHANCE for a zoom opportunity to suggest & learn about projects for the NH Climate Action Plan: (Federal funds available.)
Register for this online session Wednesday, January 24 | 6:30 PM
Register for the February session Thursday, February 8 | 3 PM
We want to hear about local and regional projects that will benefit communities most in need, and address the barriers to implementing those projects. All ideas are welcome — from workforce solutions to building a cost-sharing program to increase weatherization efforts for low- to moderate-income people to developing a coalition to buy solar power for buildings, etc.
Share this information with those in your municipal government.
Register for the Greater Connecticut River Valley Conversation
Thursday, January 25 | 5:30 PM
Claremont, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the Greater Monadnock Conversation
Thursday, January 25 | 6 PM
Winchester, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the first North Country Region Conversation
Wednesday, January 31 | 5 PM
Berlin, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the Greater Manchester Conversation
Thursday, February 1 | 5 PM
Manchester, NH | PDF Flyer
Register for the second North Country Region Conversation
Wednesday, February 7 | 5 PM
Colebrook, NH | PDF Flyer
February 9th —11:00 AM -12:30 PM
Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Monday 1/22
HB 1697 (STE Committee room 302 10 am) Suspends NH’s participation in emission reduction for two years. (PRIORITY OPPOSE)
HB 1700 (STE room 302 1 pm) Seems well intentioned, but question logic and necessity of this bill (OPPOSE)
HB 1472 (STE room 302 2:30 pm) Incentivize NH EV market through Hoods for Cash program (Priority SUPPORT)
CACR 14 (Environment and Agriculture room 301 2:30 pm) State shall support and maintain a clean and healthy environment. (This is a work session following the initial public hearing, and will not take public comment.)
Tuesday, 1/23
SB 307 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9 am) Requires NH utilities to research if “Twin States” bill benefits ratepayers and seeks to streamline transmission bottlenecks. (SUPPORT)
SB 391 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9:15 am) Relative to the electrical grid and streamlining the process for customers with renewable energy, ie, solar. (SUPPORT)
SB 451 (Energy and Natural Resources room 103 9:30 am) Relative to an expedited track for certain applications to the site evaluation committee. (SUPPORT)
-SB 540 ( Energy and room 103 9:45 am) Requiring the Department of Energy to investigate behind the meter and utility scale energy storage.
Wednesday, 1/24
HB 1333 (Executive and Admin room 306 10 am) Prohibits state agencies from buying or leasing EV for 10 years (OPPOSE)
HB 1161 (Education room 205 1:45 pm) Prohibits use of public school infrastructure funds to purchase electric vehicle. (OPPOSE)
Feed Your Brain
Environment Defense Fund free webinar on January 31, 11 to 12:30 on international plastic treaty.
Presenter is the head of the Asian Environmental Network - great opportunity for global commentary.
Update on Dalton landfill
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/5tGI_CnyzEI
CENH is currently hiring THREE full time Circuit Riders.
Monadnock Region Circuit Rider - based in Southwestern NH and working with municipalities in that region. Our current Monadnock Circuit Rider, John Kondos, is retiring this spring and is excited to help a new team member build on his work to date.
Sullivan County Circuit Rider - based in Western NH and working with municipalities in that region. Sullivan County is a new region for our Circuit Rider program, so our new Circuit Rider will be building relationships and supporting projects from the ground up, with support from our current team and many partners.
Small Business Technical Assistance Circuit Rider - based in Concord and serving small businesses and farms statewide, the Small Business TA Circuit Rider will work with our existing Small Business Circuit Rider to assist business owners in applying for USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which can cover up to 50% of costs for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
More information and detailed job descriptions can be found online at cleanenergynh.org/careers-in-energy.
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/13/24
Overview
Please note there are two new working groups meeting this week. An Energy Committees Subgroup of the Energy Working Group and an Environment Working Group. Further details on each group’s agenda are below.
Meetings and Eventw
Plastics Working Group 1/14
NH Network Steering Committee 1/17
NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan 1/17
Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum 1/18
Energy Working Group/Energy Committees Subgroup 1/18
Energy Working Group/Legislative Subgroup 1/19
Environmental Working Group INITIAL meeting 1/19
NH Network Event: A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist 1/22
Take Action
Details offered below.
To review and participate on TIME SENSITIVE CURRENT bills, click the link below (NH Bill Actions). Testimony is most effective, a short written submission is “next” most effective and signing in also carries influence. Seek to contribute within your comfort zone.
https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
Unlimited time and energy - here are recommendations on a variety of bills from NH American Friends
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcmXhPNpgNrkgkXzfgGBJSvc
Feed Your Brain
New Hampshire Bulletin legislative overview on environment and energy bills.
Lebanon's new policy that basically says that any time a city staff person or department wants to buy a fleet vehicle, it must be an EV unless they can explain convincingly why that's not possible. The official title is ADM-149: Electric Vehicle and Equipment Procurement
Emissions outcome of the war in Gaza
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 14, 6:oo pm - Plastics Working Group
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mYCIOA1kBqcpkdAUZ5o5-fi5dWwadezCp_o6pfH51oE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Meeting ID 627 560 9302
One tap mobile
+13092053325, 6275609302# US
Wednesday, January 17 5:30 to 7 pm NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan
The NH Department of Environmental Services received a federal grant to update their 2009 "climate action plan." The 2009 plan is insufficient and ineffective in meeting the goals we know we need to combat the climate crisis in 2023.
This is a chance to fight for a better plan with goals and priorities that focus on climate JUSTICE.
Attend listening sessions with NHDES (the Department of Environmental Services) and we encourage you to attend to advocate for projects in your town. Click here for a schedule If you can't make it to a meeting but have ideas you want shared with NHDES, let us know here and we can take that feedback with us.
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ghh5et3/lp/44047962-82eb-4699-a525-8bb9a729428b
Thursday, January 18 8:30 am to 1:00 pm - Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum
Register here: 2024 YOUTH FORUM ON CLIMATE ACTION AND CLEAN ENERGY · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire (mobilize.us)
Please join us at the 2024 Youth Forum on Climate Action & Clean Energy in Concord on Thursday, January 18th at the Bank of NH Stage. All are welcome to attend this free event, and we’ll focus on a variety of policy areas including winter sports/outdoor economy, climate/public health, workforce/training, innovation/nature, and civic engagement/protecting democracy. We’ll have high school and college students on the stage engaging with policymakers on all of these topics.
We are pleased to announce that we’ll be joined by former Undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions for Massachusetts as our keynote speaker!
Thursday, January 18, 4:00 pm Energy Working Group/Energy Committees Sub Group
Here is the proposed agenda including getting to know one another, exploring municipal solar, community solar, power aggregation. Agenda is in the attachment.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83680429410?pwd=dUV2dTNNenhHaXcwQWZiM3ArWGd0dz09
Meeting ID: 836 8042 9410
Passcode: 535691
Friday, January 19 2:00 pm, Energy Working Group/Legislative Subgroup (will zoom most Fridays during the NH legislative session)
Friday, January 19 6:00 pm, You cordially invite you to the first meeting of the NH Network Environment Working Group.
This working group will be dedicated to advancing environmental freedom by addressing the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation and economic disparity. Our mission is to empower all Granite Staters, ensuring equitable access to environmental resources and safeguarding ecosystem services critical to human health and well-being. Through collaborative initiatives, advocacy, and education, we will strive to amplify the voices of those disproportionately affected by environmental harm. Grounded in principles of both fairness and self-reliance, we will work together to challenge policies that perpetuate disparities. By fostering partnerships, raising awareness, and mobilizing grassroots efforts, we envision a sustainable and just New Hampshire where every individual, irrespective of background, can thrive.
Topic: Environmental Working Group - initial meeting
Time: Jan 19, 2024 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89945332000?pwd=T0pUWGNNL0o3dkJ1ZmtRYXY2b3VKQT09
Meeting ID: 899 4533 2000
Passcode: 781855Environmental WG
Monday, January 22 7:00 pm NH Network: A Day in the Life of a NH Lobbyist (Register below)
https://groups.google.com/g/nh-environment-energy-and-climate-network/c/wtm1gcWBJAA
Friday, February 9 11:00 am -12:30 pm Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Tuesday 1/16
SB 320 (hearing 9:45 am Senate Energy and Natural Resources) LOB Room 103. Requiring the PUC to establish gas and electric performance incentive mechanisms (PRIORITY SUPPORT)
HB 1036 (hearing 10 am Science, Technology and Energy -STE (LOB room 302 Relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the system benefit charge (PRIORITY OPPOSE)
SB 430 (hearing 1 pm Senate Transportation room 101)
Relative to establishing a commission to study the impacts of electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, and e-mobility devices on first responder response, the environment, building and fire codes, and life and safety property protection.
Wednesday 1/17
HB 1103 (Hearing 1 pm Resources and Recreation room 305) Relative to revising the penalties of the shore-land protection act. Makes it easier NHDES to enforce these provisions.(SUPPORT)
Thursday, 1/18
HB1103 (R,R and D 1 pm room 305)
Would make it less burdensome for DES to enforce the act. The Dept. would not have to prove that the violation caused damage or that the violator made a good-faith effort to correct the problem before issuing a fine. (Support)
HB 1113 (R, R and D 2 pm room 305)
This bill modifies requirements for site assessment studies of shoreland septic systems when a property is sold. If system is not approved by DES or approved more than 20 years ago, a detailed septic evaluation by a NH permitted septic system designer. would be required If system is found in failure, DES and local health officer must be notified and this must be included on the site assessment report. Failed systems would need to be replaced prior to close of the property.
(Support)
HB 1171 (Hearing 2:45 Health and Human Services room 210) Extending the commission to study environmentally-triggered chronic illness. (SUPPORT)
HB 1486 (Hearing 2 pm Executive Department and Administration, LOB room 306) (SUPPORT)
Summary: HB1486 will require state procurement decisions related to transportation, building HVAC, and energy efficiency to anticipate a future steadily rising federal carbon price on fossil fuels. This will provide economic justification for increased investments in energy efficiency and in favor of electrification (EVs and heat pumps) and clean energy options (PVs, wind, and storage).
The justification for this is an economic one. Carbon pricing is spreading around the world. Canada is using CF&D to reach $135/tCO2 in 2030, and the EU is at $85/tCO2 and rising and in the process of implementing a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). In total, 73 countries and regions are pricing carbon, covering 23% of global fossil fuels. That is triple the coverage of just a decade ago. CBAMs will highly motivate US businesses to push for a federal carbon price. Our state would be wise to anticipate a US federal carbon price in procurement decisions using a proxy price that aligns with the IPCC's minimum in the 1.5˚C target path.
More details can be found in “The Growing US Carbon Price Gap” in bit.ly/carbon-price-gap-pdf.
Feed Your Brain
Overview by New Hampshire Bulletin on energy and environment issues this session
Overview of energy legislation this session
Emissions outcomes of the war in Gaza
Bruce's Weekly Update — 1/6/24
Overview
Meetings
Plastics working group 1/07: legislative review
Legislative info session with Nora Jones 1/07 (Conservation Law Foundation)
Climate working group 1/10
Kent Street Coalition annual legislative overview 1/11
Energy WG/legislative subgroup 1/12
Plastics working group 1/14
NH Network Steering Committee 1/17
NH DES and NH Listens: Updating the NH Climate Plan 1/17
Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum 1/18
Energy WG/ subgroup
Energy WG/legislative subgroup
Environmental working group INITIAL meeting 1/19
Network presentation: A Day in the Life of a Lobbyist 1/22
Take Action
Best: Attend a hearing and testify.
Better: Call or write representatives on the committee.
Good: Weigh in that you SUPPORT or OPPOSE a bill.
Monday 1/9
HB 1047 (STE 9:15 AM)
HB1230 ( STE 10:00 AM)
HB1294 (E&A 11:00 AM)
HB 1499 (STE 1:00 PM)
CACR 14 (E&A 1:00 PM)
HB1630-FN (E&A 1:30 PM)
HB 1398 (E&A 2:00 PM)
Tuesday 1/10
Wednesday 1/11
HB 1423 (RR&D, 11:20 AM)
HB1477 (RR&D 2:00 PM)
Feed Your Brain
Bills Target Out of State Trash: Editorial
Meetings and Events
Sunday, January 7, 6 pm - Plastics Working Group
Plastics working group to focus on legislative activity and strategizing. Legislative Focus Session with Nora Jones (Conservation Law) Join Zoom Meeting
Nora Bosworth from the Conservation Law Foundation will review Tony Caplan's "Skip the Stuff" bill (HB 1207-FN) and Karen Ebel's PFAS bill (HB 1649-FN). In addition, we will begin the work of identifying areas to target in testimony that our members will offer in support of each bill and determine who might provide such testimony.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85600087090?pwd=f41yuGnC0xxZ5PLa2f7NSl6liDEyCw.1
Wednesday, January 10, 7 pm Climate Working Group
https://citizensclimate.zoom.us/my/cclnhrizoom?pwd=MTRoSmtMQ3J3bksyc0xwVk9sbEJMdz09.
Thursday, January 11 6th Annual Kent Street Legislative Overview
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGwJcdTXtpDPpCfvcpcmJktfDfj
Thursday, January 11 7 pm NH Sierra Club Volunteer Night
NH Sierra Club is continuing monthly meetings on zoom to create a community of like minded Granite Staters to plan, act and grow a community-based move...
Wednesday, January 17 5:30 to 7 pm NH DES and NH Listens: in Updating the NH Climate Plan
The NH Department of Environmental Services received a federal grant to update their 2009 "climate action plan." The 2009 plan is insufficient and ineffective in meeting the goals we know we need to combat the climate crisis in 2023.
This is a chance to fight for a better plan with goals and priorities that focus on climate JUSTICE.
Attend listening sessions with NHDES (the Department of Environmental Services) and we encourage you to attend to advocate for projects in your town. Click here for a schedule If you can't make it to a meeting but have ideas you want shared with NHDES, let us know here and we can take that feedback with us.
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ghh5et3/lp/44047962-82eb-4699-a525-8bb9a729428b
Thursday, January 18 8:30 to 1 pm for the Youth Climate Action & Clean Energy Forum.
Register here: 2024 YOUTH FORUM ON CLIMATE ACTION AND CLEAN ENERGY · League of Conservation Voters in New Hampshire (mobilize.us)
Friday, January 19 Energy Working Group
February 9 11 am -12 30 pm Webinar: Investments in Conservation and Climate-Resilience in New England: Assessing the impacts and advocating for the future
Register here: https://unh.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUucuGurzwrGNTiOWVUU51wYlPeqQcowqF5#/registration
Take Action
Best: Attend a hearing and testify.
Better: Call or write representatives on the committee.
Good: Weigh in that you SUPPORT or OPPOSE a bill.
Monday 1/9
HB 1047 (9:15 STE) relative to establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1230 ( 10:00 STE) relative to establishing a committee to examine weatherization initiatives for homes in New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1294 (E&A 11:00) relative to prohibiting the state of New Hampshire from enforcing the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency. OPPOSE
HB 1499 (STE 1:00 pm) establishing a committee to study the civilian clean energy, community resilience, and conservation corps. SUPPORT
CACR 14 (E&A 1 pm) elating to the environment and natural resources. Providing that the state shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment for present and future generations. SUPPORT
HB1630-FN (E&A 1:30pm) Title: relative to extended producer responsibility. SUPPORT
HB 1398 (E&A 2 pm) relative to utility recovery of costs associated with net energy metering. OPPOSE
Tuesday 1/10
HB 1697 ( 9 am Science, Technology and Energy) suspending New Hampshire's participation in emissions reduction credit programs for a period of 2 years. OPPOSE
HB 1207 (C&CA, 1:15 PM) Title: relative to single-use disposable plastic foodware accessories. SUPPORT
HB 1636 ( C&CA 1:45 PM) Title: relative to creating the New Hampshire container deposit, refund, recycle, and reuse system. SUPPORT
HB 1649 (C&CA, 2:15 PM) Title: relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS. SUPPORT
Wednesday 1/11
HB 1423 (RR&D, 11 20 am) requiring the commissioner of the department of natural and cultural resources to identify all old growth and mature forests on public land in the state of New Hampshire. SUPPORT
HB1477 (RR&D 2:00 PM) Relative to environmental surety bonds for businesses that pose a significant risk to the state's natural resources.
Feed Your Brain
Bills Target Out of State Trash:
By SRUTHI GOPALAKRISHNAN for the Concord Monitor:
https://www.concordmonitor.com/Committee-report-on-unlimited-service-area-landfills-53425433
THESE ARE FROM LAST WEEK
IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM
Senate Bill 2440: To prohibit the sale and distribution of expanded polystyrene food service ware, expanded polystyrene loose fill, and expanded polystyrene coolers, and for other purposes.
6 out of 9 co-sponsors are from New England, and this begins to address foam packaging as well as food service foam.
Woo Hoo!!!
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/3440/text
There is a 2020 report from NRDC that gives a lot of information about health impacts of the Clean Air Act:
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/clean-air-act-101#successful
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/iec-benefits-costs-us-air-pollution-regulations-report.pdf
And here is a scientific paper, from 2012 so not as current, that gives more detail from the public health perspective:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4133758/
Granite State Banks: Missing The Green Boat?
by Robert L. Pinsonneault — December 1, 2023 17:30
Green banks have hit the scene in a big way in the wake of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 — and it was a long time in coming. The IRA established a long sought-after 1 national green bank with monies from the newly minted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) worth $27 Billion. The national green bank is tasked with disbursing these via a host of innovative financial products managed by public, public-private, or non-profit institutions at the state and local level. But what really is this new, climate friendly national bank? How does it 2 3 actually work? And can the residents of New Hampshire actually benefit from its largesse?
Greening the Green
According to the EPA, green banks tend to be institutions that are mission-forward, meaning they encourage the investment of private capital towards projects and products that are meant to advance the common good. To be eligible for funding from the GGRF, these investments must 4 be aimed at the “deployment of clean energy”, go across sectors (e.g. commercial, residential, public, and transportation), and help to “bridge market gaps”. The state of Connecticut was not 5 only the first in New England, but indeed the entire Nation, to offer green banking services starting in 2011. The bank is a quasi-public agency, meaning that they “leverag[e] ratepayer 6 funds with private capital to offer low-cost, long-term financing for clean energy projects.” In so 7 doing, the Connecticut Green Bank anticipated most of the requirements of the GGRF, but it remains unclear to what extent stakeholders, particularly denizens of rural communities, will have ready access to these green loans.
Green Loan Fairness
One of the greatest challenges facing the transition to a clean energy economy is the availability of project financing for rural, low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. These localities, 8 including a hefty percentage of New Hampshire towns (and not just north of the Notch) carry a greater energy cost burden than their urban counterparts — as much as 40 percent higher in some
cases. The cause of this unequal burden can be attributed in large measure to economies of 9 scale; cities have more people, and therefore more ratepayers to help defray the costs of energy infrastructure maintenance or installation. The Connecticut Green Bank model will simply not work in Lancaster or Pittsburgh or Bethlehem or Ossipee because there aren’t enough ratepayers in those places to make loans through a quasi-public green bank viable. And yet, it is clear that those are the communities that need the most help. Enter the GGRF. This fund would provide more of the up-front financing than the traditional quasi-public model, making it easier for low population, LMI locations like Lancaster, NH to successfully apply for, and benefit from, loans that will help to introduce efficient and renewable energy infrastructure to these over-burdened communities. One way to ensure this occurs is to have a sliding maximum income threshold beyond which individuals or communities would not be eligible for financing. The rich cannot be getting richer as a result of green banking.
Ensuring Efficiency
Government waste is a big topic here in New Hampshire, and most folks, whether rural or citizens of the Southern Tier, don’t have much of an appetite for throwing good money after bad. Therefore, any green bank that is built on GGRF funding must be structured to ensure loans only go to those projects that actually work, that satisfy energy needs today. The challenge, of course, is to balance this with an inviolable requirement of the GGRF: real, demonstrable decreases in emissions from energy infrastructure. To find this balance, loans from a Granite Green Bank would only go to projects that have seen success in other northern New England states. These include projects like those sponsored by Efficiency Maine, which seems to fulfil the promise of its name by incorporating greenhouse gas emissions reductions in their definition of efficiency, thereby prioritizing renewable sources. Maine is able to do this on the authority of their state’s 10 climate change goals, which is where New Hampshire runs in trouble. Our state does not yet have a climate action plan on the books, and until it does, no amount of financial enticements or promises of fairness will be enough to make a Granite Green Bank a reality.
