Whether you worry more about the environment or the economy, reducing fossil use here in New Hampshire matters a lot. It’s time to ask local political candidates what they plan to do about it.
Most people now recognize that build-up of CO2 from fossil fuels in the atmosphere disrupts our seasons, endangers wildlife, threatens farm crops, and increases dangerous storms.
But excessive fossil fuel use is a drag on our economy, too. No longer does feisty little New Hampshire put Massachusetts to shame by sprinting out ahead. In recovery from the Great Recession, it’s our flatland neighbor to the south that leads the way. New Hampshire has yet to regain all the jobs lost since 2008, compared to Massachusetts which has surged 3% ahead of 2008.
Does fossil fuel use play a role? Think about it. In its latest state rankings, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy ranked New Hampshire behind every other New England state in energy efficiency policy. Massachusetts? Number One in the nation. In a region where energy prices are a real burden, reducing fossil fuel expenses really matters.
Fortunately, the NH Office of Energy and Planning has just released a new state energy strategy. It is full of policy recommendations for encouraging energy efficiency as well renewable energy, grid modernization, and transportation upgrades. The plan is the product of a year of efforts by many stakeholders. A few of recommendations are troubling, including increased use of CO2-emitting natural gas. (Look what that switch is doing to projected electric rates this winter.) But on the whole the plan is an important roadmap for state policy makers.
So when you talk to state and local candidates this election season, ask them if they support the state’s new energy plan. Now, if they’d just get the 2009 state climate plan off the shelf, too.
Guns Vs Butterflies 