article tools
Increase Text Size Increase Text Size Decreate Text Size Decrease Text Size
Share Email This Story Share Share This Story Reader comments Reader Comments (3) Add to favorites Add to Bookmarks Printer friendly version Printer Friendly Version
Article Tool Sponsor:

Advertise with us

More Jobs
Previous Article
Next Article
View All
0 ratings - Sign-in to rate this article
April 6, 2007

RPS Passes New Hampshire House by Wide Margin

by Stephen Lacey, Staff Writer
Concord, New Hampshire [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]

A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was one of many pieces of historic legislation passed by the New Hampshire House of Representatives yesterday, approved by an overwhelming margin of 253-37.

"We've reached a tipping point now where Americans and legislators feel that we should be developing non-fossil sources of energy because of global warming, national security and economic reasons. I think Washington is taking notice."

-- Jim Rubens, Union of Concerned Scientists

The RPS would require New Hampshire to generate 16 percent of new energy from renewable resources such as wind, solar, biomass and hydro by 2025. Because the state already generates about 6 percent of its electricity from renewable resources, the final number will be about 22-25 percent by 2025.

New Hampshire is the only state in New England without an RPS. Environmental groups and clean energy advocates praised the House for supporting such important energy legislation, finally bringing the state up to speed with others in the region.

"We were thrilled that it passed with such a high margin," said Carolyn Demorest, Legislative Coordinator for the NH Sustainable Energy Association. "This was a strong, bipartisan effort from legislators, stakeholders and the Governor. We applaud everyone's efforts who were involved."

Both Democrats and Republicans in states around the country are joining together to create a cleaner, more secure energy infrastructure. As states move forward on this issue, they will push the federal government to do the same, said Jim Rubens of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

"This is an indicator of the massive opinion shift we've seen over the past six months to a year," said Rubens. "We've reached a tipping point now where Americans and legislators feel that we should be developing non-fossil sources of energy because of global warming, national security and economic reasons. I think Washington is taking notice."

Now the proposed RPS moves to the Senate where it is also expected to pass with significant bipartisan support.
For Further Information
Please Note: RenewableEnergyWorld.com does not endorse the sites behind these links. We offer them for your additional research. Following these links will open a new browser window.
Previous Article
Next Article
View All
Reader Comments (3)
 
No image available
April 7, 2007
The March of the RPS

Non-fossil sources of energy,
We seek the best with ability,
We have a choice, to lend our voice,
Moving ahead to security.

Non-fossil sources we should look for,
Push them to grow right at our front door,
Give fossils rest, let's do our best,
Moving ahead as we've done before.

We have our minds and our wills at hand,
To be improving our growing land,
RP'S are good, help as they should,
Raise up clean sources we find so grand.

adrianakau@aol.com
Comment 1 of 3
No image available
April 13, 2007
Thirsty cars and homes
Technology is our friend
People get ready...
Comment 2 of 3
No image available
April 14, 2007
New Hampshire's politicians have once again proved the wisdom of having a legislature that is close to the people. They realize that energy policy is tied inexorably to national security and that this is a non-partisan issue. Congratulations, Concord. When I move back to New England, I'll look to NH first.
Comment 3 of 3
Add Your Comment

Registered users, please make sure to Sign-In. We and others want to know your ideas and opinions. If you are not yet Registered -- it's quick and easy. Just click below.
Thanks!

Register Now   Sign-In
Featured Total Access Partners
Click company logos to learn more
Solar Technologies VentureBeat EFD Trina Solar Ltd. OPEL Solar, Inc. Financial Research Associates, LLC
WORLD'S #1 RENEWABLE ENERGY NETWORK
World's #1 Renewable Energy Network Logo