Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (06/10/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:02:46.720 - 9:01:42 AM	General Working Session	Unclear

Unclear: Chair Information Only00:02:46.720 - 9:01:42 AM; The Chair convened the meeting of the Science, Technology, and Energy Committee and began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair Doug Thomas. The Chair mentioned that the Department of Energy would discuss the ongoing update of New Hampshire's 10-year state energy strategy, allowing the committee to provide feedback and suggestions. The Chair noted that some members were absent due to attending a bill signing by the Governor.
Unclear: Vice Chair Doug Thomas Information Only00:04:11.840 - 9:03:07 AM; Vice Chair Thomas inquired about the format of the briefing on the state energy strategy, specifically whether it would be a page-by-page or section-by-section review of the current 10-year plan. He was informed that the session was designed as a listening session to gather feedback for updating the state energy strategy, rather than a review of the existing document.
Unclear: Representative Corman Information Only00:05:13.759 - 9:04:09 AM; Representative Corman asked about the timeline for discussing retained bills, suggesting a meeting in early October to accommodate members' travel plans in September. The Chair agreed to plan for early October to discuss the three retained bills.
Unclear: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, Department of Energy Information Only00:06:20.720 - 9:05:16 AM; Josh Elliot introduced himself and Meg Stone, the legislative liaison. He explained that there is a statutory requirement to consult with both the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Science, Technology, and Energy Committee during the review and update of the state energy strategy. Elliot outlined that the statute specifies eight areas to address, but they have discretion to consider additional topics. He noted that the session was designed for the committee to provide feedback, with an extended public comment period until early September.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:08:59.519 - 9:07:55 AM; The Chair asked for clarification on the timeline for publishing the updated state energy strategy and whether the new update would contain similar goals to the 2022 energy policy. Josh Elliot responded that they aim to complete the update by the end of the calendar year and that feedback on the goals would be helpful.
Unclear: Vice Chair Doug Thomas Information Only00:10:07.120 - 9:09:03 AM; Vice Chair Thomas expressed interest in including small-scale nuclear and data centers in the state energy strategy, suggesting that New Hampshire should become more inviting to investors interested in these technologies. He emphasized the need for forward-thinking in the rapidly changing energy landscape.
Unclear: Representative Swanson Information Only00:12:23.040 - 9:11:19 AM; Representative Swanson inquired about the comparison between the goals in the current document and the 2022 version. Josh Elliot explained that they are still in the process and seeking feedback on whether the format and goals from the previous version work for the committee.
Unclear: Representative Harrington Information Only00:14:13.040 - 9:13:09 AM; Representative Harrington expressed skepticism about the feasibility of nuclear power in New Hampshire, citing examples from other states and ISO New England's lack of mention of nuclear power in future plans. He raised concerns about the impact of other states' energy policies on New Hampshire, particularly regarding subsidized offshore wind and its effect on capacity prices and the viability of oil plants.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only00:17:22.160 - 9:16:18 AM; Representative McGee suggested that the goals in the state energy strategy should be more actionable and connected to specific outcomes. She criticized the lack of clear, actionable goals in the 2022 report and emphasized the need for policies that address fuel diversity, emissions reduction, and cost-effectiveness. McGee also called for a more structured approach with short, mid, and long-term goals.
Unclear: Representative Bernardi Information Only00:20:42.799 - 9:19:38 AM; Representative Bernardi expressed interest in incentives for natural gas, including expanding pipelines and depoting LNG at Portsmouth to reduce reliance on Boston. He also discussed the need for maintenance and potential expansion of small-scale hydro power in New Hampshire.
Unclear: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only00:21:38.480 - 9:20:34 AM; Representative Wendy Thomas requested detailed plans on how the Senate's $8 million for energy would be used in New Hampshire. She also called for addressing environmental and public nuisance concerns related to data centers, tracking progress on previous goals, and considering carbon pricing and energy independence.
Unclear: Representative Tom Corman Information Only00:24:09.679 - 9:23:05 AM; Representative Tom Corman emphasized the importance of energy efficiency, EV charging infrastructure for tourism, and the need to clarify the state's energy policy beyond an 'all of the above' approach, noting that wind is not included.
Unclear: Representative Kaplan Information Only00:25:18.640 - 9:24:14 AM; Representative Kaplan suggested better defining cost-effectiveness in the state energy strategy, including long-term costs and market structures. He emphasized the need for a long-term vision for meeting electricity demands and addressing greenhouse gas emissions in environmental protection goals.
Unclear: Vice Chair Doug Thomas Information Only00:26:18.400 - 9:25:14 AM; Vice Chair Thomas supported the idea of categorizing goals into short, mid, and long-term objectives, particularly emphasizing the need for forward-thinking on nuclear power despite current impediments.
Unclear: Representative Schneller Information Only00:27:26.000 - 9:26:22 AM; Representative Schneller inquired about efforts to integrate the Department of Energy's work with business development, stressing the need to attract businesses and support an energy economy. He also raised questions about technology, including superconductors and connectivity for off-grid assets.
Unclear: Representative Reynolds Information Only00:29:45.840 - 9:28:41 AM; Representative Reynolds called for more support for solar energy in New Hampshire, noting its benefits and the state's lack of encouragement compared to other New England states. He emphasized the economic development potential of solar.
Unclear: Representative Parall Information Only00:32:01.840 - 9:30:57 AM; Representative Parall echoed concerns about transportation infrastructure, specifically electric vehicle charging stations, and requested reconsideration of the 2022 report's stance on no action needed. He also highlighted the importance of net metering for industry retention and requested updates on the VA report's findings.
Unclear: Representative Harrington Information Only00:34:01.440 - 9:32:57 AM; Representative Harrington discussed the transition to a winter peak due to electrification and the need to address its implications. He questioned higher transmission costs in New England and the risks of state intervention in energy markets, citing the Burgess Biomass example.
Unclear: Representative Tom Corman Information Only00:36:37.839 - 9:35:33 AM; Representative Tom Corman highlighted the importance of grid modernization, particularly the need for more sophisticated meters to provide accurate price signals.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only00:37:43.599 - 9:36:39 AM; Representative McGee emphasized the need for energy goals connected to specific outcomes, such as reducing reliance on home heating oil. She called for clearer goals to provide stability for businesses and suggested that emissions reduction should be part of the report to avoid potential penalties.
Unclear: Chair Information Only00:43:14.800 - 9:42:10 AM; The Chair stressed the importance of considering the cost implications of new technologies on ratepayers and suggested using more neutral and less biased sources of information, such as questioning the use of Lazard Bank's levelized cost of energy data due to their vested interest in renewable energy.
Unclear: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only00:44:51.520 - 9:43:47 AM; Representative Thomas discussed the need for a more engineering-driven selection of resources in the energy strategy, focusing on actual costs rather than giving preference to financial institutions. She also emphasized the importance of addressing both business and residential properties in terms of energy efficiency, particularly the role of smart meters. Additionally, she requested a statement on the impact of tariffs on New Hampshire's energy future and acknowledgment of climate change's effect on the state's energy future.
Unclear: Representative Harrington Information Only00:46:05.040 - 9:45:01 AM; Representative Harrington highlighted the importance of understanding the efficiency of battery storage in the energy strategy report. He noted that battery storage, particularly with technologies like iron rust batteries, is not 100% efficient, and this should be clearly communicated in the report to reflect the true cost of energy storage and generation.
Unclear: Representative Kaplan Information Only00:48:05.680 - 9:47:01 AM; Representative Kaplan agreed with Representative Harrington's comments on market rates and the challenges of predicting future costs. He expressed concern over moving away from the levelized cost of energy as a metric and inquired about alternatives, such as forward clean energy markets, and the strategy's role in answering questions about resources and infrastructure for New Hampshire's citizens.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only00:49:56.240 - 9:48:52 AM; Representative McGee discussed the future energy capacity needs of the state, particularly due to the rise of data centers and the shift towards electric home systems and transportation. She suggested including a section on capacity planning in the report and mentioned the impact of IRA money on heat pump adoption, requesting details on its penetration and effects on reducing reliance on out-of-state home heating oil.
Unclear: Representative Larashelle Information Only00:54:17.920 - 9:53:13 AM; Representative Larashelle commented on the efficiency of different battery types and their costs compared to peak shaving units. He suggested that the report should compare the costs of battery storage to those of peak shaving units to provide a clearer picture of energy costs.
Unclear: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only00:55:21.760 - 9:54:17 AM; Vice Chair Thomas emphasized the importance of presenting a long-term, stable energy strategy to attract business investors. He stressed that the plan should convey a commitment to steady goals over time, enhancing New Hampshire's appeal to potential investors and ensuring a consistent course towards energy objectives.
Unclear: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only00:56:31.440 - 9:55:27 AM; Representative Thomas requested that the report include a section on the health impacts related to New Hampshire's future energy plan.
Unclear: Representative Garman Information Only00:57:32.480 - 9:56:28 AM; Representative Garman advocated for increased energy independence in New Hampshire, focusing on in-state production of energy from sources like hydro, solar, and geothermal to reduce dependency on external geopolitical factors.
Unclear: Representative Harrington Information Only00:58:40.880 - 9:57:36 AM; Representative Harrington inquired about updates from a recent FERC meeting, specifically regarding ISO New England's stance on renewable energy and the timelines for offshore wind resources. He also asked about the progress of a consortium proposal for offshore wind involving Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
Unclear: Vice Chair Thomas Information Only01:01:42.960 - 10:00:38 AM; Vice Chair Thomas shared insights from an energy conference, noting the urgent need for more power and transmission capacity across states to accommodate growing needs like data centers. He expressed concern about New Hampshire falling behind and urged the strategy to address this foresight.
Unclear: Representative McGee Information Only01:02:46.880 - 10:01:42 AM; Representative McGee highlighted the significant costs and needs associated with transmission upgrades, suggesting that the report should include an analysis of how transmission projects might impact New Hampshire consumers, given their effect on energy bills.
Unclear: Representative Schneller Information Only01:05:55.680 - 10:04:51 AM; Representative Schneller announced a field trip to Tiko Jin, a co-generation company in North Bria, Massachusetts, on June 20th. He noted that the company would host members of the committee and the advanced technology caucus, and he planned to send out a slide presentation titled 'Data Centers Slash Your Peak Pee by 35%'.

Vose, Michael(Chairman)(R)[A]2024	Bernardy, JD(Clerk)(R)[A-]2024	Thomas, Douglas(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2024
Notter, Jeanine(R)[A]2024	Schneller, John(R)	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2024
McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2024	Mattson, Rita(R)	Raynolds, Ned(D)[CT]2024
Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2024	Parshall, Lucius(D)[CT]2024	Berezhny, Lex(R)[A+]2024
Caplan, Tony(D)[F]2024	Summers, James(R)[B+]2024	Cormen, Thomas(D)[CT]2024
Swanson, Dale(D)	Larochelle, John(D)	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)