Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/01/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB277 00:02:38.959 - 8:01:25 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the use of the term "foal" and "colt."	Bixby, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB277 00:06:38.400 - 8:05:25 AM	Executive Session	relative to the use of the term "foal" and "colt."	Bixby, Peter(D)[CT]2024
HB221 00:21:30.880 - 8:20:17 AM	Public Hearing	relative to assessment of cost effectiveness of the systems benefit charge.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB672 01:07:30.400 - 9:06:17 AM	Public Hearing	to allow for off-grid electricity providers in New Hampshire.	Vose, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB710 01:39:09.760 - 9:37:56 AM	Public Hearing	enabling electric utilities to own, operate, and offer advanced nuclear resources.	Vose, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB779 01:51:10.400 - 9:49:57 AM	Public Hearing	allowing the sale of rabbit meat in intrastate commerce.	Verville, Kevin(R)[B+]2024
HB779 02:02:35.040 - 10:01:22 AM	Executive Session	allowing the sale of rabbit meat in intrastate commerce.	Verville, Kevin(R)[B+]2024

HB277: Representative V Support00:02:38.959 - 8:01:25 AM; Representative V introduced House Bill 277, which aims to correct a long-standing injustice in the animal cruelty statutes. The bill seeks to extend protections currently given to colts to all baby equines, using the gender-neutral term 'foal' instead of 'colt'. This change would ensure that all baby equines are protected from being taken away from their mothers before they are weaned at 90 days.
HB277: Rob Johnson, New Hampshire Farm Bureau Support00:04:26.960 - 8:03:13 AM; Rob Johnson, representing the New Hampshire Farm Bureau, expressed support for House Bill 277. He noted that the issue had been recognized by their members for some time and was part of broader legislative efforts. The Farm Bureau supports moving the bill forward.
HB277: Representative Judy Aaron, Sullivan County District 4 Support00:05:12.039 - 8:03:59 AM; Representative Judy Aaron, chair of the environment and agriculture committee in the house, supported House Bill 277. She mentioned that the bill passed through her committee and described it as a housekeeping measure to extend protections to all baby equines.
HB277: Committee Vote00:06:38.400 - 8:05:25 AM; The committee moved to an executive session on House Bill 277 immediately following the public hearing. A motion to pass the bill was made by Senator Waters and seconded by Senator Rosenlaw. There was no discussion, and the vote to pass the bill was unanimous.
HB221: Representative Harrington Support00:21:30.880 - 8:20:17 AM; Representative Harrington introduced HB221, explaining that the bill was requested by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The bill aims to provide the PUC with the option to open an adjudicative process in 2027 to reevaluate the cost-effectiveness of the system benefit charge. He emphasized that the bill does not mandate any changes but simply allows the PUC the flexibility to adapt if necessary, referencing recent changes in Massachusetts as an example of why such flexibility could be beneficial.
HB221: Senator Waters Information Only00:23:23.679 - 8:22:10 AM; Senator Waters questioned Representative Harrington about the shift in policy-making from the legislature to the PUC, referencing past legislative actions like House Bill 549. Harrington responded that it's a balance between the legislature and PUC, suggesting that the PUC should have the option to adjust policies due to the technical nature of the issues involved, but the legislature retains the authority to override such decisions.
HB221: Representative Bernard Support00:24:21.520 - 8:23:08 AM; Representative Bernard supported HB221, agreeing with Representative Harrington that the PUC should have the option to change the cost-effectiveness calculation through an adjudicatory hearing. He believed this would provide adequate time for businesses to adapt to potential changes.
HB221: Josh Elliott, Department of Energy Information Only00:25:31.279 - 8:24:18 AM; Josh Elliott from the Department of Energy stated that the department was neutral on HB221. He explained the background of House Bill 549 and how it established guardrails for energy efficiency programs, including the Granite State test. He highlighted that HB221 would give the PUC the option to reconsider the cost-benefit test, leaving the decision to the legislature on whether to maintain control or delegate it to the PUC.
HB221: Donald Crease, Consumer Advocate Oppose00:27:26.640 - 8:26:13 AM; Donald Crease, the consumer advocate, strongly opposed HB221, urging the committee to find it inexpedient to legislate (ITL). He argued that the bill threatens the ratepayer-funded NH Saves programs by potentially allowing the PUC to alter the cost-benefit test, which he believes would lead to the termination of these programs. Crease emphasized the importance of energy efficiency and criticized the PUC's past actions against these programs, suggesting that the legislature should retain control over such policy decisions.
HB221: Senator Rosen Information Only00:33:27.120 - 8:32:14 AM; Senator Rosen asked Donald Crease about the cost savings of energy efficiency, using an analogy with colon cancer prevention. Crease agreed that energy efficiency saves money by reducing the need for energy, similar to how preventing a disease saves on treatment costs. He stressed the broader benefits to all customers from ratepayer-funded energy efficiency programs.
HB221: Chase Poyer, Energy Efficiency Consulting Group, Concord Oppose00:35:42.640 - 8:34:29 AM; Chase Poyer, owner of an energy efficiency consulting group in Concord, opposed HB221, highlighting the importance of the NH Saves program to his business and the broader community. He criticized the PUC's stance against energy efficiency and argued that the program supports local jobs and savings for residents. Poyer urged the committee to maintain the existing framework established by HB549.
HB221: Eric Stanley, Liberty New Hampshire, Concord Oppose00:38:38.320 - 8:37:25 AM; Eric Stanley, representing Liberty New Hampshire, opposed the passage of HB221. He argued that the bill is unnecessary and could adversely impact ratepayers and the business community involved in delivering energy efficiency services. He highlighted the existing scrutiny by the Public Utilities Commission on energy efficiency programs since 2002, suggesting that the proposed changes in the bill would not enhance the review process.
HB221: Matt Cisco, GDS Associates, Bedford Oppose00:40:28.680 - 8:39:15 AM; Matt Cisco from GDS Associates opposed HB221, citing its potential detrimental impact on New Hampshire's business community. He referenced the stabilizing effect of HB549 and warned that HB221 could destabilize the business environment. Additionally, he discussed the robust process that led to the creation of the Granite State test in 2019, suggesting that reopening this issue would be inefficient and unnecessary.
HB221: Josh Mian, Keen Housing, Keene Oppose00:43:27.040 - 8:42:14 AM; Josh Mian, representing Keen Housing and the New Hampshire Housing Authority Corporation, strongly opposed HB221. He argued that the bill would undermine the cost-effectiveness test used by the Public Utilities Commission, potentially ending the New Hampshire Saves program. He detailed the benefits of the program to housing authorities, including significant energy efficiency improvements and cost savings, and emphasized its importance for maintaining affordable housing in the state.
HB221: Nick Kraoff, Conservation Law Foundation Oppose00:49:25.119 - 8:48:12 AM; Nick Kraoff from the Conservation Law Foundation opposed HB221, pointing out inconsistencies in the Public Utilities Commission's stance on evaluating the full societal costs and benefits of energy efficiency programs. He argued that the commission's justification for the bill was invalid and urged the committee to find the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB221: Michael Turkot, Turncycle Solutions Oppose00:53:16.160 - 8:52:03 AM; Michael Turkot, owner of Turncycle Solutions, opposed HB221, aligning with the views of previous speakers. He emphasized the importance of the New Hampshire Saves program for his business and the community, expressing concern over the Public Utilities Commission's intent to alter the program.
HB221: Griffin Roers, Eversource, Concord Oppose00:54:05.520 - 8:52:52 AM; Griffin Roers from Eversource opposed HB221, noting its similarity to a previously rejected bill. He stressed the importance of the stability provided by the Granite State test, which was established through a collaborative stakeholder process. He argued that the current framework is effective and that changing it could lead to uncertainty detrimental to the energy efficiency programs.
HB221: Matt Mayberry, CEO, New Hampshire Homebuilders Association Support00:56:48.240 - 8:55:35 AM; Matt Mayberry expressed strong support for HB221, emphasizing the importance of the New Hampshire Saves weatherization program. He highlighted the plight of veterans living in substandard conditions and the program's role in helping them. Mayberry shared a personal story about how a similar program benefited his family in the past, underscoring the program's effectiveness and his emotional connection to it. He criticized past testimonies that suggested the PUC should handle these issues without legislative oversight, arguing for collaborative efforts and clear, understandable legislation.
HB221: Ryan Cluier, Chief Operating Officer, Community Action Partnership of Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties Information Only01:00:55.280 - 8:59:42 AM; Ryan Cluier provided information on the impact of the weatherization assistance program, noting that his organization remains neutral on HB221. He detailed the program's history, its effectiveness in leveraging federal funds, and its role in providing significant energy savings for low-income families. Cluier emphasized the program's accountability, the use of computer modeling for efficiency, and its broader impact on reducing energy burdens and improving economic stability for families.
HB221: Alec Omera, Director of External Affairs, UNITIL Oppose01:05:20.480 - 9:04:07 AM; Alec Omera spoke in opposition to HB221, expressing UNITIL's support for the Granite State Test and energy efficiency programs. He argued that these programs allow customers to control their energy usage effectively and affordably, and that the Granite State Test ensures stability and value for both customers and businesses involved in these programs.
HB672: Doug Thomas, Representative, Rockingham County 16, Londonderry Support01:07:30.400 - 9:06:17 AM; Doug Thomas introduced HB672 on behalf of Chairman Vose, emphasizing the bill's bipartisan support in the House. He explained that the bill enables off-grid electricity generation facilities, which would not be subject to utility regulation but would still be regulated for siting to protect natural resources. Thomas highlighted the potential economic benefits, such as attracting data centers, and stressed the bill's role in fostering innovation and reducing regulatory barriers.
HB672: JD Bernardi, Representative, Rockingham 36, Hampton Falls, Kensington, South Hampton, Newton, and Plaistow Support01:12:24.000 - 9:11:11 AM; JD Bernardi supported HB672, explaining that it allows for the generation and sale of electricity to customers not connected to the grid. He mentioned the potential for businesses with high power needs, such as data centers and AI operations, to benefit from this innovation. Bernardi also noted the possibility of using small-scale modular reactors as a power source for these facilities, citing an example with Microsoft.
HB672: Griffin Roers, Manager of Government Affairs, Eversource Information Only01:15:30.880 - 9:14:17 AM; Griffin Roers presented a neutral stance on HB672 but suggested an amendment to clarify provisions of the bill. He expressed concerns about off-grid providers potentially connecting to the grid for backup power and the need for such providers to adhere to safety standards and pay for interconnection costs. Roers highlighted the importance of preventing duplicative infrastructure and ensuring safety and clarity for first responders in emergency situations.
HB672: Glenn Lions, Advocates for Consumer Regulated Electricity Support01:21:27.360 - 9:20:14 AM; Glenn Lions, representing Advocates for Consumer Regulated Electricity, an informal organization aimed at enhancing economic freedom in the electricity sector, spoke in support of HB672. He explained the concept of consumer-regulated electricity, which aligns with off-grid electricity providers mentioned in the bill. Lions emphasized the need for innovation in the electricity sector to meet growing demands, especially from data centers, without compromising the existing grid's reliability. He highlighted the benefits for investors, customers, and the state of New Hampshire, including faster innovation, competitive options, and reduced impact on the grid. He concluded by suggesting that off-grid providers could serve as innovation test beds for the regulated sector and stressed the importance of electricity for economic growth.
HB672: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, DOE Information Only01:28:42.880 - 9:27:29 AM; Josh Elliot from the Department of Energy discussed the implications of HB672, focusing on the exemption of off-grid electricity providers from safety regulations and consumer protections in Title 34. He raised concerns about how safety issues would be addressed and the governance of connections between consumers and both off-grid and regulated grid systems. Elliot indicated that the amendments proposed by Eversource might address these issues and expressed no objections to the innovative aspects of the bill.
HB672: Donald Crease, Consumer Advocate Support01:31:25.920 - 9:30:12 AM; Donald Crease, the Consumer Advocate, expressed support for HB672, describing it as an intriguing policy idea. He acknowledged the potential trade-offs, such as the high energy demands of data centers and Bitcoin mining operations, which could impact the grid negatively. However, he argued that encouraging large users to defect from the grid could mitigate some of these costs. Crease suggested that while the bill might not be necessary legally, enshrining it in statute would signal New Hampshire's support for such innovations.
HB672: Drew Beamer, Site Evaluation Committee Information Only01:33:36.000 - 9:32:23 AM; Drew Beamer from the Site Evaluation Committee clarified that any utility-scale project, including those under HB672, would still need to go through the SEC process as per RSA 162-H. He explained that this process would address safety and security concerns, and that utility-scale projects, such as those powering data centers, would typically exceed 30 megawatts, thus requiring SEC oversight.
HB672: Jim, New England Power Generators Association Information Only01:36:40.800 - 9:35:27 AM; Jim, associated with the New England Power Generators Association, expressed concerns about the Eversource amendments to HB672, suggesting they might go too far by creating absolute prohibitions. He noted that many issues would be addressed through the SEC process, as mentioned by Drew Beamer. Jim also highlighted the importance of the bill for economic development, particularly in allowing businesses to bring their own power, which could be a significant selling point for New Hampshire.
HB710: Doug Thomas, Representative from Londonderry, Vice Chair of the House Energy Science Committee Support01:39:09.760 - 9:37:56 AM; Representative Thomas introduced House Bill 710 on behalf of Chairman Vose, emphasizing that the bill passed the House with a bipartisan vote of 259 to 85. The bill allows utilities to sign purchase power agreements (PPAs) with advanced nuclear resources for up to 20% of their electrical energy needs. He highlighted that this legislation positions New Hampshire as a leader in nuclear energy, building on Senate Bill 54 from 2022. The amendment to the bill removed provisions that would allow utilities to own or invest in nuclear resources, thus avoiding potential financial burdens on ratepayers. The bill encourages the development of small modular reactors and supports New Hampshire's energy resilience and market innovation.
HB710: JD Bernardi, Representative from Rockingham 36, Hampton Falls, South Hampton, Newton, and Plaistow Support01:44:55.679 - 9:43:42 AM; Representative Bernardi expressed full support for the bill, noting that it defines advanced nuclear technology and allows utilities to enter into PPAs for up to 20% of their supply. He emphasized that the bill sends a message that New Hampshire is open for business in this sector and also facilitates educational programs on nuclear safety.
HB710: Josh Elliott, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only01:46:17.199 - 9:45:04 AM; Josh Elliott provided context for House Bill 710, explaining its relation to Senate Bill 54, which allowed for PPAs to hedge against electricity price spikes. He detailed the process utilities would follow, including issuing RFPs and the Public Utilities Commission's evaluation based on six criteria: cost-effectiveness, availability during long-duration weather events, price stability, diversification of energy resources, ratepayer protections, and public interest. He noted that advanced nuclear reactors would be capped at 300 megawatts and acknowledged the risks associated with PPAs.
HB710: Drew Beamer, Site Evaluation Committee Information Only01:50:40.000 - 9:49:27 AM; Drew Beamer clarified that the construction of nuclear facilities under this bill would still require review by the Site Evaluation Committee, ensuring that the process is not 'willy-nilly'.
HB779: Peter Bixby, Representative from Dover, Strafford District 13 Support01:51:10.400 - 9:49:57 AM; Representative Bixby introduced House Bill 779, which aims to allow the sale of rabbit meat in interstate commerce. He explained that the bill was reworked after initial concerns from the Commissioner of Agriculture, focusing on the intent to expand the sale of rabbit meat from restaurants to farm stands and farmers markets. The bill requires producers to be trained by Cooperative Extension, register with food protective services, and meet labeling requirements. He noted that the bill allows for the sale of up to 1,000 rabbits per year at farm stands, separate from the restaurant program, and addressed concerns about the shelf life of rabbit meat.
HB779: Michelle Roers, Bureau Chief for Public Health Protection, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:58:41.280 - 9:57:28 AM; Michelle Roers stated that the Department of Health and Human Services did not take a position on the bill but had shared concerns that were addressed in the amendment. She introduced Erica Davis to provide further details.
HB779: Erica Davis, Section Administrator for Food Protection, Department of Health and Human Services Information Only01:59:39.760 - 9:58:26 AM; Erica Davis explained that the bill expands rabbit sales to include farm stands and farmers markets within New Hampshire. She noted initial concerns about the bill conflicting with current statutes and the lack of education and registration requirements, which were addressed in the amendment. The education is provided by UNH Extension in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and USDA. She confirmed no health concerns have arisen from the existing rabbit meat to restaurant program.
HB779: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:02:35.040 - 10:01:22 AM; The speaker initiated a motion to move into an executive session and then proposed a motion not to pass HB779, which was seconded.
HB779: Senator Rosen Information Only02:03:21.000 - 10:02:08 AM; Senator Rosen expressed concerns about the robustness of tracking systems related to HB779. He mentioned being conflicted due to the lack of clarity on how well the systems track and label products, especially when different farmers might be selling directly to consumers compared to those selling to restaurants.
HB779: Unidentified Speaker Support02:04:35.520 - 10:03:22 AM; The speaker supported the expansion of the program under HB779, citing a decade of zero issues and the effectiveness of current farmers in maintaining safety and thoroughness. They reassured Senator Rosen about the efforts in traceability and BMPs (Best Management Practices) by the agricultural community, and the resources provided by both the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture to ensure consumer protection.
HB779: Senator Rosen Information Only02:05:43.679 - 10:04:30 AM; Senator Rosen continued to express caution about the expansion due to the reliance on federal funding for public health, which he was unsure about. He appreciated the positive past results of the program but remained cautious about potential future issues.
HB779: Unidentified Speaker Information Only02:05:43.679 - 10:04:30 AM; The speaker concluded the discussion on HB779, noting no further discussion from the committee. A vote was taken, and the bill was moved to go on consent, indicating a decision to not pass HB779. The session then moved out of the executive session, and no further bills were discussed that day, adjourning the meeting.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[C+]2024	Watters, David(D)[CT]2024
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[CT]2024	McConkey, Mark(R)