Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (04/03/2025)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB189 00:07:18.880 - 8:04:45 AM	Public Hearing	defining "clean energy" and the department of energy's 10-year state energy strategy to include new technology small-scale nuclear energy, renewable energy, and fuel diversity; and, removing references to the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board.	Thomas, Douglas(R)[A-]2024
HB504 00:22:56.240 - 8:20:23 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the state energy policy.	Vose, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB627 01:11:38.320 - 9:09:05 AM	Public Hearing	relative to permitting the public utilities commission to approve new providers for the Lifeline program.	Vose, Michael(R)[A]2024
HB682 01:18:52.000 - 9:16:19 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the office of offshore wind industry, the offshore and port development commission, and the office of energy innovation.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2024

HB189: Doug Thomas, Rockingham County 16, Londonderry Support00:07:18.880 - 8:04:45 AM; Rep. Doug Thomas introduced House Bill 189, which aims to define 'clean energy' within the state's statutory framework. He proposed adding a new section to Chapter 21, defining clean energy as low greenhouse gas emitting sources, including nuclear and other renewable sources. This definition would be applicable throughout the state's energy strategy. Additionally, the bill includes a housekeeping measure to repeal the EASY board, which was overlooked in previous legislation. Thomas emphasized the bill's simplicity and its role in promoting nuclear energy as part of clean energy, highlighting that nuclear power has zero CO2 emissions.
HB189: Senator Waters Information Only00:12:01.760 - 8:09:28 AM; Senator Waters expressed agreement with including nuclear in the definition of clean energy and mentioned other nuclear bills coming from the House. He suggested amending the bill's language from 'low greenhouse gas emitting' to 'minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions' or 'zero emission sources' to align more closely with definitions used elsewhere. He noted that this change would not contradict the intent of the bill.
HB189: Rep. JD Bernardi, Rockingham 36 Support00:15:34.639 - 8:13:01 AM; Rep. JD Bernardi supported the bill and addressed the issue of defining clean energy. He explained the reasoning behind using 'low greenhouse gas emitting' instead of 'zero emissions,' noting that even renewable sources like wind turbines have some emissions during operation. He argued that natural gas could potentially qualify as clean energy under this definition, as it emits less carbon than some other renewable sources considered by ISO New England.
HB504: Doug Thomas, Rockingham 16, Londonderry Support00:22:56.240 - 8:20:23 AM; Rep. Doug Thomas introduced House Bill 504 on behalf of Chairman Vose, stating that the bill updates the state's energy policy to be more detailed and prescriptive. It promotes an 'all of the above' technology solutions approach, emphasizing affordability, reliability, diversity, and security. The bill aims to enhance energy independence, encourage market-driven energy conservation, and protect the state's interests from bureaucratic overreach. Thomas read from written testimony that highlighted the need for a clear energy policy to address grid reliability issues identified by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
HB504: Senator Rosen Information Only00:25:17.039 - 8:22:44 AM; Senator Rosen inquired about the absence of the term 'clean energy' in House Bill 504, noting that it had been discussed in the previous bill. This question was aimed at understanding the consistency and focus of the state's energy policy across different pieces of legislation.
HB504: Representative Vos Information Only00:26:40.120 - 8:24:07 AM; Representative Vos discusses the integration of clean energy into the state's energy goals. He mentions his bill, HB189, which includes clean energy and diversity of fuels in the state's 10-year energy plan. He suggests that clean energy might not need to be explicitly mentioned in HB504 as it is already covered in the broader energy plan.
HB504: Senator Waters Information Only00:27:33.360 - 8:25:00 AM; Senator Waters raises concerns about the public health implications of the bill, particularly in relation to New Hampshire's high childhood asthma rates. He questions how the bill addresses air quality and public health, suggesting that reliable energy is crucial for maintaining health within homes, such as heating, cooling, and powering medical equipment. He also discusses the interpretation of 'public health' in the context of the bill, suggesting that individual health impacts the overall public health.
HB504: Senator Waters Information Only00:30:00.880 - 8:27:27 AM; Senator Waters continues to discuss the bill's alignment with RSA 362F, which focuses on renewable energy and reducing fossil fuel use. He questions whether the bill's reference to 'reliable' energy includes renewable sources and if it implies the inclusion of all renewable energy classes as defined in RSA 362F15. He also inquires about the lack of a definition for 'secure energy' in the bill and speculates on its possible meanings, including sustainability and cybersecurity.
HB504: Senator Waters Information Only00:34:06.159 - 8:31:33 AM; Senator Waters further discusses the reliability of energy sources, questioning whether it includes renewable sources combined with storage. He references another bill, SP 233, which might address this issue. He also seeks clarification on the terms 'market principles' and 'market transformation' in the context of the bill, questioning how these can be defined given federal subsidies and market controls.
HB504: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:37:04.560 - 8:34:31 AM; The speaker discussed the concept of time of use metering as a state policy that could potentially allow customers to save money by using appliances at off-peak times. They highlighted the cost implications of implementing such a policy, including the need for a massive meter change by all utilities in the state. The speaker emphasized the importance of considering market-based decisions when making energy policy choices in New Hampshire, suggesting that the state should focus on fundamental market signals rather than promoting technologies without considering the broader implications.
HB504: Senator Rosen Information Only00:39:42.920 - 8:37:09 AM; Senator Rosen inquired about the promotion of weatherization programs as a means to help people stay warm in their homes, which was mentioned as a public health concern by Representative Columbus. The discussion focused on how weatherization and energy efficiency could be part of a broader strategy to balance environmental concerns, market signals, and public health and safety.
HB504: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:40:33.440 - 8:38:00 AM; The speaker responded to Senator Rosen's question about weatherization, stating that it is part of the balancing equation mentioned in section five of the bill. They emphasized that the bill aims to balance various factors including environmental concerns, market signals, and public health and safety, rather than focusing solely on one aspect.
HB504: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:41:43.280 - 8:39:10 AM; Josh Elliot introduced himself and stated that the Department of Energy is neutral on the bill. He explained that the current RSA 378:37 is a long sentence with many semicolons, and the bill provides more detail and extrapolation. He highlighted the department's focus on the state energy strategy and regional issues, particularly cost allocation for transmission projects within the ISO New England grid. Elliot discussed how New Hampshire ratepayers contribute to these costs and the legal framework provided by the statutes to protect New Hampshire from bearing costs of other states' specific policy procurements. He also addressed questions about the inclusion of renewable energy in the bill's definition of reliable resources, suggesting that the bill's language does not exclude renewables if they meet the specified attributes.
HB504: Unnamed Speaker Information Only00:51:36.640 - 8:49:03 AM; The speaker, in response to questions about public health, clarified that the Department of Energy, in conjunction with the Public Utilities Commission, focuses on economic regulation rather than environmental regulation. They mentioned that other state and federal agencies enforce statutes related to public health and safety, such as emissions standards for particulate matter, which are relevant to energy generation facilities.
HB504: Ray Burke, Attorney, New Hampshire Legal Assistance Oppose00:52:49.839 - 8:50:16 AM; Ray Burke testified in opposition to the bill, expressing concerns about its impact on the low-income energy efficiency program. He highlighted the commitment in RSA 374:F to allocate at least 20% of system benefits charge funds to the low-income program and the goal of reducing market barriers to energy efficiency. Burke was concerned that the bill's language about pursuing energy efficiency according to market principles could add confusion and potentially undermine the low-income program. He suggested working with the bill's sponsor and stakeholders to clarify the language to ensure the program's effectiveness in future dockets before the Public Utilities Commission.
HB504: Meredith Hatfield, The Nature Conservancy Information Only00:59:58.880 - 8:57:25 AM; Meredith Hatfield from The Nature Conservancy expressed appreciation for the existing energy policy in New Hampshire, noting its inclusion of public health and environmental concerns. She commended Representative Vos and the committee for incorporating the term 'diverse' into the bill, interpreting it as fuel diversity, and acknowledged other improvements made to the bill. However, she expressed ongoing concerns about the potential impact of the bill on programs like New Hampshire's energy efficiency program. Hatfield emphasized the importance of public health considerations in energy policy and appreciated the involvement of the Department of Energy at the PUC. She highlighted the need for the Department of Energy to utilize funds from the renewable energy fund to help reduce energy bills.
HB504: Nick Craig, Conservation Law Foundation Oppose01:03:07.119 - 9:00:34 AM; Nick Craig from the Conservation Law Foundation opposed HB504, arguing that similar language was rejected the previous year in HB1623. He believes the current state energy policy in RSA 378:37 strikes a good balance and sees no justification for amending it. Craig criticized the bill for favoring certain energy resources, implicitly fossil fuels, under the guise of technological neutrality and reliable resources. He highlighted the benefits of fuel diversity, which the bill might undermine, and disputed the assumption that fossil fuels are more reliable, citing the failure of such resources during Winter Storm Elliot in 2022. He also mentioned the reliability benefits of renewable resources like offshore wind, supported by statements from ISO New England, and urged the committee to recommend the bill as inexpedient to legislate.
HB504: Sam Evans Brown, Clean Air New Hampshire Information Only01:08:24.319 - 9:05:51 AM; Sam Evans Brown from Clean Air New Hampshire provided a nuanced perspective on HB504. He acknowledged improvements made to the bill since its previous version but remained concerned about sections that could potentially dismantle the New Hampshire Saves program. Brown emphasized the importance of understanding the nature of electric sector markets, which are young and highly artificial, suggesting that relying solely on market forces could be detrimental without policy intervention. He stressed the necessity of programs like New Hampshire Saves to address market failures in the energy efficiency sector, where there are no natural market signals to encourage such initiatives.
HB627: Doug Thomas, Rockingham 16, House Energy Committee Vice Chair Support01:11:38.320 - 9:09:05 AM; Doug Thomas, representing Rockingham 16 and serving as Vice Chair of the House Energy Committee, introduced HB627 on behalf of Representative Bo Vos. The bill seeks to permit the Public Utilities Commission to approve new providers for the Lifeline program, which provides discounted communication services to low-income consumers. Thomas explained that the bill aims to extend these services to mobile phones, noting that only 8% of New Hampshire residents currently have access to these services. He mentioned that the FCC has not expanded the service since 2011 and that this bill would allow New Hampshire to join 45 other states in designating cell carriers to offer the service.
HB627: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, Department of Energy Information Only01:16:41.920 - 9:14:08 AM; Josh Elliot from the Department of Energy provided neutral testimony on HB627. He explained that the bill would open a new avenue for carriers to be designated by the state rather than going through the FCC. This would allow the Public Utilities Commission to review and approve providers at the state level, essentially creating an additional option without guaranteeing uptake.
HB682: JD Bernardi, Rockingham 36 Support01:18:52.000 - 9:16:19 AM; JD Bernardi from Rockingham 36 introduced HB682 on behalf of Representative Harrington. The bill aims to refocus the Department of Energy's Office of Wind and Offshore Wind Industry and Energy Innovation to be solely the Office of Energy Innovation, broadening its scope to include all emerging energy technologies, not just offshore wind. Bernardi explained that the rationale for this shift comes from concerns raised by ISO New England about the region's energy capacity and the problematic experiences with offshore wind development.
HB682: Unknown Speaker Oppose01:20:20.719 - 9:17:47 AM; The speaker expressed opposition to the bill, citing the high costs associated with offshore wind energy. They mentioned that the current cost for offshore wind is $150 per megawatt hour for fixed platforms, but the proposed floating platforms in the Gulf of Maine would incur even higher costs. They also raised concerns about the intermittency of offshore wind, noting that a 40% capacity factor means a significant need for dispatchable power, which would add to the overall costs. The speaker referenced the abandonment of the Vineyard project due to costs and the penalties paid by New Jersey Atlantic shores to avoid similar projects. They also discussed the environmental impacts, including the damage to fisheries from the proposed floating platforms and the toxic protectant on the blades that would affect the ocean environment.
HB682: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, Department of Energy Information Only01:25:47.600 - 9:23:14 AM; Josh Elliot stated that the Department of Energy remains neutral on the bill. He acknowledged the concerns about offshore wind raised by Representative Bernardi but focused on the specifics of the bill. The bill modifies the office's name and focus to include all energy innovation while still allowing for regional discussions about offshore wind. It also reorganizes some administrative aspects within the department, moving the Grid Modernization Advisory Group and the Hydrogen Advisory Council into the office to streamline processes and focus.
HB682: Senator Watch Information Only01:28:31.440 - 9:25:58 AM; Senator Watch asked about the potential inclusion of specific duties in the bill, such as assessing port facilities, economic impact, supply chain analysis, and workforce development. Josh Elliot responded that these areas would be considered under the office's duty to advise the governor and state agencies, even without specific language in the bill.
HB682: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:31:52.120 - 9:29:19 AM; The speaker raised a concern about the repeal of RSA 1 city 185162, noting that it conflicts with section 7 of the bill, which directs the PUC to comply with the same RSA. This was pointed out as a potential issue within the bill's text.
HB682: Unknown Speaker Information Only01:32:41.120 - 9:30:08 AM; The speaker suggested a change to the bill to clarify that it does not repeal section 45162 but rewords it to eliminate references to offshore wind procurement. This change would allow the coastal program to continue its work, ensuring it remains funded by any proposed development. The speaker expressed concern about conflicting information regarding the PUC's responsibilities without this amendment.
HB682: Meredith Hatfield, The Nature Conservancy Oppose01:33:31.920 - 9:30:58 AM; Meredith Hatfield from The Nature Conservancy expressed concerns about the bill. She highlighted the organization's focus on ocean issues, protecting marine habitats, and mitigating climate impacts. Hatfield supports clean energy and responsible offshore wind deployment but believes it's premature to eliminate the office of offshore wind. She emphasized the potential benefits of offshore wind for New Hampshire, including investments in workforce, infrastructure, and environmental mitigation. Hatfield also raised concerns about the language in section 485I and the removal of funding for offshore wind initiatives from the renewable energy fund.
HB682: Matt Saboend Schwaner, State Representative for Rockingham District 30, Seabrook Support01:38:06.119 - 9:35:33 AM; Representative Matt Saboend Schwaner from Seabrook testified in favor of HB682. He argued that offshore wind technology is inefficient and unpopular, citing a recent executive order and a research lease hold in Maine. He mentioned his constituents' opposition to the plan and the potential disruption to commercial activities and the fishing industry due to offshore wind development. He emphasized the importance of New Hampshire's shoreline and the potential negative impacts on the ocean food chain and marine life, advocating for the bill's passage to protect local interests.
HB682: Unknown Speaker Support01:40:38.560 - 9:38:05 AM; The speaker expressed strong support for the bill and suggested an amendment to dissolve the entire office of offshore wind and ban cables from coming into New Hampshire. They criticized the lack of checks and balances and the waste of taxpayer funds on offshore wind projects. The speaker highlighted the potential negative impacts on the fishing industry and coastal businesses, urging the committee to expand the bill's scope to protect local interests.
HB682: Ted Deers, Assistant Director of the Water Division, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only01:44:37.920 - 9:42:04 AM; Ted Deers from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services clarified that the department has remained agnostic on the value of offshore wind. He emphasized the importance of state sovereignty and ensuring the state has a voice in federal waters. Deers addressed concerns about the bill's language, explaining that removing certain provisions would not prevent the coastal program from conducting necessary studies or requesting mitigation plans. He discussed the federal consistency review process and the need for enforceable state policies to influence federal permits. Deers also mentioned the ongoing studies and the long timeline before any windmills could be installed in the Gulf of Maine, highlighting the need for more data on the ocean floor.

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)