The state of New Hampshire’s Climate Change Policy Task Force released its Climate Action Plan, which sets a long-term goal of achieving an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by the year 2050.
The plan also calls for setting a goal of 25% renewable energy in the state by 2025.
Both goals mirror initiatives supported by the Obama administration on the federal level.
New Hampshire’s Task Force also announced the creation of a public/private partnership to oversee and guide the Plan’s implementation. The partnership, called the New Hampshire Energy and Climate Collaborative, includes representatives from New Hampshire’s businesses, public entities, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.
“Here in New Hampshire, we already recognize that climate change poses serious risks to the health of our citizens, to our quality of life and to our economic future,” Governor John Lynch said.
Lynch said some of the recommendations in the plan "may not be ready to move forward right away," but he said it provides a "firm base" for discussions in the state legislature and in the public.
The entire New Hampshire Climate Action Plan is available at the link below.
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The New Hampshire plan appears to be very well thought out. It could certainly be a blueprint for other states to copy or improve upon. I do feel, however, that this plan gives telecommuting short shrift. Much of our use of fossil fuel energy is spent in the car taking needless trips to the office. Much of this work could be done at home. Perhaps the NH State government should set an example and offer telecommuting to all clerical staff. Another area NH could promote (and in a sense, does promote, having no state tax) is to encourage the use of the internet for shopping. Far less energy is expended by internet shopping versus individuals driving to stores and shopping malls. Some incentives should be given for individuals to shop online rather than car shop.