February 2, 2014
New Hampshire

New Hampshire Roll Call: Wind turbine moratorium

February 2, 2014 | www.seacoastonline.com

HB 580, “establishing moratoriums on wind turbine plants and electric transmission line projects,” was sponsored by Rep. Tucker and several House members. The Science, Technology and Energy Committee recommended defeat 13 to 6.

The majority reported, “N.H. has long stated its support for renewable energy in legislatively establishing a goal of achieving 25 percent of its electrical energy supply from renewables and in joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). A mandated moratorium on one available and expanding source of renewable energy, which produces no greenhouse gases, is inconsistent with these legislative goals.”

Urging passage, the minority wrote, “If passed this bill would prevent construction of new wind generation projects until the state issues a comprehensive energy plan. Wind power is quickly proving how ineffective it is as a source of electricity and how resoundingly ineffective it is in reducing carbon emissions. Further, fearing damage to our tourism based economy, there has been a huge outpouring of opposition to adding more mountain top industrial wind power in N.H., particularly in the region near Mt. Cardigan and Newfound Lake, a major area of our resort and tourism business.”

The legislation was defeated 194 to 148. “Yes” supported killing the bill; “no” favored other action:

Yes: Allen, Andrews-Ahearn, Borden, Briden, Cahill, Cali-Pitts, Cushing, Emerson-Brown, Flockhart, Heffron, Lovejoy, Moody, Muns, Pantelakos, Peckham, Schlachman, Sherman, Ward, Wazlaw

No: Abrami, Comerford, Copeland, Emerick, Gordon, Khan, Nigrello, Rice, Tucker

Did not vote: Amy Perkins, Lawrence Perkins, Scarlotto, excused; Grace, Schroadter, not excused; Norelli, presiding

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2014/02/02/new-hampshire-roll-call-wind-turbine-moratorium/