RGGI survives but misses a great opportunity
June 17, 2015
The concept of cap and trade was invented during the Reagan administration to reduce ozone chemical compounds, which were destroying the ozone layer. The idea was to place a cap on the pollutants and charge manufacturers whose products exceed the cap. It worked!
Exemplary response to New Castle oil spill
May 29, 2015
On Tuesday, oil from a waste storage container on the NOAA research vessel Hassler accidentally leaked into in Harts Cove, New Castle where the vessel is docked.
The whole response to the spill was exemplary. The quick response and coordination between the Hassler, The Coast Guard, the NH Department of Environmental Services and NH Port Authority were exceptional.
Penny wise and pound foolish — followed by penny foolish
February 20, 2015
Energy efficiency and energy independence both took a beating this week in the NH House of Representatives.
First, the House voted to defund RGGI, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. RGGI is a cap and trade program (a concept introduced by the Reagan administration) in which all New England states and New York participate. A small amount of your energy bill (21 cents a month for the average ratepayer) goes into a fund, which pays for energy efficiency projects. Most of the funds pay for municipal and school projects and low-income weatherization.
The reason electricity prices are rising
November 1, 2014
As chair of NH House Science Technology and Energy Committee, I am getting lots of questions about rising electric rates.
Electricity prices have gone up because on cold winter days we have limited natural gas and residents who heat with gas have a priority.