New Hampshire Business Leaders Call for Smart Clean Energy Policy and Programs

New Hampshire business leaders gathered today in Concord to showcase their support for smart clean energy policies that will encourage economic growth and business development.

In a press conference held at the New Hampshire State Capitol, representatives from the Duprey Companies, Hypertherm, Ski New Hampshire and Worthen Industries released new New Hampshire Clean Energy Principles.

First released in January 2018 with 50 business signatories, the principles highlight the importance of transitioning to a clean energy economy as a way to improve the competitiveness of New Hampshire’s economy, as well as the state’s prosperity, health and security.

The new principles now have the backing of more than 100 businesses from every county in the state. Among the businesses are Autodesk, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Northern New England, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health, Hypertherm, MegaFood, Hannaford Supermarkets, Lonza, Ski New Hampshire, Timberland, Velcro Companies and Worthen Industries.

“Decisions that are made in Concord can help us invest in cleaner energy solutions, which allow us to control our energy costs and keep us competitive,” said Robin Tindall, Environmental Stewardship Manager at Hypertherm. “We joined more than 100 other businesses in signing the New Hampshire Clean Energy Principles because we know that clean energy technologies will reduce carbon emissions and, at the same time, create economic opportunities for our local communities.”

“Ski areas are on the front lines of a changing climate,” said Jessyca Keeler, executive director of Ski New Hampshire. “Regardless of party, our industry welcomes the massive economic potential that would come from transitioning away from fossil fuels and toward a cleaner, more efficient future. Our ski areas and the communities where we operate depend on a progressive, clean energy future for New Hampshire.”

“Renewable energy and energy efficiency help businesses like ours cut costs and cope with the ups and downs of natural gas prices,” said Dennis Sasseville, director of corporate sustainability & quality systems at Worthen Industries. “Policies to incentivize investment in clean energy are critical to keeping us competitive as a manufacturer in a region where neighboring states are doubling down on clean energy investment.”

“Last year, we invited business around the state to share their support for strong clean energy policies by becoming signatories to the Principles,” said Michelle Veasey executive director of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility. “Now, more than 100 leading businesses, including many of our largest employers, have signed on to express our shared vision for a clean energy future in the Granite State.”

“New Hampshire businesses are leading the transition to clean energy. For these businesses, the economic benefits of clean energy are clear,” said Matthew Willner, senior associate for state policy at Ceres. “Even with strong leadership from Granite State businesses, smart policies and programs are also needed to take full advantage of the benefits of clean energy. The unprecedented support for clean energy from New Hampshire’s business community sends a clear message to policymakers that now is the time to lead.”

New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu and legislators are currently considering several bills that would expand clean energy access in the Granite State, including proposals to raise the cap on net metering projects, increase the investment of proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) into energy efficiency programs and increase access to clean energy for low-income residents.

About Ceres

Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

About NHBSR

New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility is a non-profit business organization convening, inspiring and supporting their network to advance environmental, workplace and community engagement initiatives in New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.nhbsr.org and follow @NHBSR.