New Hampshire House Prioritizes Fossil Fuels in New Energy Policy
Concord, Thursday, 20 February 2025.
The New Hampshire House has approved a bill emphasizing fossil fuels, eliminating offshore wind offices. This decision raises concerns about the state’s sustainable energy future.
Legislative Details and Party Lines
On February 19, 2025, the Republican-led New Hampshire House passed House Bill 504 with a vote of 206-163 [1], marking a significant shift in the state’s energy policy. The legislation, which emphasizes fossil fuels over renewable energy sources, includes the elimination of several offshore wind energy-related offices from the Department of Energy [1]. House Bill 682 specifically repeals the Office of Wind Energy and related committees, transferring advisory functions to the office of energy innovation [1].
Political Motivations and Federal Alignment
Representative James Summers (R-Newton) linked the changes to alignment with federal policy, citing President Trump’s executive order to eliminate offshore wind development [1]. The Republican perspective, voiced by Rep. Summers, maintains that ‘offshore wind is more expensive and destructive than any other renewable energy source’ [1]. Meanwhile, Democratic opposition was vocal, with Rep. Wendy Thomas (D-Merrimack) arguing that the bill effectively removes New Hampshire from participating in offshore wind discussions [1].
Energy Policy Focus and Market Impact
The legislation promotes what Republicans term an ‘all-of-the-above technology solutions approach,’ prioritizing affordability, reliability, and energy independence [1]. Rep. Lex Berezhny (R-Grafton) defended the policy, stating it would ‘provide state energy policy with clearer goals to allow for more efficient implementation’ [1]. This comes at a time when New Hampshire faces significant energy challenges, as the state currently has the second-highest electricity prices in the United States [2].
Next Steps and Timeline
The legislation now moves to the next phase, with the Senate set to review the state energy policy following a motion adopted on February 20, 2025 [3]. A related hearing is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at 11:00 am [3], which will further examine aspects of the state’s energy strategy. The bill’s implementation timeline and its full impact on New Hampshire’s energy landscape will become clearer following these upcoming legislative sessions.