Revision: March 15, 2023, 3:26 p.m.
Rep. Chretien, Hills. 41
March 15, 2023
2023-1033h
08/07
Floor Amendment to HB 208-FN
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Subdivision; Climate Action Plan. Amend RSA 125-O by inserting after section 30 the following new subdivision:
Climate Action Plan
125-O:31 Climate Action Plan.
I. The public policy of the state of New Hampshire shall be to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to:
(a) At least 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2027;
(b) At least 50 percent below 1990 levels by 2035; and
(c) Net zero by 2050, defined as a level of statewide greenhouse gas emissions that is equal in quantity to the amount of carbon dioxide or its equivalent that is removed from the atmosphere and stored annually in the state, excluding removed and stored carbon dioxide or its equivalent that another jurisdiction credits against its emissions; provided, however, that in no event shall the level of emissions be greater than a level that is 85 percent below the 1990 level.
II. All state agencies with jurisdiction over activities that impact greenhouse gas emissions shall incorporate these goals into their project planning, rulemaking, and funding determinations going forward.
III. Beginning in calendar year 2026, the commissioner of the department of environmental services shall submit an annual greenhouse gas inventory report, to be made available on or before January 15, to the public, the governor, the senate president, the speaker of the house of representatives, the chairperson of the senate energy and natural resources committee, the chairperson of the house science, technology and energy committee, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board, and the department of energy. The inventory shall:
(a) Be established with calendar year 1990 as the baseline year and use scientifically valid methodologies that are consistent with surrounding state and federal practices.
(b) Separately identify the greenhouse gas contribution of each of the major sectors of the New Hampshire economy.
IV.(a) By July 1, 2026, the department of environmental services shall, after a period of public comment, prepare and adopt a plan for achieving the limits and interim limits established pursuant to paragraph I. This plan shall be reviewed and updated by the department every 5 years.
(b) In developing this plan, the department shall:
(1) Evaluate the best available scientific, technological, and economic information on greenhouse gas emissions.
(2) Consider inclusion of strategies, programs, and compliance mechanisms with measurable goals and targets, including, but not limited to: development of market-based programs; expanding financing and investment tools; modernizing the electrical grid, electric sector regulations and rates; supporting strategic electrification and fuel switching; promoting combined heat and power systems; modifying the renewable energy standard and procurement; expanding least-cost energy procurement (including to unregulated fuels); improving state energy efficiency codes and standards, and compliance therewith; addressing natural gas leaks; promoting alternative fuel and electric vehicles; increasing use and availability of efficient public transport; changing land-use patterns to support transit-oriented development and mixed-use commercial and residential areas; and maintaining and enhancing the carbon storage and sequestration, and related ecosystem services, provided by New Hampshire's agricultural and forested lands, as well as freshwater, coastal, and marine systems.
(3) Consider opportunities to encourage public and private investment toward rural, low-income, low to moderate income, and minority communities in New Hampshire and provide an opportunity for small businesses, schools, affordable housing associations, and other community institutions to participate in and benefit from statewide efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
(4) Recommend how the state could provide retraining and apprenticeship opportunities for those affected by the required changes.
(5) Review the federal funding opportunities available through the new Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program and ensure that the state is taking actions as appropriate to qualify for relevant sources of federal funding, including those associated with the 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act;
(6) Consult with the public utilities commission; the department of transportation; the department of agriculture, markets and food; and the department of energy throughout the plan development process to ensure the greenhouse gas emissions reduction activities to be adopted and implemented by the department are complementary, non-duplicative, and can be implemented in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
(c) The department of environmental services, in conjunction with the public utilities commission; the department of transportation; the department of agriculture, markets and food; and the department of energy, will develop a report regarding the plan, including areas of progress, barriers, and emerging opportunities, in years 2 and 4 following the release of the plan. The commissioner of the department of environmental services shall submit the report, to be made available on or before January 15, to the public; the governor; the senate president; the speaker of the house of representatives; the chairperson of the senate energy and natural resources committee; the chairperson of the house science, technology and energy committee; the house clerk; the senate clerk; the energy efficiency and sustainable energy board; and the department of energy.
V. The department of environmental services may assign work to one or more of their employees or hire new employees to fulfill the requirements of this chapter. The department may engage additional technical, legal, or administrative support as required to fulfill the requirements of this chapter. The department shall make an application to the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program for any costs, including personnel costs and reimbursements to other departments, necessary to fulfill the requirements of this chapter. If necessary, the department may also fund such costs through the use of RGGI funds accepted by the state as of the 4th quarterly auction of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.
2 State Energy Policy. RSA 378:37 is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:
378:37 New Hampshire Energy Policy.
I. The general court declares that it shall be the energy policy of this state to:
(a) Meet the energy needs of the citizens and businesses of the state at the lowest reasonable cost while providing for the reliability and diversity of energy sources;
(b) Maximize the use of all cost-effective energy efficiency and other demand-side resources;
(c) Achieve the greenhouse gas emission goals identified in RSA 125-O:31, II; and
(d) Protect the safety and health of the citizens, the physical environment of the state, and the supply of natural resources for future generations.
II. The energy policy of this state shall be developed with due regard and appreciation for both the short- and long-term financial and fiscal costs imposed by climate change and continued reliance on fossil fuels on the state, its citizens, and businesses. It shall also seek to mitigate the difficulties associated with the transition to a clean energy-based economy for this state’s businesses, commercial entities, and labor force in a manner that does not impede this state from achieving the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals identified in RSA 125-O:31, II.
3 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.