Senate Bill 218 sponsored by Jeb Bradley has been signed into law by Governor Lynch. Bradley’s legislation which received bipartisan support is intended to enhance opportunities for existing producers of renewable energy in New Hampshire especially biomass production and small hydroelectric facilities.
Bradley said that the previous law had made it difficult for long term facilities that had been producing electricity to stay in business while helping new facilities go into operation. “I felt it was important to level the playing field so that existing plants were not disadvantaged,” said Bradley.
In the last few years, existing wood plants that produce electricity including one in Tamworth and small hydroelectric facilities throughout the state were barely able to continue to operate. Bradley’s legislation gives them greater opportunities under New Hampshire’s renewable energy law and will in particular protect approximately 500 jobs in the forest products industry. Jobs such as loggers, truckers, wood energy plant workers will have better opportunities as a result of Senate Bill 218.
The Senate bill also has a new opportunity for thermal energy produced from burning wood to be counted in the state’s Renewable Energy Law. Over time this provision should enhance job growth and economic opportunity for the forest product’s industry, property owners and energy related businesses.
Jasen Stock, the Executive Director of the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association (NHTOA) said, “The NHTOA and the state’s entire forestry community appreciate the leadership of Senator Bradley and the work his colleagues did in the Senate to get Senate Bill 218 passed. The changes this bill makes to New Hampshire’s renewable energy law are a good first step to improving our renewable energy law as it promotes the production and use of more home-grown renewable electricity and thermal power from wood, water and wind. And, most importantly Senate Bill 218 helps protect and create the New Hampshire jobs that make this power. The NHTOA and its members thank Senator Bradley for his leadership and support for New Hampshire jobs.”
Heidi Kroll a spokesperson for the Granite State Hydropower Association said “having homegrown renewable energy is vital for a state’s energy diversity and security. Because of Jeb’s legislation, small facilities that have existed for decades have a better opportunity to stay in business. That’s good for energy production, for tax revenue and for jobs. The Association greatly appreciates the time and effort that Senator Bradley and his colleagues spent on this important bill.”
Ed Witt the procurement forester for Madison Lumber in Madison agreed, “We really appreciate Jeb’s hard work on this issue. This legislation is a shot in the arm for jobs in the North Country at a time that hardworking people are struggling.”.