CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today urged the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee to support the creation of a Renewable Portfolio Standard as a way to meet his goal of ensuring that 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.

In a letter to committee members, Gov. Lynch asked for their support on HB 873, which will establish a Renewable Portfolio Standard in New Hampshire and bring the state closer to the Governor's goal.

"Reaching that goal will give our state more energy choices; will make our air and water cleaner; and will help create jobs right here in New Hampshire - by expanding uses for our wood products, in building clean power plants, and in research and development," Gov. Lynch wrote. "New Hampshire must put in place an energy policy for the long term that will support sustainable, reliable and clean energy supplies that provide a hedge against the volatility of current and future energy markets."

The Governor called a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) an important strategic and timely step toward reaching the goal of 25 percent by 2025.

"Steady demand for wood chips will help to support our logging communities. And greater fuel diversity will strengthen our energy independence," Gov. Lynch wrote. "A New Hampshire RPS will encourage investment in energy production in New Hampshire that will deliver economic and environmental benefits to the state and the region.

"If we want to secure a more stable, cleaner electricity supply for future generations, the time to act is now," Gov. Lynch wrote.