CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the House for strongly supporting legislation aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy in New Hampshire. The Governor has set a goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.

"Reaching that goal will give our state more energy choices, bolster our economy and make our air and water cleaner. It 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 said. "I thank the House for passing legislation today that moves us toward the goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025."

Gov. Lynch said the passage of HB 873, creating a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for New Hampshire, is an important, strategic and timely step toward reaching the goal of 25 percent renewable energy by 2025.

"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. Steady demand for wood chips will help to support our logging communities, and greater fuel diversity will strengthen our energy independence.

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

The legislation is sponsored by Reps. Suzanne Harvey, Jay Phinizy, David Borden, James Garrity, and Sens. Martha Fuller Clark and Peter Bragdon.