CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today applauded the state's Senate unanimous vote in favor of Renewable Energy Act, a bill aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy in New Hampshire. Gov. Lynch has set a goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.

"Increasing renewable energy 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. "The strong bipartisan support of The Renewable Energy Act moves us one step closer toward the goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025."

The Senate passed the bill 24-0. The House has already passed it by a vote of 253-37.

"The Renewable Energy Act 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," Gov. Lynch said. "If we want to secure a more stable, cleaner electricity supply for future generations, the time to act is now. I look forward to signing this legislation."