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| 2007 News Archives |
Small NH city takes on global warming challenge
Boston Globe December 16, 2007
KEENE, NH - Who hasn’t done what Lea Carpenter did one frigid afternoon earlier this month? She pulled her white SUV in front of Keene High School to pick up her 10th-grade son. While waiting, she kept the vehicle running - just feet from a sign urging drivers not to idle outside the school, part of the city's seven-year effort to reduce global warming pollution. more … |
Promoting energy savings in Gilford
Citizen.com Article Date: Thursday, December 13, 2007
Only a month old and three meetings in, the Gilford Energy Committee already has proposals to benefit the taxpayers. Taking a three-pronged approach to aid homeowners, business owners, and the municipality, the committee will be pursuing a warrant article for 2008 that would encourage energy conservation on an individual level. more … |
Governor Lynch Announces Members of Climate Change Task Force
Names DES Commissioner Burack as Chairman
CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today announced members of a new Climate Change Task Force, including business leaders, environmental leaders, state officials, legislators and community representatives, and charged them with developing a Climate Change Action Plan for the State of New Hampshire. Gov. Lynch established the Task Force through Executive Order. more … |
OEP Welcomes New Addition to Staff
December 10, 2007
The Office of Energy and Planning is pleased to welcome Dari Sassan as a new assistant planner. more … |
New law powers wind generation opportunities
By Gregory H. Smith and Jarrett B. Duncan, Friday, November 9, 2007 NHBR.com
Governor Lynch recently signed into law House Bill 873, establishing the New Hampshire renewable portfolio standards, which requires all power providers to increase their use of energy from renewable sources, such as wind generation facilities. more … |
No meters here - New Hampshire residents build their homes off the grid
By KATE DAVIDSON Concord Monitor November 18, 2007
Jay Flanders meets all the new meter readers. They always make trips up his long, winding driveway their first time through the neighborhood. And Flanders never tires of chasing them away. "They walk around the house going, ‘Where’s the meter?’ " he said. more … |
Plan NH Charrette applications for February 2008
Every year Plan NH offers design services to local communities and non-profit organizations. Typically, a team of a dozen or so Plan NH members visit a community for a Friday and Saturday and work with municipal leaders and citizens to develop options and design suggestions for a project of local interest. Got a project that comes to mind? Plan NH is currently seeking three communities or regions to work with in 2008. Proposals are due by February 26, 2008. more … |
Take small steps for a better energy future
(published 10/26/07 NHBR.com)
It wasn’t long ago that energy was something most people took for granted. Gas was plentiful and cheap, renewable energy was something only “tree huggers” talked about and global warming was an exotic theory. How times have changed. more … |
Big Box Evaluator
Announcing Release of the Big Box Evaluator Website and Tool - The tool that helps you learn about the impacts of big box retail stores
October 10, 2007 For Immediate Release
Middlebury, VT -- The Orton Family Foundation enthusiastically announced its release of the Big Box Evaluator tool, designed to help communities and individuals learn about the impacts of big box retail stores. The unbiased tool is designed not to take a stand on big box development, but to help citizens make informed decisions based on each community’s specific characteristics and values. more … |
DOT aims to bump up the number of kids walking to school
(Published: Thursday, July 26, 2007 Nashua Telegraph)
A bright red crosswalk stretches across Ledge Street in Nashua, raised slightly above the road to serve a dual purpose as a “speed hump.” Not only does it create a path across the street, but it also slows down traffic.
more … |
Portsmouth library wins LEED certification
(published 9/14/07 NHBR.com)
The new Portsmouth Public Library has become the first municipal building in New Hampshire to receive LEED certification, according to City Manager John Bohenko. The new $8 million library, which was formally dedicated in January, also is the first new library construction project and one of the first public buildings of any type in New England to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, Bohenko said. more … |
Renewable Energy Rebates
Thinking about a solar hot water system for your home? The NH Electric Cooperative has rebate money - up to $1500 - available for you! more …  |
| Governor Signs Housing and Conservation Planning Program into Law. more … |
Epping ‘green’ ordinance spurring business growth
(Published Friday, September 7, 2007 UnionLeader.com)
It’s been nearly six months since voters approved making energy efficiency mandatory for new non-residential developments. Businesses are also giving the idea a vote of confidence. more … |
Federal judge rules on I-93 widening project
On August 30, 2007, a federal judge ruled that before they can move ahead with the project, state and federal highway officials must do more work to study the population growth that would be spurred by the widening itself. more … |
University of New Hampshire to Power Campus with Landfill Gas
(from Renewable Energy Weekly, August 20, 2007)
The University of New Hampshire, in cooperation with Waste Management of New Hampshire, Inc., has launched EcoLine, a landfill gas project that will pipe enriched and purified gas from Waste Management’s landfill in Rochester to the Durham campus. UNH is the first university in the nation to undertake a project of this magnitude. more … |
Part 2: A Glimpse of the Energy Future
(from Renewable Energy Weekly, August 16, 2007)
by Larisa Brass
Just 50 miles west of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) off Interstate 40 near Crossville, Tenn., 6,000 acres of woodland are about to be transformed into the kind of community that Jeff Christian once only dreamed of. Developers based in Overland Park, Kansas, have reached an agreement with ORNL for collaboration on Walden Reserve, a "green" residential development that would feature technologies tested and developed by ORNL’s Buildings Technology Center. more … |
Part 1: A Glimpse of the Energy Future
(from Renewable Energy Weekly, August 15, 2007)
Buildings offer the greatest opportunity for energy conservation.
by Larisa Brass
The cul-de-sac of 40 small houses is everything you might expect in American suburbia. Minivans sit parked in perfectly proportioned driveways. Clumps of kids ride bikes around the neighborhood. Dogs bark behind backyard fences. A nearby four-lane drones in the background. What is not so obvious is that this tiny community offers a peephole to the future -- a future in which homes will generate and conserve as much energy as they require. more … |
Downtown revival
(Published: August 7, 2007 Concord Monitor Online)
Before Hillsborough Pride can revitalize downtown Hillsboro, it must first re-energize itself. And the organization’s volunteers and local business owners say they hope Executive Director Sandra Rubchinuk will be the one to do that. more … |
Governor Lynch Ceremonially Signs Law Supporting Development Of Commuter Rail in New Hampshire
(July 27, 2007)
NASHUA - Gov. John Lynch today at Nashua City Hall signed a law creating the New Hampshire Rail Authority, which will oversee development and operation of commuter rail in New Hampshire.
more … |
Renewable energy bill goes into effect
(Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2007 NHBR.com)
The state’s new renewable portfolio bill went into effect July 10, but utilities won’t be required to buy alternative energy for some time to come. more … |
New Peterborough neighborhood takes environment seriously
(Published: Friday, Jul. 20, 2007 NHBR.com)
A town of 6,100 people, Peterborough boasts the first public library in the country, the oldest operating summer theater and the renowned MacDowell Colony. Now the town is preparing to adopt one more title – it will become home to the Nubanusit Neighborhood and Farm, the state’s first condominium cohousing community. more … |
Will wind power be a breeze in Coos County?
(Published: Thursday, Jul. 26, 2007 UnionLeader.com)
A Connecticut company testing for wind power potential and impacts on the 24,000-acre Phillips Brook property in Coos County said it is looking at developing a 100-megawatt windpark by 2009. The 33 to 67 turbines -- each about 400 feet high -- would be spaced just over 1,000 feet apart. more … |
Re-envisioning the Mill Plaza
The New Hampshire Chapter of the American Institutes for Architects are working to create a "New Hampshire Model Community." more … |
| UVLSRPC Welcomes New Executive Director
The Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission is pleased to announce Christine Walker as its new Executive Director. more …
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Electric Co-op has plans to use renewable energy
[UnionLeader.com]
PLYMOUTH – New Hampshire Electric Co-op’s 80,000 members swallowed a 19 percent rate hike in 2006 and a $20-a-month charge per meter as well, but the next bite at the apple will be a bit more green, they were assured. more … |
NH Senate Passes Update to State’s Net Metering Law
[RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
The New Hampshire Senate passed a revision to the state’s net metering laws on Thursday that will raise the size of eligible renewable energy systems to 100-kilowatts (kW). The bill now moves to the Public Utilities Commission for review before ending up on the governor’s desk. more … |
Majority of Americans Favor Solar on New Homes
[RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
According to a recent Roper survey commissioned by Sharp Electronics Corporation, nearly 90 percent of Americans think that solar electricity should be an option for all new home construction, up significantly from one year ago (79 percent). Three-quarters of survey respondents perceive solar power to be more important than ever, evidence that Americans recognize the value of solar as a clean, renewable form of energy. more … |
Keene Plans For Climate Change
Keene has already pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20-percent by the year 2015. And now city planners are taking action to prepare for the effects of global warming. more … |
Nashua Commits To Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This spring, more than 100 cities and towns across the state voted in favor of a resolution that calls for a national program to reduce greenhouse gases. Keene, Nashua, and more recently Portsmouth and Epping have taken a more active role -- by signing onto the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. The goal is not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but plan for climate change. more … |
Dover City Council Appoints Energy Advisory Committee
Dover Mayor Scott Myers and the Dover City Council have appointed four Dover residents to the City’s newly formed Energy Advisory Committee. The committee has been charged with researching and recommending energy alternatives that have a positive impact on the City’s energy costs and climate-related issues. more … |
Gov. Lynch Urges President, Congress To Take Action To Address Skyrocketing Gas Prices
CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today sent a letter to President Bush and Congressional leaders urging them to take action to investigate and address skyrocketing gasoline prices.
"These price hikes are hurting New Hampshire families, who are struggling to stretch their budgets further and further, and hurting the ability of our businesses to grow and succeed. I fear that my state’s economy, as well as the national economy, will suffer because of ever increasing fuel costs," Gov. Lynch wrote. more … |
Governor Signs The Renewable Energy Act
CONCORD - Gov. Lynch today signed the Renewable Energy Act, which will help increase New Hampshire’s energy independence, build a stronger economy and protect the environment by helping to stem global warming.
"With this law, New Hampshire is poised to help lead the nation toward a cleaner, more independent energy future. 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," Gov. Lynch said. more … |
DOE Offers $200 Million for Small-Scale Cellulosic Biorefineries
DOE announced on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, that it will provide up to $200 million over five years to support the development of small-scale cellulosic biorefineries in the United States. more … |
NH Senate Unanimously Passes a Renewable Portfolio Standard
The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law
by Stephen Lacey, Staff Writer Peterborough, New Hampshire [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
After years of hard work from advocacy groups, utilities and legislators, New Hampshire finally passed a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) Thursday, which will require state utilities to generate 25 percent of electricity from renewable resources by 2025. more … |
PLANERGY: The NH Planning and Energy News Source
The NH Office of Energy and Planning (OEP) is proud to announce the launch of its new quarterly newsletter; PLANERGY: The NH Planning and Energy News Source. The goal of this newsletter is to provide you with up-to-date information on key developments and significant policy initiatives, updates on OEP’s programs and activities, and to promote greater interaction between the planning and energy communities. more … |
RPS Passes New Hampshire House by Wide Margin
by Stephen Lacey, Staff Writer Concord, New Hampshire [RenewableEnergyAccess.com]
A renewable portfolio standard (RPS) was one of many pieces of historic legislation passed by the New Hampshire House of Representatives yesterday, approved by an overwhelming margin of 253-37. more … |
Gov. Lynch Announces New Hampshire Once Again Named Most Livable State
CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that for the fourth straight year New Hampshire has been named the "Most Livable State" in the nation.
In its annual report, Morgan Quinto Press listed New Hampshire as No. 1 in its most livable state rankings by taking into account a broad range of economic, educational, health-oriented, public safety and environmental statistics. more … |
Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques Guide
To address the need for guidance and technical assistance on Innovative Land Use Controls authorized by RSA 674:21, the New Hampshire Regional Environmental Planning Program (REPP) is producing a guide with model ordinances and regulations on a number of innovative land use techniques. more … |
USDA Offers Clean Energy Grants and Loan Guarantees
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering $176.5 million in loan guarantees and $11.4 million in grants to support investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements by agricultural producers and small businesses. Loan guarantees cover up to 50 percent of a project’s cost and will not exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project’s cost, with a limit of $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. Grant applications must by postmarked no later than May 18th, while the deadline for loan applications or grant and loan combinations is July 2nd. See the USDA press release, and for the complete details, see the announcement from the March 22nd edition of the Federal Register. |
Governor Recognizes State Agencies for Energy Reductions
CONCORD - Gov. Lynch has awarded the first Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards to two state agencies and one state representative.
Awards were presented to the Department of Transportation Bureau of Turnpikes, the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium, and State Rep. Suzanne Harvey of Nashua by the Governor’s Office and state Energy Manager during the annual meeting for state agency Energy Coordinators and Teams. more … |
APPLY NOW FOR USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ENERGY FUNDING!
USDA Rural Development invites grant, guaranteed loan, and combined guaranteed loan and grant applications for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and consumption. All projects must be for a pre-commercial or commercially available technology. more … |
Community Energy Challenge: Promoting Energy Efficiency and Renewables In New England Cities and Towns
The Community Energy Challenge is an opportunity for municipalities across New England to identify simple and cost-effective measures that increase energy efficiency and renewable energy use while reducing air pollution and saving money.
EPA is challenging all New England communities to save money and reduce air pollution by assessing their energy use, taking action to improve energy efficiency, and seeking out renewable energy choices. EPA will provide technical assistance to every community that chooses to Take the Challenge!  more … |
George & Phillips Sponsors Sneaker Recycling
News
For immediate release
March 22, 2007
(Exeter, NH) – Get your dirty, old sneakers back in the game. Bring them to sporting goods retailer George & Phillips at 173 Water Street, Downtown Exeter, where they’re sponsoring an athletic shoe recycling drive. The shoes will be donated to the Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program where they get ground up and are used to make brand new athletic surfaces like soccer fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, and running tracks. The drive ends on April 18, in recognition of Earth Day. more … |
With spring comes rising gasoline prices
By HATTIE BERNSTEIN, Telegraph Staff
hbernstein@nashuatelegraph.com
nahuatelegraph.com
Published: Friday, Mar. 16, 2007
Audrey Randall shops around for the lowest priced gasoline. But Thursday, while filling up at a local self-serve station, the Nashua resident admitted she has resigned herself to the inevitable.
"It’s part of life, like paying taxes," Randall said of rising gasoline prices, the result, according to experts, of seasonal increases, refinery practices, weather and world events. more … |
"Flood Lines" - New Hampshire’s NFIP newsletter
Welcome to New Hampshire’s first newsletter regarding the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Office of Energy and Planning’s (OEP) Floodplain Management Program staff developed this quarterly newsletter to help keep communities and other interested parties informed about the NFIP and NFIP-related issues and events in New Hampshire. We hope you find the newsletter informative and helpful. Regular features will include updates on the NFIP, mapping, insurance, and mitigation; a discussion of an NFIP-related topic; a list of upcoming events and trainings; and the recognition of a community for a regulation or project that goes above and beyond the minimum NFIP requirements. more … |
 6° of Energy Efficiency Challenge
Why should any of us care about energy use? We have so many other things on our minds, so many other priorities. But we should care, because the amount of energy we use touches many of the priorities we do care about:
- The energy prices we pay at the pump and in our homes.
- Our home comfort—or discomfort if we don’t do it right.
- The air we breathe and our respiratory health.
- Our economic well-being.
- Our energy security and safety.
- The world we leave behind.
What we do, wherever we are, affects the environment across the globe, and what othes do a world away affects us. But we have the power in our hands to make a measurable difference — as individuals and collectively. Try your hand at six quick energy questions and in taking the 6° of Energy Efficiency Challenge that offers benefits for you, your family, and the planet — and offers discounts on energy-efficient products! more … |
2007 Capital Improvements Program Handbook
January 2007
The Captial Improvements Program handbook, originally produced by the Southern NH Planning Commission in 1994 and updated in 2002 by OEP, has been rewritten and is now included as Chapter 6 of The Planning Board in New Hampshire - A Handbook for Local Officials. The CIP handbook has been updated with new information, tables and forms. more … |
New Population Projections to the Year 2030
Press Release
January 2, 2007
The New Hampshire Office of Energy and Planning has just released new population projections to the year 2030 for the State and its counties. If the projections’ assumptions prove accurate, about 250,000 people will be added by that year, for a total state population of 1,564,000. more … |
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