New Hampshire Businesses Call for Strong Clean Energy Policies to Help the State Thrive
Leaders in the New Hampshire business community release a series of principles highlighting the economic benefits of clean energy and their support for policy action
January 2, 2018 /3BL Media/ - As the legislature gears up for the 2018 session, over 50 New Hampshire businesses united in calling for the Legislature to support economic growth and business development through advancing clean energy policies. Dartmouth Hitchcock, Hannaford Supermarkets, Hypertherm, Velcro Companies, Timberland and Worthen Industries are among the businesses that signed on to a series of “Clean Energy Principles.”
It is widely reported that New Hampshire has some of the highest energy rates in the country. Many businesses have found that investing in clean energy allows them to better control their energy costs and thrive. Stable state programs that are consistent and adequately funded will help more businesses make these investments, which provide significant long-term cost savings.
In a letter delivered to lawmakers along with the Principles on January 2nd, the businesses highlighted the importance of strong clean energy policy as a way to improve the competitiveness of New Hampshire’s economy, as well as the state’s prosperity, health and security.
“Clean energy is good for businesses and New Hampshire’s economy, and it is the right thing to do for our planet. Renewable energy helps businesses like ours compete with other states who have lower energy costs,” said David Greer, CEO of Wire Belt Company of America. “We plan to almost double the size of our rooftop solar system because it helps cut our energy costs and gives us more predictability.”
“Forward-thinking policies to reduce carbon emissions help provide certainty for companies,” said Colleen Vien, Sustainability Director at Timberland. “Access to renewable energy empowers businesses to make decisions and investments that benefit the environment, the economy and our bottom line.”
Energy efficiency is a proven way for businesses to reduce energy use and save money. New Hampshire currently ranks last among the New England states in energy efficiency investment, and lawmakers have an opportunity to do more to help decrease demands on the energy grid — helping to reduce overall energy costs for all consumers.
The businesses that signed on to the Principles have set a high standard for clean energy leadership and urge lawmakers to do the same by defending New Hampshire’s clean energy future and opposing efforts to send the state backward.
“Through this statement, businesses are encouraging lawmakers to adopt policies that position New Hampshire to be competitive and innovative,” said Michelle Veasey, Executive Director of New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, and an organizer of the statement. “Lawmakers have an opportunity to follow the lead of the private sector and put the state on a sustainable path towards a thriving economic future.”
“Investing in clean energy is good for business, and we applaud businesses for elevating their voices in support of strong clean energy policy,” said Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Manager for State Policy at Ceres, another organizer of the statement.
About New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility
New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility is a non-profit business organization convening, inspiring and supporting their network to advance environmental, workplace and community engagement initiatives in New Hampshire. For more information, visit www.nhbsr.org and follow @NHBSR.
About Ceres
Ceres is a sustainability non-profit organization working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. For more information, visit www.ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.
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