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Committee adopts revised state energy policy language emphasizing market mechanisms, diversity and safety
Summary
The panel approved an amended version of HB 504 that replaces the current statutory recital with clearer policy principles promoting affordable, reliable, diverse and secure energy resources; the amendment was adopted 10–8 and the committee recommended Ought to Pass as amended.
The Science, Technology and Energy Committee adopted an amendment to HB 504 that replaces the statute’s existing energy‑policy recital with a shorter, principles‑based statement that emphasizes market mechanisms, technology diversity and public health and safety.
Nut graf: Committee chair offered a substitute that adds the words "diverse" and "market‑based mechanisms," inserts an explicit reference to the state’s renewable portfolio statute (RSA 374‑F), and adds "public health and safety" as an enumerated state interest. Supporters said the rewrite makes New Hampshire’s stated energy objectives more precise for agencies and rulemaking; opponents said the existing statute (RSA 378:37) was broader and more inclusive of intermittent and demand‑side resources.
After debate, the amendment (0215‑H) passed on a roll call, 10‑8. The committee then adopted a recommendation of "Ought to Pass as Amended" on HB 504 by the same margin.
Ending: The committee’s truncated, principle‑based language will appear in its majority report. Opponents filed a minority view opposing the narrower language; both reports are due to committee staff by 7 a.m. the following day.
