NH energy committee hears competing views on offshore wind bills; fishermen, conservationists and state staff spar

Representative Michael Harrington urged the Science, Technology and Energy Committee to scale back state involvement in offshore wind on the grounds that the industry currently relies on government mandates and subsidies rather than private investment. “If people aren't willing to invest their own money in an idea, it's probably not a very good idea,” Harrington told the panel while introducing House Bill 682, which would remove offshore-wind duties from a state office and reorganize related advisory panels.

The hearing drew sharply divided testimony from commercial fishermen, conservation and industry groups, and state energy staff. Fishermen and coastal-town officials said the projects risked their livelihoods and the marine ecosystem, while conservation groups and renewable-energy advocates urged the state not to withdraw from regional planning.

Why it matters: The bills before the committee would change how New Hampshire participates in regional…