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Committee backs ban on carbon‑sequestration contracts for state and county lands
Summary
After extensive testimony from county officials, timber stakeholders, conservation groups and private landowners, the committee voted 13–1 in executive session to recommend House Bill 1205, which would prohibit carbon‑sequestration projects on state and county owned lands.
The committee voted to recommend House Bill 1205, which would prohibit state and county owned lands from participating in carbon‑sequestration projects.
Prime sponsor Representative Oulette said public lands were purchased with taxpayer money for traditional uses—timber management, recreation and economic development—and should not be encumbered by long sequestration contracts. "These properties were purchased with taxpayer money for traditional uses," the sponsor said during remarks.
Support came from county leaders, timber industry groups and private landowners who argued public ownership and the public trust warrant exclusion from forest‑carbon encumbrances; witnesses cited concerns that sequestration contracts can last decades and change forest management emphases that affect timber supply and public access. Executive Councilor Joe Kenny and industry representatives emphasized protecting hunting, timber supply and public uses.
Opponents, including the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, urged caution with a blanket prohibition, saying forest carbon markets could be a tool for some landowners to generate revenue to support stewardship; the Forest Society recommended a more targeted approach with safeguards.
In executive session the committee voted 13–1 in favor of "ought to pass." The committee placed the bill on the consent calendar and asked the assigned member to author the committee report.
