New Hampshire Groups Hold News Conference In Support of New Carbon Pollution Standard and Applaud President

Environment New Hampshire

CONTACT: Steven Dzubak, 717-676-5120, [email protected]

Concord, NH – Today, a coalition of New Hampshire groups, businesses and elected officials supporting federal clean air and climate change safeguards held a news conference, to highlight the support of Granite Staters for the historic Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) carbon pollution standard for power plants announced by President Obama this week.

The President’s decision to take action to cut carbon pollution from existing power plants will significantly address, for the first time ever, the largest unlimited source of carbon pollution, namely carbon pollution from power plants. Power plants contribute 40 percent of the U.S. industrial carbon pollution. In addition, the President’s plan calls for an expansion of renewable energy sources like wind and solar and investment in energy efficiency to further cut carbon pollution.

Jonathan Gregory, a business owner of SunRay Solar in Concord, NH said, “The President’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and increase renewable energy demonstrates the leadership we need to compete in the new global economy. This is a win-win situation for all — investing in the clean energy economy while protecting the health and environment of New Hampshire for generations to come.”

Heather Fournier of Revision Energy in Exeter, NH affirmed that people and businesses alike in New Hampshire want more clean energy choices that will lower their impact on the environment and their energy bills. The Exeter business has expanded services to Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts over ten years. Prioritizing carbon cutting could mean more business and creating more jobs.

Jonathan Mitchell, Training Director IBEW Local Union 490 JATC, said, “These efforts — along with measures to help ensure the smooth transition of workers and communities — will help create jobs all across America while also protecting our communities and stimulating investment in clean technologies and products made here in the United States.

At our Concord training facility we have trained hundreds of electricians. Training consists of AC DC theory, electronics, motor controls and fire alarm to name a few. Not only do we train on the mechanics of the trades, we cover photovoltaic systems (solar panel installation), building automation and lighting design which fall right in line with the President’s plan.

This type of work isn’t new to us as we’ve been doing it for decades. We have the apprentices and journeyman more than qualified for the work the President outlined in his plan. We are ready, willing and able to handle any job in New Hampshire.”

Catherine Corkery Chapter Director of New Hampshire Sierra Club said, “We applaud President Obama for laying out a broad and common-sense plan for meeting our obligation to protect future generations from climate change.” She continued, “Americans are feeling the impacts of climate change already, right here in New Hampshire in fact, from destructive storms to rising sea levels.”

In thanking the President, Environment New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Sierra Club say this action goes a long way towards fulfilling the “obligation to future generations” that the President outlined in his Inauguration and State of the Union before this week’s climate announcement.

Steve Dzubak, Field Organizer with Environment New Hampshire, said “On Tuesday, President Obama responded to the millions of Americans who have spoken out on behalf of their communities and their families, urging him to lead on climate. All of us who have felt the effects of global warming, or simply worried about what’s in store for future generations, can take comfort in knowing that President Obama has put the nation on a path toward a cleaner, healthier and safer future.”

Tom Irwin, VP and director of Conservation Law Foundation’s New Hampshire office, said “We are pleased to see the Obama administration taking action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions – pollution that will have dire consequences for our children and grandchildren if not addressed.” He continued, “It’s been more than five years since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that carbon dioxide emissions are harmful pollutants that endanger the public health and the environment, and that are subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act. We welcome the administration’s commitment to finally implement requirements under the Clean Air Act and reduce carbon emissions from power plants, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. These are much needed actions that are long overdue.”

Contact: Steven Dzubak, 717-676-5120, [email protected]
Cathy Corkery, 603 – 491-1929, [email protected]
Link to President’s Plan: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/president27sclimatea…
Text of Speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/06/25/remarks-president-…
National Fact Sheet from White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/climate-action-plan
NH Fact Sheet from White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/state-reports/climate…

Link to 2012 RGGI Legislative Report: http://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable%20Energy/GHGERF/RGGI%20Annual%20Report…

New Hampshire Impacts
• In 2012, New Hampshire experienced a total of 17 broken heat records, 12 broken snow records, and 11 broken precipitation records.
• Each county in New Hampshire has ragweed pollution, and Hillsborough County suffers from both unhealthy smog levels and ragweed.
• By late century, Concord and Manchester could experience about 70 days over 90°F and more than 20 days over 100°F.
• About 70% of the state’s counties now face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century as the result of climate change.
• By late century, New Hampshire is expected to see a 20-30% increase in precipitation.
• New Hampshire has declared disaster 16 times since 2000 due to severe storms and flooding.
• Sewer overflows are a health risk for 6 communities, including Manchester and Portsmouth.