Report: wind energy, tax credits needed to combat global warming

Media Contacts
Madeline Page

Environment New Hampshire

Full copy of the report is available for download here:

CONCORD, NH — The carbon pollution equal to that of Merrimack Station—the state’s dirtiest power plant—could be eliminated in New Hampshire if wind power continues its recent growth trajectory, according to a new analysis by Environment New Hampshire. The analysis comes just as Congress considers whether to renew tax credits critical to wind development.

“A steady increase in pollution-free wind energy is a key ingredient to solving the climate crisis,” said Madeline Page, Federal Field Associate for Environment New Hampshire. “As Granite Staters, living in the ‘tailpipe of the nation,’ it’s critical that we see wind power replace the dirty energy sources of the past but Congress must act now to ensure a clean energy future.”

Continued, development of wind energy would allow the renewable resource to supply 30 percent of the nation’s electricity by 2030, providing more than enough carbon reductions to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan.

“In New Hampshire we must heed the benefits and importance of Wind power highlighted in this report,” said Yvonne Nanasi of Moms Clean Air Force. “Embracing and investing in cleaner renewable sources of energy will keep our children and theirs healthier.”

Wind power projects in areas such as Coos and Grafton County already produced enough energy in 2013 to power 35,229 homes. The analysis predicts offshore wind will expand significantly in New Hampshire over the next 15 years, producing enough power for 110,308 homes.

The report, More Wind, Less Warming, comes as a state committee finalizes their recommendations on offshore wind energy in New Hampshire and we welcome a group of legislators who will help craft the state’s energy future. The analysis also comes as federal lawmakers jockey over the fate of wind energy tax credits in the nation’s spending plan, due to be adopted next week. Just last year the New Hampshire House rejected House Bill 580, which would have placed a moratorium on wind projects in the state.

“This report shows that we need wind power to combat climate disruption and reduce pollution,” said Catherine Corkery of the New Hampshire Sierra Club. “Further, polls show people in New Hampshire support lowering carbon and increasing the use of renewable energy. That’s why we should affirm, not block, the Clean Power Plan, and reinstate the tax credits that can spur more wind development here in state.”

“We know that switching to clean and renewable sources of energy will lead to major public health benefits, especially for those who suffer from heart and lung ailments and NH children with asthma,” said Marie Mulroy, President of the NH Public Health Association. “Cleaner power will ensure healthier and longer lives for tens of thousands of New Hampshire residents.”

America has the potential to power itself 10 times over with wind that blows both over land and off the East Coast.  Offshore wind development, which is in its very nascent stages in the U.S., is critical to achieving the 30 percent target, the report said.

“Speeding the development of pollution-free wind energy will slow global warming,” said Page. “Our state and federal leaders should invest boldly in healthy air and a healthy planet rather than putting wind on the brink.”

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