Senator Watters Champions Offshore Wind Legislation
Contact Name: Marina Altschiller
Phone: (603) 271-3375
CONCORD - Today, the Senate unanimously voted Ought to Pass on two pieces of legislation relative to offshore wind development, prime sponsored by Senator David Watters (D-Dover), SB 268 and SB 440. SB 440 directs the Office of Offshore Wind in the Department of Energy to develop criteria for power purchase agreements, for protecting New Hampshire's environmental and fisheries interests, and for promoting New Hampshire employment and economic development related to the offshore wind industry. SB 268 asserts through consistency regulations the authority of the state of New Hampshire to regulate offshore wind development as it affects New Hampshire fisheries, the environment, and economic interests. It ensures any mitigation and other investment in these areas will be directed for use in consultation with New Hampshire interested parties. It also directs the public utilities commission to ensure that certain requirements relative to impact and use studies are met prior to approving power purchase agreements for energy derived from the Gulf of Maine. These bills will next go to the House for a public committee hearing.
After the vote, prime sponsor Senator David Watters (D-Dover) issued the following statement:
“The offshore wind industry represents thousands of new jobs, new infrastructure, a significant boon to New Hampshire’s economy, and a long-lasting form of renewable energy. I am grateful to my colleagues for their bipartisan support of our clean energy future and look forward to bringing these bills before the House.”
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