NH Governor Lynch Submits Green Jobs Proposal to the Public Utilities Commission

Urges RGGI Funds Be Used to Create Jobs, Help Families, Businesses, Taxpayers Save on Energy Costs

March 24, 2009 -- CONCORD - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has submitted his Green Jobs Proposal to the Public Utilities Commission, urging that the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund be used to create green jobs and help families, businesses and taxpayers save on energy costs.

Article continues below...

The fund was created through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which New Hampshire joined last year with the support of Gov. Lynch. The Public Utilities Commission issued a request for proposals on the uses of the funds.

In a letter to the PUC, Gov. Lynch urged support for several proposed uses of those funds that will help save taxpayers’ money, train workers in emerging green industries, help businesses compete and homeowners save on energy costs - all goals of the Green Jobs Initiative that Gov. Lynch outlined in his Inaugural Address in January.

“With the implementation of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund, coupled with federal stimulus funds, New Hampshire has a significant opportunity to create green jobs and build a more sustainable energy future. It is critical that we use these funds to ensure ratepayers across New Hampshire have the opportunity to reduce energy use and save on energy bills,” Gov. Lynch wrote.

The Governor urged that 20 percent of RGGI funds be set aside to help families of all incomes weatherize their homes. In his letter to the Public Utilities Commission, Gov. Lynch suggested that the regulated utilities administer the program and use the funds to provide energy efficiency rebates to customers, regardless of the fuel source they use for heating their homes. Utilities already run similar programs, called the CORE program, which is funded through the Systems Benefit Charge.

“Expanded energy efficiency opportunities to households throughout the state is not only fair, but it is critical if we are to succeed at attaining our energy efficiency goals and creating new jobs to provide these services,” Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch also encouraged the Public Utilities Commission to approve several applications that support his Green Jobs Initiative to train workers and help businesses, government and homeowners become more energy efficient.

* The Division of Resources and Economic Development is applying for $1,081,900 over a three-year period to work with the Community College System to expand training of energy efficiency contractors and auditors. The Department of Resources and Economic Development will also expand its existing Business Energy Efficiency Program, to provide energy audits for businesses in the state.
* The Division of Administrative Services is applying for $330,000 to install ozone units and other devices that improve the efficiency of laundry facilities, which will reduce water and energy usage and lower costs and carbon emissions. The installations will serve as a model for business, municipal and federal government to consider installing at their own facilities.
* The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority is filing an application for $2 million to do energy retrofits of affordable housing. NHHFA will match these funds with federal funds and a tax-exempt bond to reach 325 housing units.
* The Business Finance Authority is seeking $1 to $2 million over the next two years to establish a low-interest revolving loan fund to help businesses and nonprofits undertake energy retrofits.
* The New Hampshire Municipal Association is seeking funds to begin a multi-year program to audit municipal buildings and implement energy efficiency improvements in towns and cities across the state. Municipalities are some of the state’s largest energy users. Efficiency work on municipal buildings will create jobs, save energy, reduce carbon emission and will also result in a direct savings to taxpayers.

Source: New Hampshire Governor