Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (01/14/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:06:17.440 - 9:01:38 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
HB1723 03:06:34.399 - 12:01:55 PM	Public Hearing	requiring utilities and electric grid operators to assess and report the vulnerability of high-voltage transformers to geomagnetic and electromagnetic disturbances, and to recommend mitigation measures to protect the state electric infrastructure.	Mattson, Rita(R)[B+]2025
HR35 04:34:42.719 - 1:30:03 PM	Public Hearing	urging the prohibition of the intentional release of polluting emissions, including cloud seeding and weather modification, to preserve the atmosphere of New Hampshire.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1128 05:06:51.920 - 2:02:12 PM	Public Hearing	restricting the use of weather modification technologies to declared emergencies.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1618 06:07:02.240 - 3:02:23 PM	Public Hearing	prohibiting solar radiation modification, weather modification, and other polluting atmospheric interventions.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1618 06:24:02.400 - 3:19:23 PM	Executive Session	prohibiting solar radiation modification, weather modification, and other polluting atmospheric interventions.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025

Unclear: Chairman Vos Information Only00:06:17.440 - 9:01:38 AM; Chairman Vos welcomes the committee to the Science, Technology, and Energy meeting on January 14, 2026, introduces the presentation from the Department of Environmental Services (DES), reminds members of afternoon bill hearings including HB 1723, HB 1128, HB 1618 FN, and HR 35, and leads the pledge of allegiance.
Unclear: Adam Crapo, Assistant Commissioner, DES Information Only00:07:24.800 - 9:02:45 AM; Adam Crapo introduces himself and team members Craig Wright (Air Division Director), Mike Fitzgerald (Assistant Air Division Director), and Kathy Beam (SIP Administrator). He provides an overview of DES's organizational structure, including the Commissioner's Office, Waste Management Division (handling solid waste, storage tanks, brownfields, hazardous waste, MTBE, and drinking water trust fund), Water Division (dams, land resources, drinking water, wastewater, and state-owned treatment plant), and Air Division (smokestack industries, clean energy, air toxics). He discusses the RGGI program, explaining its cap-and-trade mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from power generators, revenue distribution (first dollar to energy efficiency, rest to ratepayer rebates), the need for HB 1173 to implement the 2025 program review for continued participation, risks of non-participation (lost rebates, higher rates), commitment to caps until 2030, and auction prices (around $26-27 per allowance, $64 million rebated in 2024).
Unclear: Craig Wright, Air Division Director, DES Information Only00:15:09.519 - 9:10:30 AM; Craig Wright elaborates on RGGI mechanics: cooperative of 10 northeastern states, market-driven allowance prices via auctions and secondary markets, state-specific spending (NH rebates 95% to ratepayers), 2025 program review updates needed for HB 1173, emission caps declining to 2030 with flatline post-2030, cost containment reserve (CCR) increases for consumer protection (from 8M to 11.75M allowances, adding a second tier), NH's allocation (4.5% regionally, 15% in ISO-NE, based on historical emissions), proceeds trends (rising prices due to market speculation and supply reduction), and elimination of banking adjustments to simplify caps and increase allowances sold. He addresses questions on allocation disparities, price rises, rebate percentages, CCR function as price control, and program goals toward zero emissions without specified date.
Unclear: Mike Fitzgerald, Assistant Air Division Director, DES Information Only00:55:42.960 - 9:51:03 AM; Mike Fitzgerald contributes to RGGI discussion, clarifies statute on fund use (first dollar to efficiency, rest rebated minus admin costs), provides total RGGI proceeds since inception ($431 million), notes other states' investments in efficiency over rebates, and discusses climate action planning: received $5M in federal grants, hired staff, developed PCAP with measures, applied for IRA grants (received $450M regional heat pump accelerator for rebates and low-income pilots, NH share ~$40M plus admin funds), and ongoing program design with public input.
Unclear: Kathy Beam, SIP Administrator, DES Information Only01:27:21.920 - 10:22:42 AM; Kathy Beam supports updates on state implementation plan (SIP) amendments for removing motor vehicle OBD program per HB 2, public hearing held in November, submission to EPA on Dec 24, 2025, and ongoing litigation with vendor Gordon Derby; provides brief on HB 2 progress toward terminating emissions testing by Jan 31, 2026, including 176A petition to exit ozone transport region.
HB1723: Rita Matson, Representative Support03:06:34.399 - 12:01:55 PM; Representative Matson introduced the bill, noting that it requires power companies to survey their extra high voltage transformers to identify vulnerabilities and those with the longest lead times for replacement purposes. She introduced the co-sponsor, Tommy Waller from the Center for Security Policy, to provide detailed explanation.
HB1723: Tommy Waller, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), Center for Security Policy Support03:07:48.720 - 12:03:09 PM; Waller explained the bill's purpose to address geomagnetic induced currents (GIC) from solar flares or high-altitude nuclear EMPs that threaten high-voltage transformers in the electric grid. He detailed the coalition's work on securing the grid against multiple threats, emphasizing that the bill mandates utilities to assess vulnerabilities using realistic threat models (85 volts per kilometer) rather than the lower NERC standard, which allows compliance without hardware installation. He highlighted annual economic losses of $10 billion from solar weather, long lead times for transformer replacement (4-6 years), and the availability of proven, affordable mitigation technology. Waller noted that federal action has been lacking, urging states to lead, and offered to answer questions on threats, solutions, and policy. He stressed the bill's focus on confidential information handling under critical energy infrastructure protocols.
HB1723: Tommy Waller, Lieutenant Colonel (retired), Center for Security Policy Support03:15:47.760 - 12:11:08 PM; Tommy Waller continues his testimony, addressing concerns about confidentiality of information shared by utilities. He expresses confidence in the utility industry's protocols for protecting critical infrastructure information, citing their history of working with government without public disclosure. He offers examples but defers unless requested. Waller then explains the 'Solid Ground' technology, developed over 18 years and tested by federal agencies like DTRA, Idaho National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, and EPRI. It has been deployed successfully in three US locations (ATC, WAPA, TVA) and blocks GIC from solar storms, even activating in southern latitudes unexpectedly. He notes China's deployment and US export to allies, emphasizing its reusability, low maintenance, simple installation, and nationwide deployment potential to save $10 billion annually at a $3-4 billion one-time cost. Waller addresses questions on its rating (designed for worst-case like Miyake events beyond 85 V/km), bill's regulatory burden (minimal, using existing NERC processes), enforcement (suggests adding), cost recovery (bill asks utilities for recommendations), federal overlap (state can expedite without conflict), national pushback (none encountered, but federal processes are slow), simplicity of assessment (plug in real numbers plus factor in transformer age/design at low cost), technical numbers (explains 85 V/km vs. NERC's lower scaling, for realistic threats), and recipients (to DOE, PUC, Governor, etc., with CII protections). He highlights NCSL resolution from NH inspiring the bill and urges action as first-in-nation effort.
HB1723: Alec Omera, Director of External Affairs, Unitil Information Only03:41:15.680 - 12:36:36 PM; Alec Omera from Unitil provides informational testimony on HB 1723, noting that Unitil has few devices affected by the bill's language focused on high-voltage transmission equipment. He discusses his early career exposure to solar flare risks and current mitigation procedures, emphasizing that the standard response is to de-energize the system upon detecting geomagnetic disturbances, as directed by ISO New England. He questions the bill's prohibition on relying solely on operational procedures like load shedding, highlighting the balance between reliability, affordability, and potential costs of physical protections. Omera references the Carrington event and notes the bill's thresholds exceed historical events, suggesting evaluation of existing mitigations. He defers to larger utilities like Eversource on implementation scale and confirms Unitil would likely need consultants for assessments.
HB1723: Michael Lacata, Director of Government and Community Relations, Eversource (with Brian Dicki and Dave Clutier) Information Only03:50:30.319 - 12:45:51 PM; Michael Lacata, joined by Brian Dicki and Dave Clutier from Eversource, appreciates the bill's focus on grid vulnerabilities to geomagnetic and electromagnetic events. They outline compliance with NERC standards, including five-year transmission studies limited to 200 kV and above with specific winding configurations, but express concerns that the bill extends to distribution systems (100 kV+), requiring new data modeling which could take significant time and effort beyond the 180-day reporting deadline. They question the 20,000 nanotesla threshold versus NERC's lower standard, the broad distribution of detailed transformer information to public entities, and the exclusion of load shedding as a mitigation strategy. Eversource highlights jurisdictional issues with FERC for cost recovery on transmission upgrades and offers to collaborate on refining the language, emphasizing existing processes through ISO New England and NERC for assessments and protections.
HB1723: Representative Kelly Patenza, Strafford District 19 Support04:20:31.439 - 1:15:52 PM; Representative Kelly Patenza introduces House Resolution 35, urging prohibition of intentional release of polluting emissions including cloud seeding, weather modification, stratospheric aerosol injection, and solar radiation modification to protect New Hampshire's atmosphere, public health, agriculture, wildlife, aviation safety, and environment. She emphasizes the state's sovereign interest under the 10th Amendment, clarifying the resolution states the House's policy position without direct regulation, directing the Department of Environmental Services to notify federal entities and create a public webpage for transparency. Patenza stresses it targets deliberate atmospheric interventions, not incidental emissions, and seeks committee recommendation for ought to pass.
HB1723: Representative Mary Murphy, Francestown Support04:26:56.800 - 1:22:17 PM; Representative Mary Murphy testifies in support of HR35, sharing her experience relocating to Francestown in 2012 to establish a certified organic elderberry farm on 117 acres of conserved waterfront land. She details the significant investment—nearly a million dollars—in remediating forested terrain with boulders, importing organic topsoil, and planting fields for medicinal elderberry production, which requires purity to maintain certification. Murphy notes the property's status as tier-one critical habitat and her intent to conserve it for the community. She argues that uncontrolled atmospheric pollution from geoengineering threatens their efforts to preserve land purity, potentially jeopardizing organic certification and investment, and urges support for the resolution to protect New Hampshire's environment.
HB1723: Kyle Haynes, Merrimack Information Only04:34:10.320 - 1:29:31 PM; Kyle Haynes begins testimony on HR35 but the provided transcript cuts off after his greeting.
HR35: Kyle Haynes, Merrimack Oppose04:34:42.719 - 1:30:03 PM; Kyle Haynes, a certificated airline pilot from Merrimack with prior experience in weather modification in the western United States, testified in opposition to HR 35. He argued that the resolution's first 'whereas' statement (lines 1-4) is incorrect in claiming that weather modification activities are harmful to human health, aviation, and the environment. He noted that weather modification has been conducted for about 80 years since the 1940s, with silver iodide used successfully for rain enhancement, snowpack enhancement, and hail reduction, which actually reduces harm to crops, property, and aircraft. He emphasized the lack of evidence showing harm from these activities despite decades of data. Additionally, he expressed concern that preemptively banning emerging technologies like solar radiation modification and geoengineering would limit future responses to potential benefits.
HR35: Jared Bashel, Bethlehem Support04:41:12.320 - 1:36:33 PM; Jared Bashel, a resident of Bethlehem with a master's degree in theoretical physics and experience in the university's geology department, testified in support of HR 35. He expressed concerns about solar radiation management (SRM), stating it is potentially dangerous and not well understood. He highlighted uncertainties in aerosol effects on weather systems, including radiative forcing that could warm rather than cool areas, impacts on ozone chemistry that might reverse ozone layer recovery, risks of toxic exposure and chemical byproducts, termination shock from sudden rebound in temperatures, potential cooling cascades, and disruptions to larger weather patterns like jet streams and polar vortex, leading to droughts, floods, and temperature changes globally. He urged better studies before proceeding.
HR35: Sean Blessing, Concord Support04:46:37.120 - 1:41:58 PM; Sean Blessing, owner of an excavation company from Concord, testified in support of HR 35, drawing from his extensive outdoor work experience and passion for snowmobiling. He reported noticing declining snow patterns and conducted personal research, finding metals like aluminum, lead, manganese, arsenic, and others in environmental tests, matching those listed in US patents for weather modification and geoengineering. He linked these to rising cancer rates, daily spraying observations causing skin burning and weather anomalies like unnatural temperatures, floods, droughts, and heat waves in New Hampshire. Blessing argued that this unconsented activity poisons people, animals, and water sources, worsens global warming by trapping heat, and is profit-driven rather than environmental, emphasizing its severe, unnoticed impacts on public health and weather.
HR35: Grayson Gee, Rainmaker Technology Corporation Information Only04:55:02.080 - 1:50:23 PM; Grayson Gee from Rainmaker Technology Corporation provides clarification on cloud seeding, stating that the company is neutral on HR 35. He explains that cloud seeding is a long-established weather modification technique used for over 70 years, involving small quantities of substances like silver iodide or salt to encourage precipitation in existing clouds. It does not alter temperature, sunlight, climate systems, create clouds or storms, or cause rain from clear skies, and its effectiveness relies on natural atmospheric conditions. Gee notes that scientific reviews have found no adverse impacts on health, wildlife, or the environment. He distinguishes cloud seeding from geoengineering practices like stratospheric aerosol injection, emphasizing its regional nature. Gee suggests clarifying or removing references to cloud seeding in the resolution to focus on intended concerns and mentions collaboration with Representative Patenza on an amendment. He answers questions about the bill's language, the scope of weather modification, silver iodide's properties, and the company's operations in the western U.S.
HR35: Jason Ghard, Northfield Oppose05:04:55.280 - 2:00:16 PM; Jason Ghard expresses distrust in corporations like Rainmaker and the government, highlighting that Rainmaker conducted cloud seeding in Texas just before floods that killed 135 people, including young campers. He argues that such activities have real consequences, questions the use of tax dollars for these operations, and states he does not believe in resolutions like HR 35.
HB1128: Representative Kelly Patenza, Stratford District 19 Support05:06:51.920 - 2:02:12 PM; Representative Kelly Patenza introduces HB 1128, which repeals RSA 12-F and establishes guardrails for weather modification in New Hampshire, limiting it to declared emergencies with transparency, oversight, and public consent. She grounds the bill in constitutional principles emphasizing consent of the governed and rights to life, liberty, and property. Patenza explains that current law allows weather modification without emergency limitations or robust notice, and HB 1128 restricts it to catastrophic droughts declared by the governor, requiring a 14-day environmental review by DES, oversight, and disclosure of chemicals, technologies, funding, and impacts. She stresses the importance of transparency for public trust, notes her environmental advocacy, and mentions historical cloud seeding in New Hampshire in the 1950s that DES was unaware of. Patenza clarifies the bill addresses polluting emissions in weather modification contexts and answers questions on the review process, DES involvement, timelines, wording issues like 'or' vs. 'and', definitions, and potential amendments. She agrees to modifications and emphasizes the bill's intent to protect people and the environment.
HB1128: Mike Fitzgerald, NH Department of Environmental Services Information Only05:28:08.958 - 2:23:29 PM; Mike Fitzgerald from DES testifies that the department lacks expertise, staff, or resources for cloud seeding or weather modification, confirming no current programs or knowledge, including the 1950s incident. He notes droughts evolve over time, and DES has drought management processes but no specific emergency declaration for droughts. In an emergency, DES would divert resources for reviews, notifications, and oversight as required, drawing from existing programs like wetlands and water contamination responses, but without dedicated funding. Fitzgerald expresses concerns about the 14-day environmental review timeline being insufficient for comprehensive analysis, suggesting it might need rephrasing to a risk assessment. He confirms no rulemaking authority in the bill and that DES would consult partners, federal agencies, and other states if needed, but emphasizes limited capacity outside emergencies. He assesses cloud seeding as unlikely effective for New Hampshire's regional droughts and prefers broader collaboration.
HB1128: Grayson Gee, Rainmaker Technology Corporation Oppose05:51:58.558 - 2:47:19 PM; Grayson Gee returns to oppose HB 1128 on technical grounds, explaining that cloud seeding depends on natural atmospheric conditions, which are absent during severe droughts like the current D2 level in 80% of the state. He argues that emergency cloud seeding in a drought would be ineffective, akin to a band-aid on a bullet wound, and wasteful of resources, as it requires long-term seasonal planning for 10-20% precipitation increases. Gee describes Rainmaker's environmental goals to end water scarcity and details operations targeting moisture pockets for net precipitation benefits without stealing rain from other areas. He clarifies the science of cloud seeding using silver iodide to mimic natural ice formation in supercooled water.
HB1128: Carrie Verselini, Portsmouth Information Only05:58:00.000 - 2:53:21 PM; The transcript cuts off before Carrie Verselini's testimony begins, so no summary is available.
HB1128: Carrie Verselini, Portsmouth Support05:57:44.558 - 2:53:05 PM; Carrie Verselini, a licensed clinical mental health counselor with offices in the Seacoast area, testified in support of HB 1128, emphasizing the importance of consent in weather modification programs. She highlighted how such programs undermine personal autonomy, particularly for her holistic therapy clients who prioritize health freedoms, aligning with New Hampshire's 'Live Free or Die' motto. Verselini expressed concerns about potential mental health impacts from chemicals in aerosols, noting trends in her 13 years of practice where clients experienced mental health fluctuations and respiratory illnesses following sky spraying. She advocated for third-party research on these effects and interactions with existing medications or body chemicals. Additionally, she stressed the need for transparency to allow individuals to prepare, such as staying indoors or protecting organic crops, and supported repealing the existing statute allowing weather modification while ensuring public input over regulatory agencies.
HB1618: Committee Chair Information Only06:07:02.240 - 3:02:23 PM; The chair opens the public hearing on House Bill 1618-FN, notes the absence of the prime sponsor due to a family emergency, and introduces Representatives Lichfield and ND to present the bill on her behalf.
HB1618: Jason Ghart, Northfield Support06:07:57.680 - 3:03:18 PM; Jason Ghart expressed surprise at the sponsor's request to find the bill inexpedient to legislate, noting that HB 1700 was introduced a couple of years ago and multiple states have outlawed geoengineering. He criticized a letter from the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association opposing the bill, arguing that 1996 federal regulations on wireless technology are outdated and untrustworthy given government corruption. He pointed out that Verizon and AT&T define electromagnetic fields and radiation as pollutants in their insurance terms, contradicting claims of safety. Ghart urged the committee not to immediately ITL the bill but to investigate wireless industry dangers, emphasizing that state-level action is possible despite federal preemption. He compared federal authority to the Fugitive Slave Act, criticized committees for not investigating issues, and highlighted frustrations with state agencies like DES ignoring complaints about cloud seeding.
HB1618: Sean Bushin Support06:13:07.680 - 3:08:28 PM; Sean Bushin clarified that cloud seeding is not just for making rain but can also create droughts or push moisture away, contributing to the recent extreme drought and heat across the US. He argued that daily weather modification and geoengineering are causing erratic weather patterns, like massive floods instead of steady rain, all to benefit companies without regard for public well-being. He criticized DES for denying knowledge of cloud seeding despite daily occurrences and public complaints, noting their website emphasizes fresh air importance, which contradicts their inaction.
HB1618: Gerald Bushel, Bethlehem Support06:15:57.280 - 3:11:18 PM; Gerald Bushel supported the bill and followed up on prior discussions about House Resolution 35, mentioning sulfur oxide particle aerosols and other methods like mineral-based particles and metal oxides used in stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) research. He explained that sulfur oxide effects are somewhat understood but can lead to local warming, while other methods' interactions with natural materials are not well-studied. He confirmed no SAI research at UNH, only general aerosol studies. In response to questions, he noted research is theoretical and academic at institutions like Harvard, University of Chicago, University of Washington, and Washington University in St. Louis, with no large-scale experiments. He stated no evidence of current geoengineering or SAI in New Hampshire skies, though past cloud seeding may have occurred. On bill practicality, he suggested volunteers could be trained like ham radio operators but was unsure about enforcement feasibility.
HB1618: Mr. Fitzgerald, Department of Environmental Services Oppose06:22:46.240 - 3:18:07 PM; Mr. Fitzgerald acknowledged the sponsor's wishes but expressed DES concerns: the bill requires random aircraft sampling without specifics on what to sample for, and DES lacks staff for it. He noted section 3 ties violations to unrelated RSA 125-C statutes on toxics and air permitting, making it illogical like deeming it a speeding violation.
HB1618: Committee Chair Information Only06:24:02.400 - 3:19:23 PM; The chair closed the public hearing and opened executive session on HB 1618-FN.
HB1618: Representative Nter Vote06:24:02.400 - 3:19:23 PM; Moved to render HB 1618-FN inexpedient to legislate (ITL) to honor the prime sponsor's wishes.
HB1618: Vice Chair Thomas Vote06:25:21.200 - 3:20:42 PM; Seconded the motion to ITL. Expressed agreement with the bill's intent against pollution and chemical exposure but criticized its vagueness and problematic presentation.
HB1618: Representative McGee Vote06:25:21.200 - 3:20:42 PM; Supported ITL, agreeing the intent is well-meaning but the bill is detailed in impractical ways, with vague penalties and misplaced authority, making enforcement unlikely.
HB1618: Representative Blogeier Vote06:25:21.200 - 3:20:42 PM; Supported ITL but recognized concerns from sponsors and constituents about lack of permission for atmospheric activities.
HB1618: Representative Kaplan Support06:26:39.120 - 3:22:00 PM; Representative Kaplan supports the ITL motion for the bill, respecting the sponsors' intentions but expressing sadness over concerns about weather and climate being based on conspiracy theories and misinformation. He notes that this diverts attention from real issues like extreme droughts and rain events caused by pollutants, hindering progress on reducing atmospheric emissions from fossil fuels.
HB1618: Representative Parall Support06:27:49.440 - 3:23:10 PM; Representative Parall echoes comments on global warming, noting that 97% of scientists attribute it to CO2 abundance in the atmosphere and finds no scientists linking it to silver nitrate. He advocates following the science in support of the ITL motion.
HB1618: Representative McGee Support06:28:55.760 - 3:24:16 PM; Representative McGee offers a different perspective, highlighting a disconnect between claims of government involvement in atmospheric activities and lack of evidence in New Hampshire. Despite appreciating environmental protection goals, he notes no proof of the issue occurring locally and points out the bill's failure to appropriate funds for its hundreds of thousands in costs, making it unable to proceed. He supports ITL as the bill cannot move forward.
HB1618: Representative La Rashelle Information Only06:31:03.280 - 3:26:24 PM; Representative La Rashelle discusses that toxicity depends on dose and risk is hazard times exposure. She suggests breaking down pollutants by levels, like EPA standards for arsenic, and advocates for a scientific approach assessing different classes such as electromagnetic radiation, considering energy impacts from cosmic rays to infrared rays.
HB1618: Committee Chair Information Only06:35:26.718 - 3:30:47 PM; The chair thanks the previous speaker for compiling information on a poll regarding the bill, noting eight in favor, four opposed, and no neutral. The chair then concludes the day's work, announces the next meeting on Tuesday, January 20th at 10:00 AM for public hearings, notes no meeting on Monday due to a holiday, and outlines future meeting schedule on Mondays and Tuesdays, with specific dates and start times.

Vose, Michael(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	Bernardy, JD(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Thomas, Douglas(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025	Schneller, John(R)[B+]2025	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025	Ploszaj, Tom(R)[A-]2025	Mattson, Rita(R)[B+]2025
Raynolds, Ned(D)[D-]2025	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025	Parshall, Lucius(D)[F]2025
Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025	Summers, James(R)[B]2025	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
Swanson, Dale(D)[D-]2025	Larochelle, John(D)[F]2025	Sabourin dit Choinière, Matt(R)[A-]2025