Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (01/27/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1741 00:08:03.520 - 9:04:44 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the enrollment and use of distributed energy resource aggregations by electric utilities.	Caplan, Tony(D)[D-]2025
HB1738 03:06:31.680 - 12:03:12 PM	Public Hearing	relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
HB1128 03:17:25.439 - 12:14:06 PM	Executive Session	restricting the use of weather modification technologies to declared emergencies.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1128 2026-0266h 03:24:36.399 - 12:21:17 PM	Executive Session	restricting the use of weather modification technologies to declared emergencies.	Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025
HB1723 03:47:32.560 - 12:44:13 PM	Executive Session	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
HB1739 04:05:52.239 - 1:02:33 PM	Public Hearing	relative to energy infrastructure, economic development, and workforce training for large-scale data facilities.	Salvi, Santosh(D)[CT]2025
HB10002 05:12:43.040 - 2:09:24 PM	Executive Session	repealing the solar energy tax systems tax exemption	Likely Text to Speech Error on Bill #
HB1542 2024-0241h 05:38:34.400 - 2:35:15 PM	Executive Session	relative to renewable energy fund compliance payments.	Notter, Jeanine(R)[A-]2025
HB1738 05:51:50.240 - 2:48:31 PM	Executive Session	relative to ratepayer benefits from the regional greenhouse gas initiative.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025

HB1741: Representative Tony Kaplan, representing the towns of Henniker, Bradford, and Warner Support00:08:03.520 - 9:04:44 AM; Representative Kaplan introduced HB 1741, which aims to aggregate distributed energy resources like solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and thermostats into 'distributed power plants' to provide demand response services to the grid. This would lower costs, enhance reliability, and provide resilience by shaving peak demand and offering other grid services. The program uses market-based incentives set by the Public Utilities Commission, allowing utilities to recoup costs while benefiting ratepayers through avoided infrastructure expenses. He referenced the NH Department of Energy's 10-year strategy, noting demand response reduces peak demand, cuts costs, and lowers carbon emissions. Existing utility programs align with this, and federal funds could cover implementation costs.
HB1741: Representative Wendy Thomas, representing the town of Marlow Support00:22:04.640 - 9:18:45 AM; Representative Thomas supported HB 1741, emphasizing it coordinates distributed resources like solar, batteries, efficiency, and demand response under PUC oversight with performance incentives. It promotes customer agency to lower costs without siting new plants or setting rates. She highlighted how renewables lower wholesale prices, reduce peak demand, and avoid costly upgrades. Past underfunding of such programs hurt customers; this bill ensures distributed resources are valued as grid assets, benefiting ratepayers through smarter planning and accountability.
HB1741: Griffin Roarge and Mark Lamager, Eversource Oppose00:25:19.760 - 9:22:00 AM; Eversource opposed the bill as introduced, viewing it as redundant with their existing New Hampshire Saves Connected Solutions demand response programs, which reduce system peak by 30 MW in NH through incentives for thermostats and batteries. The bill's dual focus on systemwide and local peaks creates ambiguities in design, funding, and cost recovery. They lack smart meters for local monitoring and prefer owning assets for reliability. Suggested studying via the Grid Modernization Advisory Group (GMAG) rather than mandating. Existing programs show 1.5-2 benefit-cost ratios, with plans to expand batteries, but funding is limited by statute.
HB1741: Meg Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only00:52:16.319 - 9:48:57 AM; The Department is neutral on HB 1741. Implementation would require consultants ($150-250K) and one full-time position, totaling ~$375K, funded via utility assessments passed to ratepayers. The 100-day PUC approval timeline is too short, compressing stakeholder input and RFP processes. Existing NH Saves programs may overlap; suggested considering integration with proposed energy efficiency authority or GMAG duties. Benefits should outweigh costs if pursued.
HB1741: Tom Irwin, Conservation Law Foundation Support00:57:35.280 - 9:54:16 AM; CLF strongly supports HB 1741 for reducing peaks, enhancing resiliency, and cutting bills. Cited Vermont's Green Mountain Power 72 MW program with 5,000 batteries saving $3M on one peak day. A 2023 study shows distributed power plants cost $2M annually vs. $43M for gas plants/upgrades. NH programs could expand like Vermont's for greater savings; private investment is key to scaling.
HB1741: Eric Olsen, from Litchfield Support01:05:23.200 - 10:02:04 AM; Olsen supported virtual power plants, noting NH's price swings make demand response economically beneficial. His solar-battery setup currently exports excess power uncoordinatedly, causing peaks. Advocated market-based exposure to real-time prices for individuals to arbitrage energy (buy low, sell high) via existing software/hardware, incentivizing more battery installs without remote control or subsidies. This boosts reliability, reduces reliance on peaker plants, and benefits all via lower costs; incentives in the bill may undermine pure market dynamics.
HB1741: Representative Barbara Comtois, representing Senate District 7 (Belknap and Merrimack Counties) Support01:17:04.400 - 10:13:45 AM; Representative Comtois introduced the bill, explaining it originated from a constituent's concern about radiation emissions from smart meters attached to buildings, particularly near bedrooms, potentially causing health risks. She emphasized the importance of informing homeowners about radiation levels, noting her own meter is 100 feet away from her house. The bill requires an annual analysis of radiation levels to be provided to account holders. She deferred to the committee on technical details, such as whether data is already available and how to measure it.
HB1741: Alec Omera, Director of External Affairs at Unitil Information Only01:23:55.040 - 10:20:36 AM; Alec Omera provided informational testimony on HB 1741FN, explaining that Unitil has no position on the bill but is capable of implementing the required notifications on bills regarding smart meter emissions. He clarified the difference between ionizing radiation (harmful, like from X-rays) and non-ionizing radio frequency emissions from smart meters, which are safe and common in everyday devices such as Wi-Fi routers, radios, and appliances. He noted that these emissions are low-power and only cause heating in extreme cases, like in a microwave. During Q&A, he addressed questions on power output (around 32 milliwatts for residential meters), comparisons to smartphones and Wi-Fi routers, FCC regulations, duty cycles, and implementation costs, emphasizing that the technology is widely considered safe and that Unitil could handle notifications without additional resources.
HB1741: Megan Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only01:34:13.520 - 10:30:54 AM; Megan Stone, legislative liaison with the New Hampshire Department of Energy, stated that the department is neutral on the bill. She noted that the Public Utilities Commission currently oversees compliance, which is not typical for them, and suggested it would be more appropriate for the Department of Energy to handle it. The process would involve utilities submitting their planned bill inserts for approval, with no additional fiscal impact as it fits under normal administrative duties.
HB1741: Griffin Robarge, Eversource Information Only01:35:07.520 - 10:31:48 AM; Griffin Robarge from Eversource expressed neutrality on the bill as introduced. He clarified that the bill likely refers to advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart meters, noting that 'smart meter' is not defined in the statute and suggesting the need for clarity. Eversource uses automated meter reading (AMR) meters, not AMI. He emphasized that smart meters comply with FCC guidelines for radio frequency (RF) emissions, regulated by multiple federal agencies, and their emissions are low compared to devices like Wi-Fi routers or cell phones. If passed, Eversource would provide information to customers but noted potential administrative costs borne by ratepayers, suggesting resources could be better used elsewhere. During questioning, he confirmed the bill might require reporting on non-existent AMI meters, addressed concerns about radiation by reiterating low emissions and federal testing, and indicated Eversource would consider adding a statement on their website about device radiation.
HB1738: Representative Michael Harrington Support03:06:31.680 - 12:03:12 PM; Representative Harrington introduced the bill, explaining that it is necessary to update New Hampshire's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to maintain consistency with other states. Without this update, New Hampshire would continue to pay RGGI costs through wholesale electric rates but would lose the rebates, resulting in a negative impact on ratepayers. He deferred technical questions to the Department of Energy (DEES).
HB1738: Commissioner Scott, DEES Support03:09:25.120 - 12:06:06 PM; Commissioner Scott presented on the bill, which revises New Hampshire's RGGI program following a periodic program review. It aligns with other states' new glide path for allowance reductions through 2030, adds a cost containment reserve to manage high prices, and ensures more allowances are available. Staying in RGGI protects ratepayers from losing approximately $65 million annually in rebates. New Hampshire benefits from a surplus of allowances compared to its consumption, providing a net advantage. He noted that repeals remove outdated provisions like banking adjustments and offset allowances, which are no longer relevant.
HB1738: Air Director Wright, DEES Information Only03:09:25.120 - 12:06:06 PM; Director Wright was present to provide technical details on the bill but did not deliver separate testimony in the transcript; he supported Commissioner Scott's presentation.
HB1128: Committee Chair Information Only03:17:25.439 - 12:14:06 PM; The chair announced a five-minute pause for caucus before opening an executive session on House Bill 1128, as permitted by the hearing notice allowing executive sessions on pending legislation throughout the day.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Thomas Information Only03:24:36.399 - 12:21:17 PM; Motioned to open executive session for House Bill 1128.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative McGee Information Only03:24:36.399 - 12:21:17 PM; Seconded the motion to open executive session for House Bill 1128.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Schneller Support03:25:25.200 - 12:22:06 PM; Motioned to pass HB 1128 as amended and to adopt amendment 2026-0266h. Described the amendment as removing RSA 12F:1 to narrow focus to cloud seeding in extreme drought conditions via the Governor's office, allowing DES to act. Explained the amendment's history, originated by Rep. Patenza, narrowed over sessions, reviewed by DES and environmental committee, supported by industry.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Matson Support03:25:25.200 - 12:22:06 PM; Seconded the motion to adopt amendment 2026-0266h to HB 1128.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Mike Fitzgerald, DES Assistant Director Information Only03:27:35.359 - 12:24:16 PM; Stated DES takes no position on the bill or amendment. Confirmed meeting with Rep. Schneller and Rep. Patenza, noting the amendment alleviates concerns from the original bill. Responded to questions on sequencing (public notice after DES decision, at least 30 days prior), rejection criteria (if harm to environment, health, or wildlife), and silver iodide toxicity (low risk based on cursory review). Clarified that DES would review environmental reports and reject if insufficient or harmful. Addressed timeline concerns, noting 90-day drought requirement plus 30-day notice, but rare occurrence.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Corman Information Only03:28:50.640 - 12:25:31 PM; Asked questions on public notice sequencing, rejection if undetermined harm, silver iodide risks, and potential contamination from silver mining.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Wendy Thomas Oppose03:30:56.479 - 12:27:37 PM; Raised concerns on vague terms like 'harm to the environment' and 'effects of the program' in lines 10 and 20, seeking definitions and guide rails. Followed up on timeline issues, noting 90-day drought plus 30-day notice delays action.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative La Rochelle Support03:37:49.520 - 12:34:30 PM; Provided chemical expertise, stating silver iodide is insoluble, won't enter groundwater, subject to photo degradation to non-toxic elements, posing no environmental problem.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Committee Chair Support03:37:49.520 - 12:34:30 PM; Noted the amendment resolves original bill concerns, rare use case for drought backup, favors adopting amendment and bill.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Vice Chair Thomas Support03:39:06.960 - 12:35:47 PM; Agreed amendment is a good resolution, cloud seeding longstanding, better than prior RSA 12F:1, confident in DES oversight, heartily supports adoption.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Bernardi Support03:40:15.920 - 12:36:56 PM; Praised amendment for eliminating experimentation from previous statute.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative McGee Support03:41:16.319 - 12:37:57 PM; Viewed amendment as clarifying DES role in cloud seeding, no issue with added statutory language, supports section four for post-event reporting only if needed.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Sabourin-Dadier Information Only03:41:16.319 - 12:37:57 PM; Commented on cloud seeding history, once taboo and linked to conspiracy theories, credits activists for leading to current restrictive legislation and public clarification.
HB1128 2026-0266h: Representative Sabourin-Dadier Support03:46:44.160 - 12:43:25 PM; The speaker notes that while catastrophic events are rare, their potential impact is severe. The bill aims to elevate the standards for evaluating grid resilience against such events and proposes measures to improve the grid if deficiencies are found. Although the bill faced opposition from utilities, the speaker believes the topic merits attention.
HB1723: Committee Chair Information Only03:47:32.560 - 12:44:13 PM; The chair proposes forming a subcommittee of five members to develop an amendment for House Bill 1723 addressing pursuit issues. Volunteers include the chair, Representative Matson (prime sponsor), Vice Chair Thomas, Representative McGee, and seeks one more.
HB1723: Representative Corman Information Only03:48:38.080 - 12:45:19 PM; Representative Corman agrees to join the subcommittee as the fifth member, preferred to be a Democrat.
HB1723: Representative Rles Information Only03:48:38.080 - 12:45:19 PM; Representative Rles thanks the chair for allowing a brief comment before forming the committee, noting a significant piece from utilities testimony that stood out, beyond technical merits.
HB1723: Representative Rles Information Only03:49:23.680 - 12:46:04 PM; The speaker discussed the problem and potential solutions for the bill. They noted that the technical solution would be implemented at the transmission system level, where the state likely lacks authority to require actions. They questioned whether the New Hampshire legislature should pursue a bill elevating standards without authority. They referenced the original bill's approach of mandating utilities to conduct a study and create a report to explain implementation, which circumvents the authority issue over the transmission system controlled by NERC and FERC. However, they pointed out that the original bill approached the problem in a direction that may not be effective.
HB1723: Representative Rles Information Only03:50:50.080 - 12:47:31 PM; The speaker suggests that the NERC standard for grid resilience is insufficient and proposes that utilities develop a higher internal or state standard for New Hampshire. He advocates for the study committee to address NERC's weaknesses and demonstrate state leadership in energy policy. Even if utilities cannot immediately harden the grid, starting the conversation could influence other states and NERC. He mentions consulting an expert, John Simmonelli, a former ISO New England engineer from Epping (corrected from Eping), who agrees to provide ideas despite moving to North Carolina.
HB1723: Vice Chair Thomas Support03:53:24.800 - 12:50:05 PM; Vice Chair Thomas agrees with forming the subcommittee, noting New Hampshire's prior leadership in adopting an NCSL resolution on the issue. He emphasizes raising national awareness and developing a workable, affordable plan while being sensitive to utility costs.
HB1723: Representative Harrington Information Only03:54:24.640 - 12:51:05 PM; Representative Harrington agrees but cautions that hardening the grid is a regional issue, not just state-level, and will be extremely costly. He highlights long lead times and high expenses for power transformers, potentially making it a multi-billion dollar project.
HB1723: Representative Matson Information Only03:55:27.439 - 12:52:08 PM; Representative Matson notes that federal efforts on this issue have stalled for decades, so the approach is to start from the bottom up at the state level to initiate action.
HB1739: Committee Chair Information Only04:05:52.239 - 1:02:33 PM; The chair calls the public hearing to order for House Bill 1739FN and notes the absence of the prime sponsor, Representative Salvi, and other sponsors. The chair lists the sponsors present or not and introduces Representative McGee to present the bill in their absence, clarifying that she is not an expert on the legislation.
HB1739: Representative McGee, Hollis Information Only04:07:30.640 - 1:04:11 PM; Representative McGee introduces and explains the bill, highlighting its purpose as an economic development initiative to attract large-scale data centers to New Hampshire while providing benefits to municipalities. She walks through key sections, including definitions of data center campuses and grid modernization agreements, incentives like property tax stabilization and transferable business tax credits up to 20% of construction costs, requirements for non-gas generation sources, full payment of interconnection costs, enrollment in grid stabilization programs, fast-tracking of sites in industrial or brownfield zones, community protections, workforce development, and oversight. She notes potential issues like the effective date needing adjustment to after July 2026 due to legislative timelines, the fiscal note, lack of mention of water usage, and suggests a study committee for further refinement.
HB1739: Representative Wendy Thomas Information Only04:13:58.960 - 1:10:39 PM; Representative Thomas raises concerns about the bill's lack of provisions for water consumption, public comment processes, and protections ensuring community energy needs are prioritized over data centers during high demand periods. She emphasizes the need for public protections and suggests a study committee to address these gaps.
HB1739: Josh Elliot, Director of the Division of Policy and Programs, Department of Energy Information Only04:16:50.399 - 1:13:31 PM; Josh Elliot states the Department of Energy is neutral on the bill but provides detailed questions and considerations. He critiques the deferral of data center definitions to agency rules, suggesting legislative specification; unclear resolution for disagreements between DOE and PUC on grid modernization agreements; potential cost-shifting to ratepayers for network upgrades under 'defined share'; lack of clarity on fast-track siting, permitting, and involvement of the Site Evaluation Committee; recommends open-ended community benefits beyond resident bill credits to include items like water system upgrades; notes DOE lacks authority for workforce or environmental enforcement, requiring three new positions per updated fiscal note; mentions 8-10 small existing data centers in NH (e.g., Manchester, Littleton, Salem) and questions treatment of existing facilities. He addresses questions on defining 'large' data centers (based on square footage, electricity demand), binding agreements, energy sourcing, cost sharing, job creation thresholds, workforce programs, and eligibility of medium-sized centers for incentives.
HB1739: Lauren O Sullivan, Senior Financial Analyst, Department of Revenue Administration Information Only04:38:53.359 - 1:35:34 PM; Lauren O Sullivan testified neutrally on the bill, highlighting technical concerns with the data campus development credit. She noted the lack of specification on which agency develops rules for qualifying data centers and that DRA would approve eligibility based on municipal votes, requiring rulemaking or guidance. She outlined assumptions on credit operation: up to 20% of construction expenditures against business tax liabilities, transferable to any taxpayer without carryforward, applicable to BET or BPT but not cascading. Implementation would be straightforward with system modifications, but tracking transfers is new and would require system changes, paper return scanning, additional $40,000 appropriation, and two new tax examiner positions starting FY27. Complications could arise in audits affecting credit buyers, necessitating rulemaking authority not currently in the bill. She suggested tying effectiveness to business tax year for simplicity and expressed willingness to work on clarifying language.
HB1739: Griffin Roers, Manager of Government Affairs, Eversource Oppose04:48:11.440 - 1:44:52 PM; Griffin Roers opposed the bill as introduced due to lack of clarity in several components, particularly grid modernization agreements (GMAs). He is neutral on state tax credits and streamlined siting but concerned about GMAs granting authority to DOE, PUC, and developers without utility involvement in grid interconnection, a core utility function. He questioned who pays interconnection costs and sought language preserving utility management of systems. He also raised issues with resident bill credits from on-site power exports potentially not complying with net metering laws, which cap at 5 MW for municipal hosts and 1 MW for others. He emphasized the need for clarity on compliance and further examination. During Q&A, he discussed interconnection studies taking time based on size and location, potential regional supply constraints leading to price impacts from increased demand without new generation, anticipated state demand growth, treatment of data centers like other customers, and building redundancies for reliability without sharing loads between utilities like Eversource and Unitil.
HB1739: Griffin Roers, Manager of Government Affairs, Eversource Information Only04:48:11.440 - 1:44:52 PM; Finishing his testimony on the bill.
HB1739: Katherine Corkery, New Hampshire Sierra Club Oppose05:02:44.400 - 1:59:25 PM; Katherine Corkery introduced herself as representing the New Hampshire Sierra Club, which has approximately 4,000 to 5,000 members and another 10,000 supporters in the state, totaling about 15,000 people. She expressed concerns about the bill but did not want to repeat what had already been heard.
HB1739: Unknown Oppose05:03:30.400 - 2:00:11 PM; The speaker appreciates that the sponsors did not limit the bill's scope to specific uses like AI, crypto, data centers, or storage, but instead focused on the facility and its demands. However, they oppose the bill as written. They recognize that several other bills address the same issues and appreciate the broad range of impacts from data centers, including community and energy effects.
HB1739: Sierra Club Representative Information Only05:04:26.400 - 2:01:07 PM; The speaker highlights potential tax impacts of the bill, noting that it is more in-depth than last year's crypto bill, which addressed similar facilities. They express appreciation for the committee's efforts in examining these issues. Concerns are raised about high energy and water usage, as well as impacts on local control. Questions arise about decision-making processes involving town planning, zoning, and state agencies, emphasizing the need for cohesion in the bill. The speaker is troubled by the underlying suggestion of cost-shifting to ratepayers or taxpayers to fund facilities for large global companies.
HB1739: Sierra Club Representative Oppose05:06:41.760 - 2:03:22 PM; The speaker opposes the bill, arguing that the state of New Hampshire should not pass on costs to ratepayers and taxpayers. They appreciate the effort to focus on renewable energies or non-gas generation and recognize its potential. However, they urge the committee to examine the details of the bill closely.
HB1739: Miss Corkery Support05:07:32.000 - 2:04:13 PM; Miss Corkery concludes her testimony by emphasizing that the effort to implement guard rails for these types of facilities could be very beneficial for the state.
HB1739: Representative Corman Information Only05:07:32.000 - 2:04:13 PM; Representative Corman thanks Miss Corkery and asks about the typical scenario for cooling data centers with regard to water usage, potential environmental impacts, and references a prior mention of water in the crypto bill discussion.
HB1739: Miss Corkery Information Only05:07:32.000 - 2:04:13 PM; Miss Corkery responds to the question by citing an example from last year's crypto bill: a community in upstate New York where a data center used the municipal water supply without a separate contract, demanding twice the town's normal water usage.
HB1739: Miss Corkery, Sierra Club Information Only05:08:53.600 - 2:05:34 PM; The speaker discusses the impact of data centers on community infrastructure, citing an example where operations and maintenance costs increased significantly after a data center was established, accelerating maintenance schedules. She offers to provide more information about that community and resources from Sierra Club chapters in states like Virginia and Georgia dealing with new data centers. In response to a question about water usage for cooling, she explains that in the example, the water went to the municipal sewage treatment plant. For standalone power plants, permits are required, and thermal pollution from warmer discharge water is highly regulated to prevent environmental harm, such as affecting aquatic life in rivers.
HB10002: Representative Bernardi Support05:12:43.040 - 2:09:24 PM; Representative Bernardi supports the bill on grounds of fundamental fairness, questioning why solar generation receives a special tax exemption while other energy innovations like high-efficiency boilers or heat pumps do not. He argues against picking winners and losers among energy users and suppliers, advocating for an equal playing field.
HB10002: Representative Rainos Oppose05:13:58.878 - 2:10:39 PM; Representative Rainos expresses shock at the recommendation to pass the bill, noting that the committee heard substantial testimony against it, including from the BIA. He clarifies that the tax exemption was enacted by a past legislature and is an opt-in for municipalities, countering the portrayal of it as a new tax credit program.
HB10002: Representative Rainos Oppose05:13:58.878 - 2:10:39 PM; The speaker explains that the local option tax credit for solar energy has been in place in New Hampshire for over 15 years, with a majority of towns and cities adopting it through their governing bodies. Repealing it would not impact state revenues, as it is purely a local policy decision. The speaker references testimony from Representative Turkot, noting a personal connection but disagreeing with the repeal effort starting in 2026.
HB10002: Unnamed Representative Oppose05:17:00.160 - 2:13:41 PM; The speaker criticizes the condescending approach of the bill, arguing that it undermines local control by overriding towns' and cities' long-standing authority to grant solar tax exemptions. They express shock at the majority party's decision to remove this power after 50 years, viewing it as paternalistic interference from the state legislature.
HB10002: Representative from Epping Support05:18:09.120 - 2:14:50 PM; The speaker disagrees with the local control argument, stating that the bill protects it by preventing small factions from hijacking decisions at the municipal level. They cite an example from Epping where a few people, including themselves, opposed the solar exemption, but it passed due to one influential person's advocacy, seeing this as a hijacking that the state intervention would prevent.
HB10002: Representative from Epping Oppose05:19:36.560 - 2:16:17 PM; The speaker argues that the solar tax exemption is arbitrary and undermines fairness, as tax exemptions should reward service or contributions like veterans or the elderly, not specific property types. He emphasizes preserving local control by preventing factions from passing unfair exemptions at the town level.
HB10002: Representative Corman Oppose05:20:52.240 - 2:17:33 PM; Pushes back on concerns about local control being hijacked, noting it applies to any town meeting issue. Highlights testimony from Hudson's select board representative, indicating the exemption's financial impact is minimal (less than a penny on the tax rate for $2.2 million in solar value out of $51 billion total valuation), suggesting the bill is unnecessary.
HB10002: Representative Kaplan Oppose05:21:58.240 - 2:18:39 PM; Argues against the bill as an override of local control and democracy, calling it a slippery slope toward authoritarianism. Stresses that town meetings represent legitimate local decision-making, and the state has no compelling reason to intervene, as admitted by the sponsor. Views the bill as Orwellian in claiming to protect fairness while imposing unfairness.
HB10002: Chairman (response to Kaplan) Support05:23:48.718 - 2:20:29 PM; Counters that local control can be hijacked, and the state must ensure fairness, even against town votes, to protect the broader interest.
HB10002: Vice Chair Thomas Support05:24:51.600 - 2:21:32 PM; Distinguishes constitutional republic from pure democracy, emphasizing protection of minority rights. Notes solar owners already benefit from lower electricity bills, so the exemption unfairly shifts property tax burdens. Supports the bill to promote fairer tax distribution statewide, acknowledging New Hampshire is not a home rule state and the legislature can override local decisions. Plans to vote yes as a step toward reducing property tax inequities.
HB10002: Representative Harrington Support05:27:40.480 - 2:24:21 PM; Points out the solar tax credit benefits higher-income households with larger properties, while lower-income renters or small-home owners subsidize it indirectly without access. Argues it's unfair for a select few to receive breaks, increasing taxes slightly for others.
HB10002: Representative McGee Oppose05:28:25.600 - 2:25:06 PM; Highlights that 153 towns voluntarily adopted the exemption after review, often for emissions reduction and renewable goals. Passing the bill hijacks local self-determination and decisions made in town meetings or deliberative sessions. Notes even the chairman's town passed it despite opposition, undermining local government principles. Will vote no.
HB10002: Chairman (historical context) Support05:31:26.878 - 2:28:07 PM; Recalls 1975 origins of the exemption amid uncertainty post-oil embargo, when solar was experimental. Today, solar is well-understood, costly, and benefits individuals who should bear the cost without neighbor subsidies. Upholds constitutional fairness by not preferring one class, restoring equity for taxpayers.
HB10002: Representative Schneller Support05:32:51.280 - 2:29:32 PM; Focuses on regressivity: lower-income residents subsidize affluent solar installations. Supports HB 10002 for fairness reasons, avoiding Dillon's Rule debate.
HB10002: Representative Lashelle (Roster City Council) Oppose05:34:09.200 - 2:30:50 PM; As a fiscal conservative on city council, notes local adoption of various non-means-tested exemptions (elderly, veterans). Exemption has negligible tax impact; no complaints in 20 years. City values solar for buildings to save taxpayer money. Passing the bill reduces taxable solar systems, counterproductive to energy benefits and local control. Not partisan; advised by Republican colleague to oppose.
HB1542 2024-0241h: Representative Nter Support05:38:34.400 - 2:35:15 PM; Moves ought to pass with amendment 2024-0241h, explaining it corrects the original bill's errors (due to portal issues setting payments to zero). Aligns with prior Reggie handling: $1 to energy efficiency, rest rebated to ratepayers, saving money.
HB1542 2024-0241h: Representative (question on prior bill) Information Only05:39:50.958 - 2:36:31 PM; Notes similarity to last year's bill, sent to interim study by Ways and Means due to empty fund from HB2 budget raid. Confirms effective date July 1, 2027.
HB1542 2024-0241h: Representative Harrington Support05:40:57.920 - 2:37:38 PM; Clarifies bill doesn't end RPS or REC purchases; renewables remain available via competitive suppliers and community power. Rebating ACP to ratepayers instead of government spending lowers rates more effectively than Massachusetts' approach, where higher RPS and efficiency spending yield 35% higher rates despite more investment.
HB1542 2024-0241h: Representative Corman Information Only05:41:48.558 - 2:38:29 PM; Seeks clarification on fund mechanics: investments and remaining monies after rebates. Understands ACP generates funds, with interest from temporary holdings; rebates not monthly but periodic (quarterly auctions).
HB1542 2024-0241h: Mr. Lacata (Eversource) Information Only05:46:17.840 - 2:42:58 PM; Confirms auction proceeds over $1 rebated via stranded cost recovery charge, updated regularly (annual or semi-annual, not monthly). On amendment: maintains current ACP obligations, doesn't zero them out.
HB1542 2024-0241h: Representative McGee Information Only05:47:13.600 - 2:43:54 PM; Asks Eversource about bill's effects on ACP obligations and RPS compliance; confirms operations continue as before.
HB1738: Representative Harrington Support05:51:50.240 - 2:48:31 PM; Moves ought to pass. Explains bill ensures continued RGGI auction sales to avoid losing $60 million; notes RGGI generated $68 million in 2025, covering RPS costs of $58 million. Leaving RGGI would cost money without benefits.
HB1738: Representative McGee Support05:52:49.920 - 2:49:30 PM; Agrees changes are necessary to stay in RGGI, the least-cost option; recommends proceeding to vote.

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