Committee Summary for House Science, Technology and Energy (02/03/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1028 00:07:06.960 - 9:02:32 AM	Public Hearing	relative to the definition of renewable generation facility.	Walker, David(R)[B+]2025
HB1290 01:04:51.280 - 10:00:17 AM	Public Hearing	relative to customer energy storage.	McGhee, Kat(D)[CT]2025
HB1398 03:05:33.840 - 12:00:59 PM	Public Hearing	establishing a committee to study the resources available for response to air quality incidents across the state.	Murray, Megan(D)[CT]2025
HB1028 2026-0504h 03:33:28.319 - 12:28:54 PM	Executive Session	relative to the definition of renewable generation facility.	Walker, David(R)[B+]2025
HB1534 04:04:44.880 - 1:00:10 PM	Public Hearing	relative to utility default service.	Cormen, Thomas(D)[F]2025
HB1475 -	Executive Session	directing the department of energy to study the portion of electric distribution costs attributable to fixed versus usage-based charges.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
HB1539 2026-0493h -	Executive Session	authorizing electric utilities to issue AAA-rated bonds for the purpose of storm cost recovery and infrastructure resilience.	Vose, Michael(R)[A-]2025
HR35 -	Executive Session	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
HR35 05:45:14.240 - 2:40:40 PM	Executive Session	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
HB1721 2024-0514h 06:00:36.558 - 2:56:02 PM	Executive Session	relative to limiting new system enrollment and adjusting compliance payments under the renewable portfolio standard program.	Harrington, Michael(R)[A]2025
HB1743 06:14:18.958 - 3:09:44 PM	Executive Session	requiring disclosure of radiation levels emitted by smart meters.	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025
HB1739 06:17:17.200 - 3:12:43 PM	Executive Session	relative to energy infrastructure, economic development, and workforce training for large-scale data facilities.	Salvi, Santosh(D)[CT]2025

HB1028: Representative David Walker Support00:07:06.960 - 9:02:32 AM; Introduced HB 1028 to add the word 'exclusive' before 'use' in the definition of a renewable generation facility under RSA 72:73. This clarifies that only facilities solely used for renewable energy production, such as solar arrays, qualify for payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) programs. Explained that current law could be misinterpreted to allow commercial properties with secondary solar installations to claim PILOT for the entire lot, shifting tax burdens to other taxpayers. Highlighted examples in Rochester where commercial sites with solar trackers are seeking PILOT for the whole property, potentially setting precedent for residential solar panels to do the same, leading to widespread tax reductions.
HB1028: Brody Dees, New Hampshire Municipal Association Support00:21:22.559 - 9:16:48 AM; Testified in support of HB 1028, co-authored with the assessors association. Read a statement from Rochester's finance director emphasizing the need for 'exclusive use' to prevent net-metered solar arrays on commercial or residential properties from qualifying as renewable generation facilities eligible for PILOT under RSA 72:74. Clarified that the intent is for facilities producing power solely for resale to the grid with no on-site consumption, not ancillary solar on existing businesses that increase property values and tax burdens when exempted. Addressed questions on statutory distinctions, suggesting 'exclusive' prevents tax shifts to residents and maintains fair taxation; opposed using 'primary' as it could expand eligibility. Proposed wording adjustments for clarity, like placing 'exclusive' earlier in the definition.
HB1028: Griffin Ro, Eversource Energy Support00:37:16.000 - 9:32:42 AM; Griffin Ro from Eversource Energy apologizes for arriving late due to a phone call and states that Eversource supports HB 1290. He notes that the language in the bill looks familiar to committee members.
HB1028: Heidi Kroll, Jay Grimbley Strategic Solutions Information Only00:38:48.640 - 9:34:14 AM; Heidi Kroll represents hydro interests and biomass for renewables and is neutral on the bill. She clarifies that the pilot statute is not exclusive to net metering facilities; some hydro facilities above 5 MW negotiate payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) agreements with municipalities. She emphasizes that RSA 72:74 is enabling and voluntary, with no requirement for municipalities to enter agreements. She explains that these are not tax exemptions but negotiated fixed payments for up to five years, beneficial to both parties by providing stable revenue and avoiding litigation. She notes many New Hampshire communities enter such agreements. During questioning, she discusses that hydro facilities have additional uses like recreation and flood control under FERC licenses, and the bill's exclusive use language might impact hydro's access to PILOTs, but she defers as she is not an attorney.
HB1290: Representative Cat McGee, Hillsborough District 35 Hollis Support01:04:51.280 - 10:00:17 AM; Representative Cat McGee introduces HB 1290, which clarifies roles of the Department of Energy (DOE) and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in rulemaking and tariffs for customer energy storage systems, building on HB 761 from last session. The bill provides a high-level definition of customer energy storage and amends statutes to specify DOE adopts rules for installation and interconnection, while PUC approves consistent tariffs and orders. It incorporates principles for rules and orders. She notes an amendment may be needed for consistency with HB 761 regarding net energy metering principles and PUC authority for storage in net metering. The bill aims to address statutory gaps in storage, distinct from but similar to HB 1718, which amends the same RSA paragraph but focuses differently. During questioning, she explains the 'may' language enables PUC flexibility in dockets, clarifies confusion post-DOE creation on rulemaking vs. tariffs, and notes storage enables grid-charged batteries beyond net metering for resilience. She acknowledges storage installations occur but lack statutory representation, and DOE would consult experts for rules.
HB1290: Meg Stone, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only01:18:42.239 - 10:14:08 AM; Meg Stone testified that the Department is neutral on HB 1290. The bill directs the department to adopt rules on energy storage, differing from HB 1718 which includes storage in statute for clarification. She noted rules are forward-looking and adding storage to statute would legitimize existing systems and clarify for future PUC net metering dockets. She appreciated the sponsor addressing section three concerns, as striking language in B could allow unsafe practices by prioritizing statute over safety standards. She confirmed the stricken language relates to electrical safety, permit, licensing, and certification requirements. On the PUC's 'may' approve tariffs, she suggested changing to 'shall' for clarity and noted it ties back to statutory inclusion.
HB1290: Griffin Rogarge, Eversource Energy Support01:21:38.800 - 10:17:04 AM; Griffin Rogarge supported HB 1290, noting its language is nearly identical to HB 1718. He viewed changes in sections one and two as housekeeping to clarify roles between DOE and PUC, avoiding confusion or redundancy since the original statute predates DOE creation. He referenced past bills like HB 1258 (2022), SB 388 (2024), and another recent bill clarifying DOE-PUC delineations. On changing 'may' to 'shall' in line 8, he wanted to consult internally, as 'may' gives PUC latitude while 'shall' might mandate tariff approval. He stated unstriking lines 16 and 17 would not affect his support.
HB1290: Dina Dennis, Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Support01:25:32.639 - 10:20:58 AM; Dina Dennis supported HB 1290, appreciating the sponsor's leadership on customer energy storage and its role in lowering costs via distributed energy resources, peak reduction, and net metering. She agreed with the bill's intent for system value but noted HB 1718 achieves similar goals, leaving choice to the committee. She recommended an amendment to section three: reinsert language from HB 761 amending subparagraph A to clarify PUC authority for storage in net metering under RSA 362-A:9. On changing 'may' to 'shall' in line 8, she wanted to consult her team but emphasized ensuring PUC actions align with DOE rules while clarifying authority without forcing action. She supported the bill to leverage storage for cost reduction, peak demand, and local energy markets.
HB1398: Representative Megan Murray, Hillsborough District 37 Amherst and Milford Information Only03:05:33.840 - 12:00:59 PM; Representative Megan Murray introduced HB 1398, motivated by a summer transfer station fire in her county prompting constituent concerns about smoke and air quality. She noted several transfer station incidents in the last five years, some involving batteries with undetermined causes due to high heat. The bill studies resources for air quality incident response, originally not defining transfer stations but open to future clarification. She is chair of the county delegation and limited by time due to another commitment.
HB1398: David Healey, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only03:09:01.680 - 12:04:27 PM; David Healey, chief scientist in the Air Resources Division, made himself available for questions on HB 1398. He explained DES responds to environmental complaints, including air quality, by visiting sites but was unaware of specific transfer station complaints. DES has a robust system for regulating, monitoring, and responding to air quality without major gaps in equipment or funding. Transfer stations have no specific air quality monitoring requirements; the state's 29 monitors measure ambient criteria pollutants per federal standards, not site-specific. DES lacks deployable emergency monitoring for toxic pollutants like in unexpected fires (e.g., lithium battery or train derailments), using only citizen science particulate monitors not for regulatory or emergency use. They produce annual reports on equipment and have staff including atmospheric scientists, meteorologists, and an environmental health group. He sees potential benefit in a committee bridging first responder and broader air quality responses but noted immediate incidents fall to local responders. DES has spill response teams, some with hazmat training, and could coordinate with local fire/safety for point source emissions using tools like Dräger tubes. No formal definition of 'air quality incident' exists; events like EV fires would initially be first responder matters releasing ambient pollutants. He doesn't know of existing commissions addressing this and couldn't specify transfer station fire counts but could investigate.
HB1398: David Healey, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Information Only03:09:01.680 - 12:04:27 PM; Healey continues discussing air quality events like wildfire smoke, notes no specific regulatory definition for air quality incidents. Responds to questions on monitoring: DES monitors six criteria air pollutants per federal standards. Confirms air resources division reports overall air quality, not incidents. States DES is neutral on the bill, not sent to support or oppose. Personally believes the bill's commission would address questions on equipment, money, training, and statutes.
HB1398: Representative PLE Information Only03:31:22.960 - 12:26:48 PM; Asks about past testimony on air resources monitoring only seven pollutants besides particulates and ozone.
HB1398: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:31:22.960 - 12:26:48 PM; Confirms monitoring network geared towards six criteria pollutants. Agrees air resources reports overall air quality.
HB1398: Representative Partial Information Only03:32:22.960 - 12:27:48 PM; Asks if DES supports the bill or is neutral.
HB1398: Representative Partial Information Only03:33:28.319 - 12:28:54 PM; Asks if the bill's clauses on equipment, money, training, and statutes would be answered by a commission.
HB1398: Chair Information Only03:33:28.319 - 12:28:54 PM; Closes questioning of Healey, notes no more pink cards, closes public hearing on HB 1398.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Chair Information Only03:33:28.319 - 12:28:54 PM; Proposes considering amendment to HB 1028 to resolve ambiguity in single word change from public hearing.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Vice Chair Thomas Oppose03:34:48.239 - 12:30:14 PM; Hesitant without legal opinion on whether changes make a legal difference, concerned about litigation risks.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:34:48.239 - 12:30:14 PM; Suggests full committee work session to review amendment before executive session.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Corman Support03:37:15.840 - 12:32:41 PM; Explains amendment adds 'exclusively' to clarify facility used solely to produce electric energy for resale, addressing ambiguity on whether facility means system or entire property. Gives examples like solar on residences or warehouses not qualifying as exclusive use.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative LaRoelle Information Only03:40:28.479 - 12:35:54 PM; Asks if growing blueberries under solar panels would disqualify under exclusive use.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Corman Information Only03:40:28.479 - 12:35:54 PM; Believes incidental uses like blueberries don't change primary exclusive use for energy production; if blueberry farm primary, it wouldn't qualify.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Bernardi Oppose03:41:20.800 - 12:36:46 PM; Concerned hydro facilities with licensing for docking and fishing access not exclusively producing power, potentially excluding hydro from net metering.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Swanson Oppose03:42:08.000 - 12:37:34 PM; Worried about unintended consequences of 'exclusive,' especially for hydro with multiple uses; sees it as negotiable and a copout without legal reading.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Unidentified Representative Information Only03:43:06.239 - 12:38:32 PM; Notes bill defines facility as renewable generation part, not entire dam or building; flood control integral to generation.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Thomas Oppose03:44:15.040 - 12:39:41 PM; Increasingly concerned about ramifications for hydro and lack of department input; hesitant without legal assurances.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Harrington Information Only03:45:26.239 - 12:40:52 PM; Notes law uses 'may' for negotiations, towns can refuse; suggests legal reading on 'may' and history of pilots before passing.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative McGee Oppose03:46:30.000 - 12:41:56 PM; Current language gives towns latitude to deny; wordsmithing may not help legally; agrees bill may not be needed.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Partial Information Only03:48:42.880 - 12:44:08 PM; Agrees on 'may' but cynical about lawsuits if towns refuse; wants legal advice.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Harrington Information Only03:49:36.960 - 12:45:02 PM; Notes precedent unknown; suggests info from municipal association on pilot history.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Partial Information Only03:50:29.840 - 12:45:55 PM; Concerned legislating against unproven issues with eight pending cases.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Sam, Clean Energy New Hampshire Oppose03:51:29.760 - 12:46:55 PM; Passes feedback from Ms. Kroll and Green State Hydropower: amendment too narrow, may exclude dams from pilots. Notes pilots often prerequisite for projects; towns can refuse, sometimes stopping projects; shares resources to evaluate pilots.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Gorman Information Only03:52:18.960 - 12:47:44 PM; Asks if past commission studied this; learns it studied utility classification, not this definition.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Various Representatives Oppose03:53:58.319 - 12:49:24 PM; Support ITL as safer, bill solves non-issue.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Vice Chair Thomas Vote03:54:52.880 - 12:50:18 PM; Moves to executive session on HB 1028.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Representative Harrington Vote03:54:52.880 - 12:50:18 PM; Moves to ITL the bill.
HB1028 2026-0504h: Committee Vote03:56:55.840 - 12:52:21 PM; Votes 18-0 to ITL HB 1028; places on consent calendar.
HB1534: Representative Tom Corman, Sponsor Support04:04:44.880 - 1:00:10 PM; Introduces bill requested by Community Power Coalition to ensure default service reconciliations charged only to default customers, preventing cost shifting to community power or others. Explains utilities set rates before knowing full costs, especially with day-ahead market purchases; bill sandboxes costs to benefiting customers. Notes similarity to prior tabled bill and upcoming one.
HB1534: Representative McGee Information Only04:05:56.960 - 1:01:22 PM; Confirms bill resolves cost shifting in over/under charges; asks about pushback.
HB1534: Senator Thomas Information Only04:07:05.920 - 1:02:31 PM; Asks about time frame for reconciliation; learns at next rate case.
HB1534: Representative Swanson Information Only04:08:08.800 - 1:03:34 PM; Defers question on responsiveness.
HB1534: Matt Young, New Hampshire Department of Energy Information Only04:10:52.720 - 1:06:18 PM; DOE neutral; provides context on annual (possibly shifting to six-month) reconciliations reviewed by parties. Warns of 'default service death spiral' if large migration leaves few customers to bear costs.
HB1534: Representative McGee Information Only04:14:14.479 - 1:09:40 PM; Asks likelihood of death spiral; learns migration rates 37-60%, utilities manage based on reports.
HB1534: Representative Harrington Information Only04:16:28.479 - 1:11:54 PM; Discusses death spiral risks from spot market vs. fixed contracts; suggests minimizing spot purchases to control fluctuations.
HB1534: Matt Young Information Only04:18:38.479 - 1:14:04 PM; Clarifies focus on migration, not self-supply; adheres to cost causation.
HB1534: Representative Schneller Information Only04:20:48.319 - 1:16:14 PM; Clarifies concern for alternative providers not penalized by default costs.
HB1534: Matt Young Information Only04:22:01.840 - 1:17:27 PM; Confirms default costs stay with default customers; notes resolved prior docket issue recurs.
HB1534: Donald Crease, Consumer Advocate Support04:22:18.000 - 1:17:44 PM; Supports bill to clarify default service minimizes customer risk, aligning with 1996 restructuring to shift risks from captive customers. Criticizes spot market exposure leading to under-recoveries passed to future customers; suggests utilities bear risks with incentives like keeping gains to encourage better procurement (e.g., futures). Sees default as backstop needing predictability.
HB1534: Representative Summers Information Only04:28:11.120 - 1:23:37 PM; Asks if competitive shoppers punished; learns no, as long as on competitive supply.
HB1534: Representative McGee Information Only04:29:08.479 - 1:24:34 PM; Sees as performance-based ratemaking; asks if risk on utilities inspires better decisions.
HB1534: Donald Crease Support04:30:19.439 - 1:25:45 PM; Yes, utilities are experts; customers shouldn't face spot market risks.
HB1534: Representative Harrington Information Only04:31:22.720 - 1:26:48 PM; Suggests fixed contracts minimize risk; asks if bill drives that or needs statute.
HB1534: Donald Crease Support04:32:21.920 - 1:27:47 PM; Bill keeps competitive market language; suggests futures for certainty, with utilities keeping rewards to incentivize.
HB1534: Representative Thomas Information Only04:34:15.600 - 1:29:41 PM; Asks amounts of money/rate impacts if utilities eat losses.
HB1534: Donald Crease Support04:35:05.920 - 1:30:31 PM; Ideal: few on default; backstop for unaware; prefers most on competitive or aggregation.
HB1534: Representative Kaplan Information Only04:36:05.439 - 1:31:31 PM; Asks if bill could amend to eliminate under/over entirely.
HB1534: Donald Crease Support04:37:08.480 - 1:32:34 PM; Intriguing but vet with PUC first; bill drives right direction without enshrining.
HB1534: Representative Thomas Information Only04:38:11.760 - 1:33:37 PM; Notes PUC directs spot market; not mistake if ordered.
HB1534: Donald Crease Support04:39:08.959 - 1:34:34 PM; Utilities followed directives; spot market valid to avoid risk premiums, but cold winter shows risks.
HB1534: Michele Lacata, Eversource Oppose04:39:08.959 - 1:34:34 PM; Opposes as refiled HB760; PUC rejected recovering reconciliations from all customers. Provides background: 50% self-supply from market per PUC to avoid supplier risk premiums; has lowered prices mostly, but adds volatility. Utilities follow PUC directives without profit motive or expertise in arbitrage. Warns bill forecloses flexibility in death spiral, leading to litigation; defer to PUC on risk minimization.
HB1534: Michele Lacata, Eversource Information Only04:52:49.280 - 1:48:15 PM; Lacata continues testimony, explaining that default service has been a cost savings overall. She responds to questions from Representative Harrington, stating utilities do not want to take risks in procurement to avoid competing with the market or incentivizing retention on default service. She confirms the PUC order requiring 50% spot market procurement and that over/under charges are limited to default service customers. She discusses a past error in load allocation leading to underrecovery, where PUC disallowed most recovery from small customers. Lacata opposes codifying restrictions as it binds the regulator's hands. On declining ratepayers, she notes costs are set every six months based on projections, and short-term mass migration could increase costs, but long-term changes may not.
HB1534: Alec Omera, Director of External Affairs, Unitil Information Only05:01:19.120 - 1:56:45 PM; Omera states Unitil has no position on the bill, as they do not profit from default service and follow PUC directives. He discusses a past proposal to spread over/under collections across all customers to avoid a 'death spiral' or 'endgame' scenario, but PUC ruled against it. He shares Unitil's experience in Massachusetts, where most communities are on third-party aggregation, leaving few default service customers reliant on spot market, with over/under spread across all. He emphasizes utilities follow PUC on spot market use and highlights current risks from contracting default base. In Q&A, he notes ambiguity in the bill's risk minimization language and describes the Massachusetts tipping point when customer base shrank to 3-5k out of 30k, unable to get bids.
HB1534: Clifton Below, Chair of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Committee, Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Support05:13:55.600 - 2:09:21 PM; Below supports HB 1534 (and similar HB 1733) as anti-competitive to prevent utilities from recovering default service over/under from all customers, unlike other suppliers. He provides historical context: default costs traditionally recovered from default users via load-following contracts. He critiques spot market volatility and a 2024 Eversource forecast of $6.5M underrecovery attributed to migration, which PUC initially allowed via stranded cost charge. Analysis revealed internal errors in load settlement, not migration (e.g., 150% over-purchase for large customers). He argues proxy methodology likely undercollects, and bill prevents death spiral by limiting recovery to default users. Mechanisms like frequent reconciliations and new customer inflows mitigate buildup. Utilities conceded errors and will improve processes; PUC disallowed some recovery due to mistakes.
HR35: Committee Researcher Davis Allen Information Only05:45:14.240 - 2:40:40 PM; Informed the committee that a House resolution cannot direct a state agency to perform actions, such as posting information on a website.
HR35: Representative Bernardi Support05:45:14.240 - 2:40:40 PM; Recommended amending the resolution to remove the directive to the Department of Environmental Services.
HR35: Representative Kaplan Oppose05:45:14.240 - 2:40:40 PM; Recommended ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate) for the bill.
HR35: Representative Corman Oppose05:45:14.240 - 2:40:40 PM; Stated that the resolution is unnecessary and would not vote for it as is or amended.
HR35: Representative Swanson Oppose05:46:37.440 - 2:42:03 PM; Expressed concerns about the lack of meteorological consultation, directing federal agencies, and misunderstanding of cloud seeding processes; recommended ITL.
HR35: Representative Poge Support05:48:00.878 - 2:43:26 PM; Noted constituent concerns since 2020 about cloud seeding as poisoning the air; supported the resolution as a statement of New Hampshire's position, even if non-binding.
HR35: Vice Chair Thomas Support05:50:37.200 - 2:46:03 PM; Supported the resolution if amended to remove the directive to the state department to avoid making New Hampshire look silly.
HR35: Representative Parall Oppose05:50:37.200 - 2:46:03 PM; Would vote to ITL but agreed with amending if proceeding; opposed poorly drafted legislation.
HR35: Unnamed Representative Support05:55:12.400 - 2:50:38 PM; Suggested a revote on the amendment after hearing colleagues.
HR35: Representative Harrington Oppose05:55:12.400 - 2:50:38 PM; Suggested moving the question, calling it a waste of time on useless legislation.
HR35: Representative McGee Oppose05:51:52.400 - 2:47:18 PM; Noted the sponsor's repeated attempts but emphasized it is not the committee's job to fix the bill; concerned about putting agencies in an awkward position.
HR35: Representative Thomas Oppose05:53:52.320 - 2:49:18 PM; Leaned towards supporting to close the issue but opposed passing sloppy legislation without amendment; recommended ITL without changes.
HR35: Representative Bernardi Support05:55:12.400 - 2:50:38 PM; Acknowledged the sponsor's efforts and past promises; believed the committee has an obligation to consider with an amendment.
HR35: Chairman (presumed) Information Only05:55:57.600 - 2:51:23 PM; Called for roll on ought to pass, resulting in 8-10 failure; then on ITL, resulting in 9-9 tie and failure; resulted in no recommendation.
HR35: Representative Corman Oppose05:57:43.360 - 2:53:09 PM; Moved for ITL.
HR35: Vice Chair Thomas Oppose05:57:43.360 - 2:53:09 PM; Opposed ITL, suggesting interim study instead.
HR35: Representative Pogee Support05:59:42.320 - 2:55:08 PM; Agreed to write the position for ought to pass.
HR35: Representative Corman Oppose05:59:42.320 - 2:55:08 PM; Agreed to write the position for ITL.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Harrington Support06:00:36.558 - 2:56:02 PM; Moved for adoption of amendment 2024-0514h, explaining changes to exempt class 3 and 4, and adjust wording for alternative compliance payments.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Summers Support06:01:22.480 - 2:56:48 PM; Seconded the motion for the amendment.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Bernardi Support06:02:23.680 - 2:57:49 PM; Supported the amendment for protecting hydro power and class 3 biomass to keep dams functioning and forests productive.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Vice Chair Thomas Support06:03:26.558 - 2:58:52 PM; Agreed the amendment protects north country, dams, and forest industry; voted in favor.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative McGee Oppose06:03:26.558 - 2:58:52 PM; Amendment doesn't worsen the bill but opposed the bill for phasing out other classes without goals or analysis.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Corman Support06:04:40.160 - 3:00:06 PM; Appreciated protecting class 3 and 4 but would vote against the amended bill to also protect solar.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Kaplan Oppose06:04:40.160 - 3:00:06 PM; Supported amendment but recommended study on impacts to jobs, economy, and energy sector before phasing out portfolio standard.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Chairman (presumed) Information Only06:05:33.680 - 3:00:59 PM; Called for roll on amendment, passing 17-1.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Harrington Support06:06:18.718 - 3:01:44 PM; Moved ought to pass as amended.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Vice Chair Thomas Support06:06:18.718 - 3:01:44 PM; Seconded the motion.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Swanson Oppose06:07:43.120 - 3:03:09 PM; Opposed phasing out distributed energy given increasing demand; noted 2:1 return on investment.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Corman Oppose06:08:55.440 - 3:04:21 PM; Opposed to encourage in-state solar, wind, hydro for energy independence, avoiding out-of-state reliance.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative McGee Oppose06:10:10.480 - 3:05:36 PM; Opposed for increasing dependence on volatile out-of-state supply, raising costs without analysis; favored local sustainable sources.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Bernardi Support06:11:23.040 - 3:06:49 PM; Criticized solar and wind for reliance on foreign production, especially China; should be treated like other fuels.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Harrington Support06:12:36.798 - 3:08:02 PM; Noted subsidies make anything look good; recommended moving the question as votes won't change.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Chairman (presumed) Information Only06:13:29.360 - 3:08:55 PM; Called for roll on ought to pass as amended, passing 10-8; assigned reports.
HB1721 2024-0514h: Representative Corman Oppose06:14:18.958 - 3:09:44 PM; Agreed to write minority report.
HB1743: Representative Notter Oppose06:14:18.958 - 3:09:44 PM; Moved for ITL.
HB1743: Vice Chair Thomas Oppose06:14:18.958 - 3:09:44 PM; Seconded the motion.
HB1743: Representative Bernardi Oppose06:15:04.798 - 3:10:30 PM; Explained smart meters emit non-ionizing radio frequency radiation, not harmful like ionizing radiation; bill based on misunderstanding.
HB1743: Chairman (presumed) Information Only06:15:04.798 - 3:10:30 PM; Called for roll on ITL, passing 17-1; assigned report and placed on consent calendar.
HB1739: Representative Harrington Support06:17:17.200 - 3:12:43 PM; Representative Harrington highlights a critical flaw in the bill on line 13, defining a Grid Modernization Agreement (GMA) as a binding agreement between a developer, the Department of Energy, and the Public Utilities Commission, including cost sharing, energy sourcing, and community benefit provisions. He argues that the DOE and PUC lack the authority to enter such binding agreements, making the provision unworkable and sufficient reason to kill the bill.
HB1739: Representative McGee Support06:18:26.480 - 3:13:52 PM; Representative McGee acknowledges that the bill aims to establish guardrails for large-scale data facility infrastructure, which is needed, but it advances too quickly by defining unworkable elements. He notes omissions like water supplies and other considerations, and concludes the bill is not fully thought through, rendering it unworkable, which leads him to support the ITL motion.
HB1739: Representative Corman Support06:19:32.400 - 3:14:58 PM; Representative Corman states she will vote for the ITL motion, citing her known opposition to large data centers as detailed in her recent Union Leader op-ed. She raises concerns about their high energy consumption, cooling needs, noise, and low job creation—e.g., Apple's $1 billion data center created fewer than 100 jobs. She prefers directing construction resources toward housing, which New Hampshire desperately needs, and opposes bills encouraging large data centers.
HB1739: Representative Parall Information Only06:20:37.360 - 3:16:03 PM; Representative Parall asks if the committee has heard from any sponsors of the bill. After clarification that no sponsors testified despite the bill being introduced, he notes he had forgotten and apologizes for the confusion.
HB1739: Committee Chair Vote06:21:35.200 - 3:17:01 PM; The Chair calls for the roll on the motion to find the bill Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL). The vote is unanimous: 18 yes votes from Vice Chair Thomas, Representatives N, Harrington, Pogee (likely McGee), Bernardi, Summers, Matson, Schneller, Saborender (likely Sabourin), McGee, Parall (likely Perreault), Kaplan, Thomas, Corman, Reynolds, La Rochelle, Swanson, and the Chairman. The motion passes 18-0, and the bill is placed on the consent calendar. Representative Harrington is assigned to write the committee report.

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