RELEASE: Granite State Conservation Voters Endorse Gov. Lynch

For Immediate Release:                                                                  Contact: Evan Carlson

Wednesday, August 20, 2008                                                        (603) 836-0655

                                                                                                                   (202) 558-8342 (cell)

Granite State Conservation Voters Endorse Gov. Lynch For His Commitment to Building New Energy Future, Protecting New Hampshire’s Environment

MANCHESTER – Praising Governor John Lynch’s efforts to build a new energy future and preserve New Hampshire’s environment, the Granite State Conservation Voters Alliance today endorsed Gov. John Lynch for re-election.

“Through word and action, John Lynch has proven himself to be a friend of New Hampshire’s environment and a protector of our quality of life,” said Rick Russman, Board Chair of the Granite State Conservation Voters. “On behalf of the Board of the Granite State Conservation Voters and the NH Conservation community, I am pleased to announce our endorsement for John Lynch for a third term as Governor.”

Gov. Lynch accepted the endorsement at a press conference in front of New Hampshire’s State House today.

“As Governor, it is my highest priority to make sure we are doing everything we can as a state to protect the interests of the people of New Hampshire -- right now and for generations to come,” Gov. Lynch said. “And preserving our environment here in New Hampshire is important for both our quality of life and our economy.”

During the past four years, Gov. Lynch has been a leader on energy and environmental issues. Recognizing the importance to New Hampshire’s economy and natural environment, Gov. Lynch has been working to build a cleaner, alternative energy future for New Hampshire and to help families and businesses save money by becoming more energy efficient.

He signed the Renewable Energy Act, aimed at increasing the amount of alternative fuels and bringing the jobs of the future to New Hampshire. Under his leadership, New Hampshire has joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will help families and businesses save on their energy bills by cutting their energy use, and fight global warming. 

In addition, under Gov. Lynch’s leadership New Hampshire is funding the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program to preserve the open space and historic places of our state; passed legislation to cut mercury pollution; and passed a permanent ban on the burning of toxic construction and demolition debris.

“New Hampshire needs leaders in Concord who understand that our economy and quality of life is directly linked to the health of our environment,” Russman said. “John Lynch’s support of land conservation initiatives, renewable energy programs, greenhouse gas reductions and greater protection for New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers and ponds made supporting your candidacy a unanimous decision of our bipartisan Board of Directors.”

“Across party lines, people in New Hampshire recognize that expanding energy alternatives and protecting our state’s natural environment is essential to our economic future,” Gov. Lynch said. “I will continue to work to protect our environment for the people of New Hampshire, our children and future generations.”

“We applaud the Governor’s efforts to work towards renewable sources of energy, and plan to work with him to continue to promote clean energy for New Hampshire,” said Russman said.

#  # #

Governor Lynch: A Record of Environmental and Energy Solutions

Gov. John Lynch has a proven record of bringing Democrats, Independents and Republicans together to support bipartisan energy and environment solutions.

ENVIRONMENT

·         Fighting Global Warming. Gov. Lynch has made fighting global warming a priority. Under his leadership, New Hampshire has joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a 10-state effort to reduce the pollution that causes global warming and to increase energy efficiency. Gov. Lynch has also set a goal of ensuring that New Hampshire gets 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2025; signed an executive order directing state agencies to become more energy efficient;  and created a Climate Change Task Force to recommend other steps the state can take to reduce global warming.

·         Bringing Alternative Energy Jobs to New Hampshire and Expanding New Hampshire’s Energy Choices. Gov. John Lynch proposed and signed into law the Renewable Energy Act, aimed at helping New Hampshire get 25 percent of its energy from renewable energy sources by 2025. This law is helping attract alternative energy jobs to New Hampshire, and will build New Hampshire’s economy by increasing our energy independence; diversifying our energy sources; encouraging investment in new, cleaner energy production in New Hampshire and helping stabilize energy costs for businesses and families. 

·         Enhancing Our State Parks. Gov. John Lynch has made ensuring our state parks remain jewels for all to enjoy a priority. As Governor, John Lynch made the first system-wide capital investment in the state parks in over 40 years. He included funding in the state budget to allow the state to purchase Temple Mountain, providing an important new recreational opportunity for people in southern New Hampshire, while ensuring this treasured area will be preserved for future generations to use.

·         Preserving New Hampshire’s Unique Character. As Governor, John Lynch made a commitment to preserving what is special about New Hampshire.

o   As Governor, John Lynch made a commitment to preserving what is special about New Hampshire by fully funding the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program. This highly successful program allows the state to partner with local communities to preserve open space and historic places.

o   Gov. Lynch worked with the Legislature to create a Bureau of Historic Resources at the Department of Resources and Economic Development to focus on maintaining and improving state-owned historic sites.

·         Stopping the Burning of Construction and Demolition Debris. John Lynch fought successfully for a permanent ban on the burning of toxic construction and demolition debris, which would have added to air and water pollution in New Hampshire.

·         Protecting New Hampshire’s Waters. John Lynch knows that New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds are critical to our economy and our quality of life. That is why he signed legislation providing greater protections for the shores of our lakes and ponds, helping to protect New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds for future generations.

ENERGY

·         Passed the Renewable Energy Act. Gov. Lynch signed the Renewable Energy Act that will help New Hampshire lead the nation toward a cleaner, more independent energy future. Increasing renewable energy will lessen the need for foreign oil and for expensive natural gas. The law is already leading to the new development of wind power, biomass and geothermal in New Hampshire. Increasing renewable energy will create jobs right here in New Hampshire by expanding uses for wood products, in building clean power plants, and in research and development.

o   A study by the University of New Hampshire estimated that by reducing natural gas consumption this law could help reduce total electric costs in New Hampshire by $5.6 billion by 2025.

o   Over time, the Renewable Energy Act could bring in $16 million of new investment incentives to create a new renewable generation in New Hampshire.

o   Governor Lynch worked on both sides of the aisle for the people of New Hampshire to pass the Renewable Energy Act and it received overwhelming bipartisan support. It passed by a vote of 253-37 in the House and received unanimous approval in the Senate.

• Joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Under Gov. Lynch’s leadership, New Hampshire joined a regional effort that will help families and businesses cut their energy use to save money and fight global warming.

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative was developed by a coalition of Democratic and Republican governors in 10 Northeast states, and passed the New Hampshire legislature with bipartisan support. An independent economic study by the University of New Hampshire found that New Hampshire ratepayers would see higher energy bills in the long-term if the state did not participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The proceeds from RGGI will be used to help families and businesses reduce their energy use and costs.

·         In addition: Fighting for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. Gov. Lynch is fighting to help New Hampshire families with high heating oil prices this year by working with governors across New England to push Congress to at least double funding to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

·         Helping businesses, families save on energy costs. As part of Gov. Lynch’s Jobs Cabinet, state agencies are partnering with the state’s Business and Industry Association to help businesses become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs. In addition, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will provide funding to help the businesses and families invest in energy-saving technology.

·         Protecting home-heating oil customers. Gov. Lynch signed legislation protecting home-heating oil customers. Many New Hampshire families enter pre-buy contracts, hoping to lock in lower oil prices. Gov. Lynch signed HB 903 to help ensure the language of pre-buy home heating fuel contracts can be easily understood by the consumer, that dealers will show proof they can acquire the fuel at the agreed upon price, and that the dealer will reimburse the consumer for any undelivered pre-purchased fuel.

·         Reducing state energy use. In 2005, Gov. Lynch issued an executive order directing state agencies to reduce their own energy use; to buy more energy-efficient products; and to make state buildings more energy efficient when they are renovated.