Finance Committee Votes to Restore Renewable Energy Fund

Today the Senate Finance committee voted to restore the Renewable Energy Fund in keeping with the state Senate’s prior actions of protecting dedicated funds, according to a press statement.

“We are working hard to make sure dedicated funds, like the Renewable Energy Fund, are restored or maintained at a consistent level,” said state Senate Finance chairwoman Jeanie Forrester, R- Meredith. “Senate Republicans have led on the issue of maintaining the integrity of dedicated funds and the Senate has voted on several occasions, overwhelmingly, in support of this issue. Today’s vote was an important step in working towards a budget that makes responsible spending decisions but also lives within our state’s means.”

State Senate Finance Vice Chairman Jerry Little, R-Weare, agreed.

“We have heard from numerous small business owners in the energy industry that the Renewable Energy Fund serves an important role in their ability to be successful in the state,” Little said.

Little, who also serves on the Energy and Natural Resources committee, added, “Senate Republicans are committed to making New Hampshire’s small businesses a priority and by restoring the Renewable Energy Fund we will continue to meet their needs.”

Update

Kate Epsen, the executive director of New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association and NH CleanTech Council, commended the vote in a statement:

Today’s bipartisan 6-0 vote to restore the full balance of the dedicated Renewable Energy Fund and not raid it is a great step forward toward ensuring the intended use of these critical funds: namely to enable businesses, towns, and citizens to lower their energy costs, lower local taxes, and keep our energy dollars here in NH. This is a vote for our economy, our jobs, and for renewed trust in state government and our constitution. The discussion among Senate Finance Committee members preceding the vote to delete sections 363-365 in the state’s biennium budget indicated strong support for this economically vital, job-creating dedicated fund. Senators commented that a raid would be the wrong way to build a budget and noted that twice this year the Senate has supported bills to protect dedicated funds. They also correctly recognized that renewable energy companies are making good use of the Renewable Energy Fund. Today’s unanimous Committee vote shows that Senate leadership in both parties values this dedicated energy fund and recognizes its important role in our economy. We commend the Senate for honoring their on-record commitment to protect the integrity of dedicated funds in crafting New Hampshire’s budget. And we urge the full Senate, Committee of Conference, and Governor to stand behind today’s vote and uphold that commitment to protect this fund, support our businesses, and grow our economy.