Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joyce Craig recently announced her Energy Independence and Climate Protection Plan designed to lower energy costs in New Hampshire. Courtesy photo

MANCHESTER – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Joyce Craig recently announced a comprehensive policy plan to diversify New Hampshire’s energy portfolio, lower costs for Granite State families and protect the environment.

Craig’s Energy Independence and Climate Protection Plan details the attention she will bring to the issues of climate change, renewable and clean energy and making the state more affordable. As mayor of Manchester, Craig took on this fight, building the largest municipal solar array in the state at that time and she is prepared to take on this fight for everyone in New Hampshire.

“Our Energy Independence and Climate Protection Plan lays out a series of goals and initiatives we will use to set New Hampshire up for the future.This plan makes clear our commitment to lowering energy costs for families and businesses, diversifying our energy supply, and protecting our communities from the impact of climate change,” said Craig. “During my time as mayor, we were able to build what was the state’s largest municipal solar array, reduce carbon emissions by 60 percent and permanently preserve over 2,000 acres of Lake Massabesic waterfront. As governor, I will work tirelessly to support our cities and towns efforts to lower energy costs and protect our environment for generations to come.”

Elected officials, community leaders, climate change activists, and clean energy experts were fast to voice their support of Craig’s plan – demonstrating that Craig has a proven record of delivering results for New Hampshire residents and addressing the climate and energy crisis. Industry leaders standing behind Craig is proof that she has a realistic and evidence-based plan that will set New Hampshire on the right path.

“Joyce Craig has put together a realistic and effective plan to address the energy and environmental issues facing our state. The initiatives she has laid out will reduce the financial burden our energy system places on New Hampshire families, they will invigorate the economy with investments in renewable energy, and they will make our environment healthier,” said clean energy entrepreneur Daniel Weeks. “Joyce’s invaluable experience as an executive is demonstrated by this measured approach to the challenges we face. She delivered results in Manchester and we can see she has a clear vision for the future of our state.”

“Joyce has built a career on delivering results for Granite State families and this Energy Independence and Climate Protection Plan shows how she will address the energy and environmental issues in our state,” said State Sen. Rebecca Perkins Kwoka. “As mayor, Joyce spearheaded the development of the largest solar array in the state, reduced the city’s CO2 emissions by 60 percent, and preserved over 2,000 acres on the waterfront of Lake Massabesic. She knows how to get things done and the policies she plans to put in place will create a more prosperous and stronger New Hampshire.”

“For far too long the leaders of this state have failed to address the growing climate crisis, and we have seen the effects take hold as devastating flooding wreaks havoc on our coast and in communities across the state. We need a leader who will step up and place an emphasis on the long-term health of New Hampshire’s environment and residents and Joyce Craig has made it clear that she is that leader,” said Gary Hirshberg, former CEO of Stonyfield Farm in Londonderry. “The plan that she’s put forth will deliver tangible results for Granite State families and keep our communities and our environment safe.”

“States throughout New England are benefiting from the immense amounts of wind-power generated in the Gulf of Maine. New Hampshire can no longer allow this opportunity to pass us by, and Joyce Craig is committed to tapping into this power source to benefit families throughout our state,” said State Sen. David Waters. “Taking advantage of these off-shore wind opportunities will ease the current financial burden on our residents and create thousands of family-sustaining jobs. Joyce’s Energy Independence and Climate Protection Plan will strengthen our standing in the region and set us up for a healthier and more financially stable future.”

“Joyce Craig’s newly announced energy plan creates a tangible path forward in protecting our environment while lowering energy costs and investing in avenues of renewable energy,” said clean energy advocate Katrin Casper. “These initiatives have been sorely missed in New Hampshire’s past and I’m thrilled to see Joyce stepping up and demonstrating her commitment to protecting the future of our state and supporting its hard working residents.”