In an unsurprising but nevertheless disturbing series of vetoes, Granite State residents woke up to find that Gov. Chris Sununu once again denied New Hampshire the opportunity to empower an energy system that is not only more sustainable and regionally competitive but also financially beneficial. Currently, the state caps its solar energy spending at .7 percent. Senate Bill 124 would have increased this cap to 19 percent. While this jump may seem exorbitant at first glance, the goal is in place for 2040.

Aside from offering a remarkably moderate development, compared to other New England states, New Hampshire is remarkably behind on its renewable energy objectives. More specifically, Maine’s goal for renewable energy usage recently jumped to 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. Massachusetts hopes to achieve 80% by 2050. Vermont is working toward 75% renewable adoption by 2032. Based on this information, the proposal was not only remarkably moderate but also well considered to fit our state’s particular development. Meanwhile, two-fifths of New Hampshire residents, the second highest of any U.S. state, rely on fuel oil to heat their homes.

Not only are the other New England states’ objectives far more ambitious than New Hampshire but they also demonstrate the extent to which their lawmakers recognize the enormous financial benefits of renewable energy usage. Studies by the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest independent systems operator cite the net gain for the Mid-Atlantic at 241 billion dollars with similar gains possible in New England. Most importantly, this amounts to approximately 241 dollars per year in benefits for taxpayers. This is not to mention the more direct tax subsidies for NH consumers. Even NH.gov cites the benefits of providing tax breaks to residents who decide to power their homes through renewable energy sources. Particularly given the fact that the U.S. has been forced to spend 3.6 billion dollars on infrastructure related to climate-related changes, these savings should be viewed as having ‘double’ benefits not only saving money on infrastructure development but also providing each of us with direct savings.

Of course, these state and individual benefits are lost on Gov. Sununu. Calling the bill “crony capitalism at its worst” he vetoed the bill instead claiming that New Hampshire would need to devote “land 3 times the size of Lake Sunapee” to achieve the solar energy objectives the bill proposed. However, this spurious claim completely ignores the fact that 51 percent of individuals in the Northeast and New Hampshire have “seriously considered” installing solar panels on their property thus placing the spatial ‘burden’ (if it can be called that) on residents rather than on our protected land and wild spaces. Put simply, what else are our rooftops being used for? Far from destroying the public lands that I, as much as anyone loves, renewable energy will simply utilize otherwise unproductive space.

Given the financial benefits and competitive edge that renewable energy offers, it should come as no surprise that 77 percent of our population favors supporting solar and wind energy ahead of fossil fuels. Far from exemplifying “crony capitalism,” renewable energy offers a powerful source of innovation, financial growth and development for our state. Rather than fall behind, Gov. Sununu should heed the advice of his constituents and support sustainable change for our state.

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