Lawmakers will be busy with energy-related bills

Published Date

CONCORD — State lawmakers could be spending a great deal of time this legislative session debating the state's role in the development of the electric power infrastructure in the Granite State.
State Rep. Suzanne Smith of Hebron says the list of electric system-related bills is already pretty long.
According to her count, proposals that are already, or soon will be, in bill form include:
— Requiring the state to draw up a new strategic energy plan.
— Establishing moratoriums on wind-turbine and electric transmission line projects.
— Requiring an evaluation to determine whether a specific energy project is necessary.
— Mandating that new major transmission lines be buried.
— Requiring public participation for site approval certificates.
— Establishing energy efficiency standards and clear energy districts.
— Requiring specific findings on the need for transmission lines.