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Posted: 10/02/2021 22:00:04 PM
Modified: 10/02/2021 22:00:05 PM
After nearly two years of public emergencies – COVID-19, extreme weather, polarizing politics, civil unrest and more – most of us know what a struggling world looks like. In order to avoid an even bleaker future, we need to transform our energy infrastructure.
To do this, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground; create clean and renewable electricity; electrify transport, heating and air conditioning; and much more. To support this transition, Congress must pass the Build Back Better Act, the $ 3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill.
Nationally, more than 180 municipalities are committed to supplying their communities with 100% clean and renewable energy. Hanover was the first to do so by popular vote, in 2017, and was quickly joined by other cities in New Hampshire. As part of this commitment, Hanover installed 2 megawatts of solar power to provide more than 90% of the electricity used in municipal operations. The people of Hanover are on track to reach 2 megawatts of solar capacity to power 250 homes by the end of the year. In addition, Hanover and Lebanon collaborate with many other cities of the New Hampshire Community Power Coalition (cpcnh.org), which will allow us to choose and influence the source of our electricity.
Clearly, there is political will for this transition. It is time for Congress to follow our example.
Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas and the Senses. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen must support the Build Back Better Act, which includes a payment program and tax incentives that would help a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy over the next decade.
As fires burned in the west, tornadoes hit the Midwest, and storms flooded the south and elsewhere, we in the upper valley were relatively lucky. Despite this, we started the summer with a drought, saw excessive rains in July, and for a few days experienced dangerously high particulate matter in our air due to fires burning far away.
There really is no place to hide. Hurry up. We need Congress to act.
Please urge your Senators and Representatives to support the Build Back Better law.
JUDI COLLE
Hanover
The author is co-chair of Sustainable Hanover-Energy.
Claremont, like many New England municipalities, is shaped by the health of its rivers. The Connecticut and Sugar Rivers are the largest in the city, but every stream and drainage area is important. The way water moves and what it carries affects the quality of our water, recreational activities, the health of our aquatic ecosystems and much more.
The Claremont Conservation Commission’s “Act for Wildlife” series continues with two Zoom programs on river restoration and resilience. These programs will describe what affects the health and adaptability of our water supply systems and what can be done at city and household level to improve their functioning.
On October 9, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., stream restoration specialists Colin Lawson of Trout Unlimited and John Magee of New Hampshire Fish and Game will discuss what makes a river a healthy place to fish and other animals, how culverts and other road infrastructure can impact streams and fish, and what work is underway to protect and restore these vital habitats. They will also share some tips for spotting the right places to fish in streams and rivers.
On October 23, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Lisa Loosigian, Coordinator of the Soak up the Rain NH program, will discuss what you can do at home to protect and restore clean water in your local rivers and lakes. Across New Hampshire, neighbors are creating rain gardens, installing rain barrels, and using trenches and other simple techniques to prevent water pollution. Whether you live on the water or on the road, come learn how you can do your part.
Go to the Claremont Conservation Commission page on the city’s website (claremontnh.com/conservation-commission) and click “View Calendar” to access links to Zoom programs.
JIM CONTOIS
Claremont
The writer represents district II on the Claremont municipal council and is a member of the Conservation Commission.
We are so happy to see the dinosaur come back to life on Route 4 in Enfield. We loved seeing him with all the changing seasons and costumes so much and we were very sad when he disappeared last winter. But now he’s coming back to life.
It always brightens our day of driving and we are watching to see what comes next.
To like. Made our day.
JON and NATALIE LOUNDER
Canaan
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