Portsmouth forum addresses clean energy

By JOEL F. HARRIS

Democrat Staff Writer

Above, Greg Norris, President of Sylvatica, gave a presentation Thursday night at Portsmouth City Hall. (Steve Drozell/Staff photographer)

PORTSMOUTH — More than 25 area residents turned out for a public hearing on the development of a 10-year New Hampshire Energy Plan held at City Hall on Thursday.

The plan is being develop by the Governor’s Office of Energy and Community Services along with a group of energy-planning experts. The initiative is a result of legislation enacted last year that charged the ECS with producing a plan focusing on such topics as demand projections and adequacy of supply, fuel diversity, energy efficiency, and how New Hampshire-specific issues relate to regional initiatives.

"My hope is that as we go around the state conducting public hearings, we will get more information that will be incorporated into the plan and help us as we come up with policy recommendation to be able to present the legislature next November," said MaryAnn Manoogian, director of the ECS.

Eight public forums are being held throughout the state to provide information to the public and to solicit concerns and comments to help in planning for the state’s energy goals. Portsmouth is the second city to host the forum proceed by Manchester.

The plan is slated for completion in November of 2002 in time for the next legislative session.

"There may even be some legislation that could come forth in the next session that could address some of the policy initiatives raised by these session," said state Rep. Terie Norelli, D-Portsmouth.

Before the public commentary session opened, Greg Norris, president of Sylvatica, one of the groups working with the state, gave a brief presentation about the plan that is based on the Energy 2020 model. Norris told those in attendance that the majority of energy consumed is by private residents, with the largest percentages being used for transportation and home heating.

Jennifer Hicks from the Seacoast Anti-Pollution League was the first to speak at the energy hearing.

Norelli was one of four state representatives who listened to residents who spoke during the open forum. She was joined by Naida Kaen, D-Lee, John Thomas, R-Belmont , and Jackie Pitts, D-Portsmouth. Those who stepped to the podium on Thursday where both leaders of local activist groups and concerned citizens.

The public speakers struck a common chord with most calling for reduction or elimination of coal and nuclear power plants, in favor of renewable energy source such as solar power. Several speakers also called for the state to enact legislation that would encourage citizens, business and municipalities to build more environmentally-friendly buildings and cut energy consumption with conservation incentives.

Jennifer Hicks, of the Seacoast Anti-pollution League, along with several other speakers were concerned about the safety hazard Seabrook Station creates to the Seacoast. Hicks cited the targeting of Seabrook station by terrorist and the disposal of nuclear waste as the largest problems facing Seabrook and the region. Hick said that the states 10-year plan should include the closing of Seabrook.

"At times the plant gets over shadowed by other energy issues, but the bottom line is this is the largest risk on the Seacoast just by the fact that it exists," Hicks said.

Guy Chichester, of Rye, suggested the state empower local communities to produce their own power and encouraged them to think of creative ways to save energy and reduce pollution.

Chichester cited initiatives by Oregon and Sweden that have placed bicycles on the corner of every street, so citizens can bike to their destinations.

Doug Bogen, president of New Hampshire Clean Water Action, scolded the state for relying to much on out dated and polluting power plants. Bogen said New Hampshire is quickly becoming the least environmentally regulated state in New England.

Bogen warned officials that if they do not make regulatory changes New Hampshire will become the dumping grounds of New England.

"We need to stop subsidizing the old dirty inefficient power sources, such as we have today" Bogen said. "We need to require that all fuels play by the same rules."

Jim Sconyer, of Dover, told the assembled officials that New Hampshire need to change the energy sources they use in exchange for those that do not create health hazards and environmental hazards.

"The path we have taken has brought us smog, acid rain, asthma and global warming," Sconyer said. "We need to put that past behind us."

Manoogian said that the information collected on Thursday was similar to what was heard in Manchester and to what she expects to hear throughout the state.

"What we are hearing... is that the citizens that are testifying would like to see the state making more of an investment in renewable energy," Manoogian said.

For more information visit the ECS Web site at www.nhecs.org/nhep.