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 feels like. In order to avoid an even more bleak future, we must transform our energy infrastructure.
To do this, we need to keep fossil fuels in the ground; create clean, renewable electricity; electrify transportation, heating and cooling; and much more. To support this transition, Congress must pass the Build Back Better Act, the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill.
Nationwide, more than 180 municipalities have pledged to power their communities with 100% clean, renewable energy. Hanover was the first to do so by popular vote, in 2017, and was quickly joined by other New Hampshire towns. As part of this commitment, Hanover has installed 2 megawatts of solar to supply more than 90% of the electricity used in municipal operations. Hanover residents are on track to reach 2 megawatts of solar capacity to power 250 homes by year-end. Moreover, Hanover and Lebanon are collaborating with many other towns in the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (cpcnh.org), which will allow us to choose and influence where our electricity comes from.
Clearly, there is political will for this transition. It is time for Congress to follow our lead.
Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas and Sens. Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen must support the Build Back Better Act, which includes a payment program and tax incentives that would help justly and equitably transition to 100% clean energy over the next decade.
As fires burned out West, tornadoes hit the Midwest and storms flooded the South and elsewhere, we in the Upper Valley were relatively fortunate. Even so, we started the summer with a drought, saw excessive rain in July and experienced a few days of dangerously high particle content in our air because of fires burning far away.
There really is no place to hide. Time is running out. We need Congress to act.
Please urge your senators and representatives to support the Build Back Better Act.
JUDI COLLA
Hanover
The writer 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 city’s largest, but every stream and drainage area is significant. How 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 “Taking Action 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 systems and what can be done at both the city and household level to improve their functioning.
On Oct. 9, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., stream restoration specialists Colin Lawson from Trout Unlimited and John Magee from New Hampshire Fish and Game will discuss what makes a river a healthy place for fish and other animals, how culverts and other road infrastructure can impact streams and fish, and what work is being done to protect and restore these vital habitats. They will also share some tips for spotting good places to fish in streams and rivers.
On Oct. 23, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., Lisa Loosigian, program coordinator for Soak up the Rain NH, will discuss what you can do at home to protect and restore clean water in your local rivers and lakes. Throughout New Hampshire, neighbors are creating rain gardens, setting up rain barrels and using trenches and other simple techniques to prevent water pollution. Whether you live on the water or up 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 on “View Calendar” to access links to the Zoom programs.
JIM CONTOIS
Claremont
The writer represents Ward II on the Claremont City Council and is a member of the Conservation Commission.
We are so happy to see the dinosaur coming back to life on Route 4 in Enfield. We have so enjoyed seeing it with all the changing seasons and costumes and were very sad when it disappeared last winter. But now he is coming back to life.
It always brightens our day to drive by and we look to see what’s next.
Love it. Makes our day.
JON and NATALIE LOUNDER
Canaan