Governor Ayotte’s support for the Constitution Pipeline marks a shift toward fossil fuels, despite New Hampshire’s urgent climate goals. As the state retreats from offshore wind, the environmental impact becomes starkly apparent.
By Granite State Report Why New Hampshire Rents Outpace Wages In New Hampshire, the gap between wages and housing costs has widened to a point that threatens the financial stability of thousands of residents. Despite the state’s strong economy and low unemployment rate, the cost of renting an apartment has…
The NH Forest Society, founded in 1901, is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest nonprofit dedicated to land conservation. It protects significant landscapes through land acquisition, conservation easements, sustainable forestry, and public advocacy. The Society fosters a collaborative approach, engaging community members and policymakers to ensure New Hampshire’s forests thrive for future generations.
Coyotes are established in New Hampshire, having adapted successfully since the 1940s. They play a vital ecological role by controlling small mammal populations and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. Understanding their behavior and implementing preventive measures can foster coexistence, ensuring safety for people and pets while preserving these important animals.
Wildfires pose a persistent, albeit smaller, risk in New Hampshire, primarily caused by human activities. Spring, following snowmelt, is the peak season for fire danger due to dry conditions. Effective wildfire management combines historical knowledge with modern technology and emphasizes creating defensible spaces around homes to mitigate risks. Public education is crucial for prevention.
Kelly Ayotte’s shift from supporting wind energy to advocating for gas pipelines has raised concerns among climate advocates and economists. Critics argue her approach risks financial and environmental consequences, reinforcing outdated fossil fuel infrastructure. A more sustainable energy policy should prioritize clean energy investments, grid modernization, and accountability in project selection to avoid future pitfalls.
Conservationists Fight to Save Moose from Tick Epidemic Concord, N.H. — New Hampshire’s moose, once a thriving symbol of the North Country, are in steep decline as a winter tick epidemic worsens. Conservationists say without urgent policy action, the state could lose one of its most iconic species. Biologists link…
New Hampshire’s housing market is increasingly unaffordable for middle-class families, with median home prices reaching $515,000. Rising prices, stagnant wages, and low housing supply leave families struggling, as the median income is just under $90,000. Legislative efforts to address the crisis are stalled, risking the state’s future.
In rural New Hampshire, solar project development faces challenges amid local zoning, interconnection delays, and a recent Supreme Court decision affecting site approvals. With solar representing only 2% of the state’s electricity, debates continue between proponents advocating for economic benefits and opponents concerned about environmental impacts. Effective ordinances and interconnection reforms are crucial for future progress.
House Bill 682 (Chapter 286), signed into law on August 1, 2025, transforms New Hampshire’s approach to offshore wind by renaming the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development to the Office of Energy Innovation, and disbanding key offshore wind-related committees. This shift signals a deprioritization of offshore wind in favor of broader renewable energy interests, potentially delaying future developments.
In 2025, New Hampshire reversed its offshore wind policies under Gov. Kelly Ayotte, dismantling development offices and aligning with federal rollbacks that withdrew wind leasing areas. This shift reflects concerns over costs and environmental impacts, positioning the state as an outlier compared to proactive neighbors like Maine and Massachusetts in offshore wind initiatives.
By Granite State Report Introduction: A State of Dry Emergency The Granite State has always prided itself on its rolling hills, fertile valleys, and the small family farms that dot its landscape. But in recent years, those farms have been facing a new kind of adversary — not pests, not…
New Hampshire faces an unprecedented drought crisis, severely impacting its agricultural sector. Farmers are forced to adapt by investing in advanced irrigation systems, experimenting with drought-resistant crops, and collaborating to share resources. The drought’s fallout extends beyond agriculture, affecting rural economies and community cohesion, signaling a need for coordinated response efforts.
Renewable Energy in New Hampshire: The Facts, the Trade-offs, and a Practical Roadmap for the Granite State By Granite State Report — September 18, 2025 Executive summary (TL;DR) New Hampshire’s electricity system is at an inflection point. Renewables already supply a meaningful share of in-state generation—primarily hydro and biomass, with…
New Hampshire’s Climate: Signs of Change New Hampshire’s once-predictable climate is shifting in noticeable ways. Average temperatures in the Granite State have warmed about 3°F since 1901, with the most rapid warming in winter and at night . Residents are experiencing milder winters – fewer bitter cold days and more…
New Hampshire’s housing market faces a severe shortage, driving median single-family home prices to record highs. In response, lawmakers enacted significant zoning reforms in 2025, aiming to increase housing supply through measures like permitting accessory dwelling units and facilitating mixed-use developments. While reforms target short-term pressures, challenges remain for affordable housing.