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.
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 Critics argue her approach risks financial and environmental consequences, reinforcing outdated fossil fuel infrastructure.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…
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.
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…