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.