When did warnings about climate change and extreme weather begin to surface? You might be surprised to learn that answer, (a short, but enlightening read, by the way.)
Throughout the decades and now even more so into this century, we’ve seen and have sometimes felt the effects of extreme weather. Texas immediately comes to mind. Last year there were 27 individual weather and climate disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damages. In 2023, there were 28 extreme weather events. These disasters resulted in at least 568 direct or indirect deaths, which is the eighth-highest for these billion-dollar disasters over the last 45 years (1980-2024). The cost was roughly $182.7 billion.
Despite this staggering cost to human life and expense, there are still those who are deep into denial of what is happening all around us. Take for instance a sampling of the bills that came before the House addressing these issues.
HB 106 would have set up a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage in New Hampshire and how best to recoup those costs. Fun fact: since 2011, NH has seen higher than average events of extreme weather, resulting in the need for federal help. This was a bill sponsored by Democrats and had support from 164 on-line registrants with six opposing it. Some comments:
“Over a number of years our NH farmers have been experiencing very difficult growing conditions due to droughts, floods and weather changes which effect crop pests, and plant and livestock management. They need the state's help to understand how climate change is affecting their crops, their livelihoods, and all of NH residents who rely on NH farmers' efforts.”
“The damages from fossil fuel caused climate change are enormous and affect virtually every aspect of our lives. The fossil fuel industry knew about the dangers and took extensive actions to hide them from all of us. They should be held responsible and pay the costs.”
“Climate damage is a major issue that we must all be prepared for across the Granite State. Establishing a committee to determine financial costs and how to combat these challenges will only allow for a more seamless transition into an ever-changing world.”
Naturally, this is something the majority party did not want to see happen, despite voter support, so the bill failed, 207-149.
HB 306 was a Democrat sponsored bill aimed at forming a commission to study the short and long-term impacts of pending national and regional carbon pricing mechanisms on NH's citizens, businesses, institutions, and environment. This would have helped the state to prepare for economic impacts from regional and global energy markets. Used globally, carbon pricing cuts emissions and holds polluters accountable for any environmental damages. This bill was not going to bring about carbon pricing in NH, just form a study group. HB 306 had support from 144 on-line registrants with five opposing it. Some comments:
“NH should not wait to be told that we need to do this - we should be leading the charge!”
“I am a community activist who cares deeply about promoting legislation designed to support the preservation and protection of New Hampshire's water systems and landscapes any way possible. This legislation is positive and constructive.”
“Most economists and even energy producers agree that we need a carbon tax to address the externalities (like the CA wildfires) if we are to get through this transition alive. Let's put the politics aside and figure this out so that it works for the people.”
And there is the problem for the majority party, something positive and constructive that would work for the people.
Rep. Jason Osborne, Free Stater from Auburn, made the motion to “table” the bill, which passed by voice vote. “Tabling” a bill is a non-debatable motion setting it aside until later. And once again, the wishes of the people were “tabled” by the majority party.
HB 599 was a Democrat sponsored bill to begin a committee to look at weatherization initiatives for homes in NH. Promoting weatherization helps to lower energy costs; proper insulation reduces drafts, air leaks and moisture build-up, making for a healthier household; benefits the environment, home owners and NH’s economy.
A motion was made by Liberty Alliance member Rep. Michael Vose to table the bill. The motion passed, 198-148. Again, something positive that would work for the people is exactly what the majority party does not want!
Here’s the height of hypocrisy: HCR 2 was a resolution declaring the development of advanced nuclear energy technology to be in the best interest of NH and the United States. Sponsored by a dozen Liberty Alliance members, the resolution passed 258-83.
Immediately following was another resolution HCR 4. This one was meant to reject all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of NH and Gulf of Maine. You can guess who sponsored this. Not only did this resolution disregard the fact that NH has no jurisdiction over federal waters, it ignored the success of such projects in other countries. The resolution passed, 195-149.
They continue to not serve the interests, needs and well-being of the public!