Yesterday saw the first voting session on proposed legislation in Concord. Some of those bills had to do with climate change and extreme weather. As usual, the deniers were nearly tripping over themselves as one after the other were urging us to vote against addressing the very real threat of extreme weather the state (the globe) has been witnessing for many years now. Even the Chairman of the Science, Technology and Energy Committee, Liberty Alliance member, Michael Vose (R-Epping) got up and spoke against the bills. As an aside, this was Rep. Vose’s response to the Citizens Count 2024 survey before the recent election, “Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change? "NH can do nothing to address climate change, which needs worldwide attention" In other words, why bother?
Here are some examples:
HB 106, establishing a commission to determine the monetary costs of climate damage to the state of NH and the best means of recouping such costs. The Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate” (translation – a term used in legislative contexts to indicate that a bill should not proceed further.) The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.”
The vote against ITL passed, 207-149, but failed when voted on “ought to pass.” So much for having a commission to study the financial risks and finding sensible means to pay for adaptability. Since 2011, NH has seen a higher than average rate of extreme weather events which are now resulting in turning to the federal government for assistance. So, why bother?
HB 306, establishing 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. Again, the Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate.” The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.” Let’s be clear, the bill didn’t set up carbon pricing, it was to begin a commission to study the economic impacts. This was to assist NH in preparing for economic impacts from regional and global energy markets. All other North American countries are now pricing carbon. The Republicans “tabled” it, essentially killed the bill.
HB 526-FN, establishing a climate change and damage division in the department of environmental services. Again, the Republican majority on the committee recommended the bill as “ITL-inexpedient to legislate.” The minority felt the bill “ought to pass.” This bill was meant to take a proactive, data-driven approach to climate adaptation. Promoting science-based policy, public participation and funding for sustainable practices, NH would then find itself prepared for climate challenges and become a leader in resilience. The “why bother” Republicans tabled (killed) the bill.
Until NH can get more legislators in office who are conscious of the real threat that extreme weather and climate change brings to all of us, we’ll continue to see the “why bother”, do nothing attitude of the deniers.