Hassan orders 50% less fossil fuel use by 2030

On Friday, May 6 Gov. Maggie Hassan issued an executive order setting a goal of a 50% reduction in aggregate fossil fuel use in state government by the year 2030.  The order also sets a goal of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the state passenger vehicle fleet.

The executive order builds on an order issued by then-Governor John Lynch in 2011.  That order set a goal of a 25% reduction in fossil fuel use by 2025, based on 2005 levels. 

New Hampshire has already reduced fossil fuel use by 21%.  According to a report from the Department of Administrative Services, "Since 2005, when the State first began tracking energy usage data, the State has avoided over $10 million in energy costs due to improvements in efficiency and switching to lower-cost fuels."

"New Hampshire state government has a strong commitment and an obligation to lead-by-example in such areas as energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy, to save taxpayers money, reduce environmental impact, and demonstrate cost-effective solutsion to citizens, businesses, and other governmental jurisdictions," wrote Gov. Hassan.

Some opponents may take issue with the process leading up to Hassan's executive order.  Lynch's 2011 order followed a bill that established the 25% reduction goal.  The legislative process for that bill provided the opportunity for public hearings on the issue.  There was no such legislative process before Hassan's order.

Others may take issue with how the state is meeting these goals.  For example, some state facilities have switched to pellet stoves and woodchip boiler plants for heating.  Those biomass fuel types may reduce the use of fossil fuels, but they still contribute to air pollution.