Climate Policy

Attorneys general from 17 states and D.C. are challenging an executive order Trump signed on his first day in office pausing approvals, permits and loans for all wind energy projects.

The state’s Department of Environmental Services said this week that they’re able to access all federal funding. Money for the state's Solar for All program also appear to be available, according to an email from the federal government.

Money from Biden-era laws was aimed at efforts in every part of New Hampshire: water quality improvements, flood resilience projects, electric school buses, and repairs on hydroelectric dams, among others.

The move comes after federal officials announced they were pausing funding approvals while they review the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program.

In mostly party-line votes, Republicans rejected efforts to study how much climate change is costing the state and how to recoup those costs, among other proposals.

Advocates say Trump’s early executive actions on climate change and energy were not a surprise. But they are a source of uncertainty as leaders try to assess ripple effects.

A variety of efforts that could shake up the state’s energy landscape are underway.

As Ayotte takes office, the state is embarking on two big projects to update its energy strategy and to plan for limiting climate-warming pollution.

State regulators say adding targets for cutting climate-warming pollution into New Hampshire law is not part of the project.

Sununu created a new Department of Energy, appointed all of the leaders of the Public Utilities Commission, and avoided support for the transition away from fossil fuels. Democratic candidates now have new plans for the state’s approach to climate change.