NH House Testimony

HCR4

House · 2025 sessionRepublicanAdopted

Rejecting offshore wind projects

AI

Calls on the legislature to reject all offshore wind energy projects in New Hampshire's coastal waters and the Gulf of Maine until their ecological, fishing, and ratepayer impacts are fully understood.

relative to rejecting all offshore wind energy projects in the waters off the coast of New Hampshire and the Gulf of Maine.

Energy and UtilitiesEnvironment - ConservationWaters and Navigation

Status

Adopted · March 20, 2025
  1. Introduced
  2. House
  3. Senate
  4. Adopted

Division of testimony

255 submissions
Support 53Oppose 202Neutral 0

Argument digest · AI-generated

from 84 of 84 written submissions

HCR4 would put the legislature on record rejecting all offshore wind energy projects off New Hampshire's coast and in the Gulf of Maine. Most submitters oppose the resolution, arguing offshore wind is needed to fight climate change, cut fossil-fuel dependence, and deliver economic and jobs benefits, and that rejecting it would leave New Hampshire behind neighboring states. A smaller group supports the resolution, describing offshore wind as environmentally harmful, unproven, costly, and damaging to tourism.

Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.

Donna ReardonOpposeConcord, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Please OPPOSE HB 575. We need to continue to build more renewable energy to keep electric costs down in NH.

Michelle RohrbacherSupportBarrington, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Thank you for protecting the Gulf of Maine by rejecting wind energy initiatives!

Karolyn CampbellOpposeEpsom, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

These bills would have a devastating impact on our state. Offshore wind is a clean, reliable energy source that would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and bring jobs to our state. Wind and solar energy are more affordable than coal, gas, and oil. Repealing the renewable portfolio standard in particular would stop any progress that we've made to reduce fossil fuel use.

Nicole MaroneOpposeDover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

As someone about to earn a PhD in turbine design and optimization, with a background in ocean engineering and marine biology, I strongly oppose HCR 4. This resolution sends the wrong message about New Hampshire’s commitment to energy independence, economic growth, and technological leadership. Offshore wind presents an enormous opportunity for our state—one that other states are already seizing. By opposing offshore wind in the Gulf of Maine, we risk falling behind while our neighbors attract private investment, create high-paying jobs, and secure their energy future. New Hampshire has a chance to shape offshore wind development in a way that benefits our communities, but rejecting it outright only makes us more reliant on expensive, out-of-state fossil fuels. We should be leading, not shutting the door on innovation. If we want to lower energy costs, strengthen our economy, and reduce dependence on external energy sources, we must embrace the opportunities offshore wind presents. I urge you to oppose HCR 4 and instead work toward responsible, science-based energy solutions that put New Hampshire ahead, not behind.

Linda MasonOpposeHancock, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

We need as much off shore wind power as possible

Kyle McAdamOpposeGilmanton, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

New Hampshire needs offshore wind energy now more than ever. Offshore wind is a steady, reliant and renewable source of energy that helps to lessen the pollution that New Hampshire produces to create electricity. New Hampshire needs more renewable energy including on shore and especially offshore wind.

Elizabeth EvansOpposeStrafford, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Offshore wind should be part of our all-of-the-above energy strategy of energy abundance. The cost of electricity from offshore wind is comparable to conventional sources like coal, nuclear, and natural gas. (See Lazard’s June 2024 Report). These proposed bills would reduce the supply of cost-effective electricity, increase electricity costs for New Hampshire ratepayers, and decrease reliability of the grid. If the legislature adopts this Resolution, we will signal our unwillingness to participate in regional discussions of the best way to meet increasing energy demand and we will lose our ability to participate as a key stakeholder in future regional discussions of off-shore wind.

Janet AltobelloOpposePeterborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

As a proud resident of New Hampshire, I would like to see our state explore and tap into renewable resources, including offshore wind. I am soon to be a grandparent and know that a transition to renewable energy is needed for a healthy economy, healthy environment, healthy future. Janet Altobello.

Abby EvankowOpposeGorham, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Please stand up to the giant energy lobby and fight for NH energy independence. Please Oppose HCR4

Jonathan BelmontSupportBedford, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Hello, I support this bill to inhibiting offshore wind energy projects. I believe that at this time there is not sufficient evidence to show this in an effective way to provide energy and ensure that it is safe for the marine/coastline environment. Regards, Jonathan Belmont

Russell SiggelkoeOpposeMoultonborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

The fossil fuel industry lobby does not represent the desires of the people of New Hampshire. We want clean offshore wind energy!

Tim JosephsonOpposeCanaan, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Short-sighted and economically foolish to pass this bill. Please find it Inexpedient to Legislate

Michelle HulbertOpposePeterborough, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

It is critically important that our great State of NH is open to exploring and utilizing all forms of energy; especially forms of energy that will be sustainable, healthy and safe for future generations. Eliminating that possibility of Wind Energy off the shores of NH is not in the best interest of the people of NH or our children and grandchildren. I strongly encourage you to vote against this bill. Thank you, Michelle Hulbert Peterborough

James MasonOpposeHancock, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

New Hampshire needs Offshore Wind Projects. We need renewable energy now more than ever. Offshore wind needs to be a component of that. We can't keep burying our heads in the sand and pretending that we are not causing climate change while burning fossil fuels and exaggerating the problem. We need more wind and solar projects! Please be a part of the solution and not part of the problem. It's high time to end the "Drill Baby Drill" mentality. Our future depends on it.

Beverly PietlickiOpposeLoudon, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Whether or not the body believes "climate change" is a hoax, off shore wind is a positive investment for NH's economy. Ultimately we need to finance the clean up of natural disasters- such as the flooding storm damages off our seacoast. Off shore wind is a win- win for the people of New Hampshire. We will ultimately be less dependent on Canada for our energy and yes, dirty fossil fuel extraction can and should be mitigated. Thank you for voting against this bill which is bad for the economy of our state.

Don BRISELDENOpposeexeter, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

This bill would have a devastating impact on our state. Offshore wind is a clean, reliable energy source that would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and bring jobs to our state. Wind and solar energy are more affordable than coal, gas, and oil. This concurrent resolution urges the state as a whole to reject all offshore wind energy projects off the coast of NH and in the Gulf of Maine and will be negative to the people of NH and should not be passed.

Janice KranzOpposeSugar Hill, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

NH needs to look forward and act to help future generations. Renewable energy such as wind and geothermal have been proven as effective energy sources by the rest of the world and NH should act accordingly - and immediately - by taking all actions possible to support these alternatives to fossil fuel.

Sharon RacusinOpposeHanover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

This concurrent resolution urges the state as a whole to reject all offshore wind energy projects off the coast of NH and in the Gulf of Maine. WHY other than supporting big oil & gas would supporters of this bill want to do this to NH and the planet? Shortsighted and greedy.

Martha KruseOpposeLaconia, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

In responding to the number of bills under consideration today, it is difficult to avoid the skepticism that the committee is being persuaded against alternative energy sources by entities that do not NH's best interest at heart. I would hate to think that is true.

Rebecca BeaulieuOpposeDover, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

HCR 4 has the same problems as HB 575, but this time New Hampshire is trying to virtue signal and negate the work that Granite Staters have done to get our state on board with offshore wind. Governor Sununu signed us on to the Offshore Wind Task Force because he recognized that this would be beneficial to our state. He also signed us on because he actually listened to Granite Staters on this issue. In 2018 and 2019, towns across the state passed resolutions and warrant articles urging the Governor to join the offshore wind task force with our neighbors in the Gulf of Maine. Don't let that effort go to waste by back-tracking us. Do we need to show you legislators once again that wind is good?? Here are just a few of the reasons that Offshore Wind is GOOD for New Hampshire. 1 - Right now NH is over-dependent on natural gas for fuel. Because of that we keep seeing our bills skyrocket. Natural gas prices are volatile. We need to diversify the energy we get and offshore wind is a great opportunity to do that because it is more cost effective and clean than natural gas. 2 - The offshore wind industry has proven to create good, reliable jobs in other states. New Hampshire will miss out on this opportunity for its residents if we refuse to build offshore wind. Not to mention businesses will go to Maine and Massachusetts instead of here to New Hampshire. Do we really want to repel good business? 3 - This bill implies untrue information about wind power. At this point, there is no scientific evidence that noise resulting from offshore wind site characterization surveys could potentially cause whale deaths. There are no known links between large whale deaths and ongoing offshore wind activities. (https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/new-england-mid-atlantic/marine-life-distress/frequent-questions-offshore-wind-and-whales) In fact, not building offshore wind will actively contribute to declining whale life. Climate change is currently impacting our oceans negatively, harming whales, changing their migratory routes, and destroying the ecosystems they need to live. Fossil fuels actively contribute to climate change, while wind power does not burn fossil fuels and is a cleaner alternative that can reduce our overall greenhouse gas emissions. I urge the committee to listen to real, studied, peer-reviewed, and trusted scientists on this issue, and not conspiracy theorists or the current president who clearly does not understand the benefits of wind power. Please listen to the people of NH who've spent the last 10 years advocating for offshore wind - vote Inexpedient to Legislate on this bill.

Michael FraysseOpposeEpsom, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Climate Change is real. It is not something to be believed, or not believed, like religion. It is fact. And it is deadly, and it is caused by humans. We are jeopardizing our lives and we are certainly jeopardizing the lives of our children by not addressing it. We need to do as much as we can as fast as we can to stop burning fossil fuels and developing offshore wind is an incredibly powerful way to do that. As with all infrastructure projects it needs to be done carefully and in a way that minimizes its potential negative impacts on our environment, but the the net positive effects of off shore wind far outweigh any down sides to it. We should never take offshore wind out of our tool kit, and in fact, we should be hurrying to safely develop it as fast as we can.

Karen CampbellOpposeEpsom, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

The world is in crisis due to climate change. The problem has been ignored for far too long and it is essential that it be addressed as soon as possible. A large majority of Americans know this and are concerned about climate change. It is our legislators who are denying the facts and caving to fossil fuel extracting companies and caving to powerful politicians who stand to gain vast amounts of personal wealth by profiting off of investments in fossil fuel companies. This comes at the expense of the people of this country and this state who know it is these activities which are driving climate change. We need to address this problem quickly and vigorously. Off shore wind is a powerful way to do this with massive potential for energy generation with minimal risk of harming our environment. Nothing should ever be done to take this option of fueling our future off the table. As a matter of fact, we should be developing offshore wind projects as expediently as possible.

John WalshOpposeNew London, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

The state of NH should be doing all in its power to facilitate the development of offshore wind power in our state. What's not to like; it is a clean cost-effective form of energy that many coastal states already benefit from. Why shouldn't our state join those others in also providing new, high-paying jobs for our citizens. I therefore strongly urge you to kill HC R4 Thank you, John Walsh New London

Nathan BraunOpposeExeter, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

We should be expanding wind power in NH.

Mark ZaccariaOpposeDanbury, NHfor MyselfFeb 3, 2025

Wind energy is expensive and unreliable. The State should not promote, much less incentivize this wasteful infrastructure development. Hydroelectric power is readily available at constant flow rates and a fraction of the price. Is not Hydro a 'Renewable, Green Energy Source?'