Energy Committee Agenda 09.17.24

September 16, 2024 Karen Hambleton Energy Committee, Minutes 0

5:00 pm Bradford Town Hall

Review and approval of August Minutes

  • Community Power Update
  • Municipal Weatherization Status
    1. Fire Station – Updated paperwork was submitted to NHSaves.
  • Solar Energy
  • Heat Pumps – Does this topic need to be modified to reflect broader electrification opportunities?
  • New Hampshire Network Update – Laura
  • Legislative Updates
    1. A good place to stay on top of NH legislative updates is through the https://www.newhampshirenetwork.org/NH-bills
    1. Other bills impacting energy and the environment

Update on NH 2023 HCR5: “A RESOLUTION urging the taking of appropriate legal action against multinational fossil fuel companies for harms incurred from disinformation campaigns about the effects of fossil fuel combustion.” The House ruled 2023-03-10 – Inexpedient to Legislate.

  • BEC Public Outreach in September – none?
  • Proposed articles for October Bridge
    • Residential Solar Energy issues and choices
    • Should we have a nonpartisan article about “Our NH Climate is on the Ballot”
  • Other Items
    • Update on Group Net Metering
    • Recycling Styrofoam – Sandra will continue to pursue opportunities including a potential Styrofoam Collection Day in Bradford
    • Postcards and Bumper Stickers regarding “Our NH Climate is on the Ballot” to be mailed to undeclared infrequent voters in Bradford.
      • Messaging – Identify 3 or 4 bullet points about environmental issues our community is concerned about. Potential topics identified at the Annual NH Green Environmental Summit include:
        • renewable energy options (including community solar, public EV charging, and plans for a heat pump accelerator plan in NH)
        • energy efficiency (education and outreach, the needs of low- and middle-income people and those not owning a house, saving NH Saves, retrofitting)
        • waste reduction (a bottle bill, plastic waste, composting, working with the Solid Waste committee)
        • food systems transformation (the connection to climate change, local and seasonal foods, eliminating food deserts, diverting food waste)
        • preparing the state for carbon pricing at the national level.
    • Getting the word out to Bradford department heads about Electrification opportunities. See Item 4 above.
    • NHSaves opportunities for Bradford businesses
    • Inflation Reduction Funds availability.
    • Should BEC have representation on the Facilities Use Committee – next meeting 9/18 at 8:30 am
  • Conclude