Last week, HB1419 and all other science, tech and energy committee bills were ranked, and all of the climate bills heard this year so far were killed.
As a young New Hampshire resident, who has lived in southern New Hampshire for 22 years, I find this both upsetting and discouraging. HB1419 would’ve established a state civilian climate corps advisory commission. Supporting a civilian climate corps for New Hampshire is necessary to help put the state on the right track for creating a government jobs program that puts people to work while combating the climate crisis. In addition, HB1419 would help protect and conserve forests, parks and natural resources.
New Hampshire is a state full of people, including myself, who love to ski, hike, fish and spend time outdoors. We need to protect our shared home and natural resources. I feel very frustrated with lawmakers who ranked all of the energy bills and voted “inexpedient to legislate” on HB1419. We can no longer ignore the changes occurring in the climate and the effects they will have on New Hampshire. Bills like HB1419 have the potential to tackle the climate crisis while creating thousands of jobs in the renewable sector. This deserves to be brought to the attention of all New Hampshire residents and be made a priority in our State House.
Megan Wheeler
Jaffrey