Support the Establishment of Local Energy Commissions (GLA Action 1.4)

Support the newly forming Local Energy Committees by providing the statutory and programmatic resources needed to make these committees a working part of municipal governance. In March 2007, 164 New Hampshire municipalities passed a historic Climate Resolution that called on state and federal elected officials to address climate change. The resolution also called for the establishment of Local Energy Committees to address greenhouse gas emissions associated with municipalities' activities. Since then, nearly 100 cities and towns have established Local Energy Committees. New Hampshire can support this groundswell of civic action by 1) passing legislation that authorizes municipalities to establish Local Energy Commissions with specific powers, thus formalizing their role and mission; and 2) providing resources to regional planning commissions and state agencies to assist municipalities in setting up Local Energy Commissions.