“Extreme weather event” is something you hear a lot these days. Occasionally you may also hear about efforts to “adapt” or for “resiliency.” But are we hearing about how to avoid these weather disasters in the first place? The NH Legislature is considering bills that could make a real difference to weather outcomes. We can spend our time debating if climate change is real and if humans are to blame, or we could trust science and lower our carbon emissions and weather anxiety. HB 1059 and SB 373 would update building codes while excluding energy codes. Residents (owners and renters) will be purchasing an extra 10-20% for heating fuel, if these building codes pass as written. Sen. Shaheen warns that NH won’t qualify for a number of federal funds, including some workforce training, if we don’t adopt current energy codes. Please ask your representatives and municipal leaders to insist on adding an amendment to include up-to-date energy codes in HB 1059 and SB 373.

Going further, SB 437 would make it nearly impossible for any municipality to adopt more ambitious standards, by creating a daunting approval process. We usually applaud “local control,” so why make it difficult when we could be helping Granite Staters reduce their fossil fuel dependence? Our buildings produce more emissions than transportation does. Democracy still works. Let your representatives know that you care about a future with buildings that cost less to live in and give us healthier air, indoors and out. Find your representative at gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/.

Susan Richman

Durham