As a lifelong Republican and former chairman of the New Hampshire Senate Environmental Committee, I recognize the immediate need for strong policies to protect our natural resources and combat climate change. A cleaner and stronger environment is not only essential for future generations, but it also is key to helping Granite Staters and businesses across our state thrive now. This is not simply a Democratic or Republican issue, and I am proud to stand with leaders from either party who are fully committed to protecting our environment.
That’s why in the race to represent New Hampshire in the U.S. Senate, I am eager to support Gov. Maggie Hassan.
Maggie understands the effects of climate change on our economy and our way of life, and throughout her career in public service, she has fought to take action on clean energy priorities.
As state senator, Maggie sponsored the original legislation for our state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to reduce harmful emissions and energy costs and create jobs here in New Hampshire. And she helped pass the New Hampshire Renewable Portfolio Standard to maintain and grow the renewable energy sector.
As governor, she has built on those efforts, signing bipartisan legislation to update the RPS, investing in energy efficiency, and raising the net metering cap to help the clean energy industry in New Hampshire grow and thrive.
She has also called on members of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation to support the Clean Power Plan, she entered New Hampshire in a global contract (Under 2 MOU) with cities, states and provinces to limit the increase in global average temperature, and has worked with our nation’s governors to further state collaboration in energy planning and policymaking.
Maggie has made clear that in the Senate, protecting the environment will be a top priority. And in her economic plan, Maggie laid out the priorities she will focus on to build a cleaner, more affordable energy future for our state and our nation.
New Hampshire needs a senator who will always fight for our environment and put our natural resources first.
Maggie understands that protecting our environment is more than just an election year issue. Her support for the environment isn’t a political calculation, it’s at the core of what she’s fought for throughout her time in public service – and it always will be.
This election is a critical test of our nation’s priorities, and regardless of political party, we need to think about what kind of future we are leaving for our children. Despite being a registered Republican, I will cast my vote in November not based on party, but rather based on who is the strongest leader on issues that are critical to the future of our nation and our planet.
When it comes to protecting our environment, Maggie Hassan is the clear choice for New Hampshire.
(Rick Russman lives in Kingston.)