CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch today issued the following statement regarding the Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee's 6-0 vote in favor of legislation aimed at increasing the use of renewable energy in New Hampshire. The Governor has set a goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.

"Reaching that goal will give our state more energy choices, bolster our economy and make our air and water cleaner. It will help create jobs right here in New Hampshire by expanding uses for our wood products, in building clean power plants, and in research and development," Gov. Lynch said. "The Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee's support of this important legislation moves us one step closer toward the goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025."

"A New Hampshire RPS will encourage investment in energy production in New Hampshire that will deliver economic and environmental benefits to the state and the region. Steady demand for wood chips will help to support our logging communities, and greater fuel diversity will strengthen our energy independence," Gov. Lynch said. "If we want to secure a more stable, cleaner electricity supply for future generations, the time to act is now."