The wildfires in California, hurricane in North Carolina, rising water temperatures in the Gulf of Maine and record floods here at home are all signs that our climate has changed. The result is horrific destruction and loss of life. And yet regulators and policy makers are hand wringing about offshore wind development and other renewable energy solutions. In the article by Mara Hoplamazian (1/16) the question was raised: will Gov. Ayotte make changes to the climate policy of her predecessor? New Hampshire stands alone in the region without greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets or clean energy adoption goals. It’s time for that to change as the state contemplates our energy future and our role to reduce carbon emissions.

New England’s grid operator is counting on clean energy to keep electricity supply reliable even in the coldest winters as nuclear, coal and oil-fired power plants are retired. In fact, the only model that will prevent rolling blackouts is the one with significant adoption of renewable energy resources. Offshore wind has a critical role to play in New England’s energy mix. NH wallets were hit hard during polar vortex events that resulted in fossil fuel shortages and price spikes. But offshore wind is a winter powerhouse because winds blow the strongest when temperatures are coldest, and fossil fuels are in short supply. If we had offshore wind energy, it would be more affordable to keep the lights on and our homes warm while we do our part against climate change.

Sherrie Trefry

Dover