Yesterday, I stood with environmental leaders in New Hampshire to talk about my dedication to a national renewable energy standard. I challenged my global-warming denying opponent, Kelly Ayotte, to take a position on the issue. She responded that she would look at the proposal.
It's puzzling. Why would someone who doesn't think global warming exists think that we need to enact a proposal aimed at reducing carbon emissions? Why would someone who supports things like drilling off the coast of New Hampshire all of a sudden try to convince us she'd be supportive of renewable energy efforts in the US Senate?
In her competitive primary, we watched Ms. Ayotte move to the far-right wing of her party. Now, with the general election less than a month away, she's trying to have it both ways. She's hoping New Hampshire won't notice that big oil and coal companies continue to fill her campaign coffers as she talks about drilling off the coast of New Hampshire.
The bottom line is that Kelly Ayotte has as many doubts about global warming as I have about her ability to stand up to her special interest donors in the oil and coal industry.
Global warming is not something this country should be taking lightly. It's a serious threat not just for our environment, but for the economic livelihood of generations to come. Kelly Ayotte has dismissed global warming and told the Granite State she doesn't believe that it’s real. I think it's time we stop denying and instead start applying initiatives to lessen the devastating effects of carbon emissions. It's no longer optional - it's absolutely crucial to protect the country we're trying to leave to our children and our grandchildren.
A national renewable energy standard would require major utilities to get a portion of their electricity from renewable sources, whether it be from wind, biomass or solar. It would help new, clean energy industries thrive, creating jobs and improving our local economies, while seriously reducing carbon emissions on a national level.
We need to take significant steps to ensure that the things we love most about New Hampshire are preserved for our children and future generations. If we don’t take action, our ski season will be shorter, our maple syrup industry will suffer, and we will no longer live in a state with the kind of natural beauty that made me and so many others decide New Hampshire was the perfect place to start a family and raise kids.
Ms. Ayotte needs to take a deep breath of New Hampshire’s fresh air and come clean on clean energy. The future of our state is at stake.
(Cross-posted at Blue Hampshire)