This is the thirty-fourth article in a continuing series by the NRDC Action Fund on the environmental stances of candidates in key races around the country.
New Hampshire politics can be quirky, especially in its first-in-the-nation presidential primaries. In 1992, Pat Buchanan won a surprising 37% of the Republican vote, and in 2000, John McCain overtook George W. Bush. But New Hampshire was part of a national trend in 2008 when Jeanne Shaheen became the first Democrat elected to the Senate from New Hampshire in more than 30 years. And this year, New Hampshire has a critical race for its other Senate seat. Next week, Rep. Paul Hodes (D), a Representative who represents the state’s 2nd Congressional District, and former state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte (R), a former state Attorney General, will face off to replace retiring Senator Judd Gregg, a Republican.
In his first term in Congress, Hodes has already proven to be a consistent vote for clean energy and the environment. In 2009, he earned a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters (LCV). This includes voting for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), the first comprehensive clean energy and climate bill that has ever passed by a chamber of Congress. Following the vote, Hodes said in a statement:
“Today, we began rebuilding our economy by facing a major challenge: how we power our economy. This is no small task, but it is vital —how we make and use energy affects our jobs, the air we breathe, and the security of our nation.
That is why I was proud to support an historic green jobs and American energy independence bill. It will reduce carbon emissions by 83% by the year 2050, it will create millions of jobs in domestic energy industries, and it will help end the dependence on foreign oil that endangers our national security.
We cannot continue our failed energy policy that costs American families so much, pollutes our environment, and funds our enemies. This plan will create over 7600 new green collar jobs right here in New Hampshire as we invest in locally produced energy. I have been a strong proponent of alternative energy that is plentiful throughout New Hampshire like wind, solar and wood pellets. I introduced and passed the first ever federal biomass tax credit for wood pellet stoves that help heat homes and power communities. By investing in locally produced alternative energies like wood pellets, we can create green collar jobs in New Hampshire and bring new industry to economically distressed communities throughout the North Country.”
On the campaign trail, Hodes has continued to advocate for clean energy and environmental policies, writing on his website, "We must create a 21st century energy policy that will use alternative forms of energy to power our economy, create new green collar jobs and end our dependence on foreign oil." Recognizing his strong positions on environmental issues, Hodes’ campaign has been endorsed by LCV. As LCV President Gene Karpinski said in their endorsement, “LCV Action Fund is proud to endorse Congressman Paul Hodes for U.S. Senate because he understands that instead of spending billions on foreign oil, we should be investing in clean, secure energy sources right here in America. He has been a champion in the U.S. House and we know as senator he will add to bipartisan efforts to implement clean energy and climate policies that will make America more energy independent, reduce harmful carbon pollution and bring clean energy jobs to New Hampshire.”
Ayotte, in sharp contrast, has mapped out a clearly anti-environmental stand on clean energy and climate change issues, contradicting her own earlier stands. On her website, she expresses support for an energy policy that embraces coal and oil as well as natural gas and nuclear energy. And she says she opposes cap and trade legislation, inaccurately calling it a “tax on Granite State families at a time when they can afford it least.” Contrary to her claim, according to collaborative researchers at Yale University, the University of Illinois, and the University of California climate legislation like ACES would strengthen New Hampshire’s economy, creating new jobs and increasing household incomes.
Worst of all, Ayotte denies the overwhelming science of global warming. This is a reversal of her previous statements on clean energy and climate issues. A little more than a year ago, Ayotte was saying that global warming is a ‘real issue’ and that human activity could have contributed to higher temperatures.
Voters in New Hampshire have a clear choice on clean energy and protecting the environment.
The NRDC Action Fund believes that it is important for the public in general, and for the voters of specific states, to be aware of this information as they weigh their choices for November.