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RGGI – A critical message for NH residents

There’s been a lot of talk lately about the need for federal and state governments alike to cut spending. While this is an undeniably true fact, there are a number of proposed cuts that could end up costing citizens even more money in the long run–chief among them (in my humble opinion) is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI – pronounced “Reggie”). In 2008, ten states–Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont–launched the first market-based regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States. Each state caps carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, auctions CO2 emissions allowances, and invests in strategic energy programs that further reduce emissions, save consumers money, create jobs, and build a clean energy economy.

According to a University of New Hampshire study, the cumulative effect of RGGI’s efforts will save New Hampshire more than $60 million in energy expenses versus operating costs that are a fraction of this exceptional benefit to both the state’s bottom line and the environment.

On Thursday, May 5 the fate of RGGI lies in the hands of the NH Senate which will need to approve a reform bill that will ensure another round of funding for this critically important initative. I’m proud to stand with Conservation NH in support of RGGI and I was honored to be asked to record a radio commercial that is about to go into heavy rotation on the New Hampshire air waves. I implore all New Hampshire residents to contact their legislator and urge him/her to Save RGGI. You can find the legislator for your community here: http://gencourt.state.nh.us/senate/senatemembers.asp

If you’d like more background information about RGGI is all about, check out this great blog post by Michael O’Meara from Conservation NH: http://conservationnh.org/climate-energy/a-rggi-primer/

For more information about the radio campaign going on now, check out this press release: http://conservationnh.org/water/nh-business-leaders-take-to-the-air-to-support-rggi/

http://www.evpcreative.com/rggi/rggi.html

Will Manzer

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Will Manzer grew up in Arizona and acquired his passion for conservation advocacy from cycling, hiking, running and skiing every chance he got. After 30 years of building successful retail and wholesale brands, Will fulfilled his lifelong dream of working in the outdoor industry when he joined Eastern Mountain Sports in 2003 as President and CEO. One year later, he led a management buyout with his partners, J.H. Whitney and Company. In addition to guiding the company back to its specialty outdoor gear roots, Will has been an avid supporter of conservation at the local, state, and national level. Will currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Outdoor Industry Association and has spearheaded Eastern Mountain Sports' affiliation with the Conservation Alliance as a Legacy Fund member.