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Governor Lynch Kick’s Off First Meeting of Climate Change Policy Task Force
Concord, NH –The work of the New Hampshire Climate Change Policy Task Force was formally launched today by Governor John Lynch, who was on hand to welcome participants to the first meeting of the Task Force, which was established by Executive Order. The meeting was hosted by Commissioner Tom Burack of the Department of Environmental Services, the appointed chairperson and designated lead agency for the Task Force. The Task Force is charged with developing a Climate Change Action Plan for New Hampshire and submitting the Plan to the Governor by September 1, 2008. “Climate change is a serious issue that impacts the health of our citizens, the health of our economy and the health of our environment. While national action is necessary, there is much we can begin doing here in New Hampshire to increase our energy independence and protect our environment,” Gov. Lynch said. “This Task Force is charged with developing and implementing a Climate Change Action Plan, which will be a comprehensive strategy for helping stem climate change and protecting our quality of life here in New Hampshire.” The Task Force includes individuals appointed by the Governor with background and experience in areas affected by climate change, such as commerce and industry, forestry, municipal government, academia, and electricity generation. Other members include agency heads and representatives from the New Hampshire House and Senate. As part of the process to formulate the plan, DES is forming a number of technical and policy workgroups to assist in the development of specific actions for consideration by the Task Force. The kick-off meeting included individuals who will be members of these workgroups. “We are fortunate to have a diverse group of individuals on the Climate Change Task Force with the expertise and experience needed to help guide our state to make the necessary changes to protect New Hampshire’s quality of life,” noted Commissioner Burack. “There are many factors contributing to the problem of climate change. The time is now to take action to halt these detrimental impacts on our climate.” The day long meeting included presentations on the science of climate change and discussions of climate change goals, policies and commitments. The meeting concluded with break-out sessions for the working groups to get organized and begin the important work ahead of them. |
