House Republican Leaders Statement on Passage of Bill to Eliminate Cap-and-Trade in NH

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) and House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt (R-Salem) today offered the following statements in response to the House voting to attach the removal of the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and cap-and-trade program for the Northeast, to legislation reforming the Shoreland Protection Act (SB 154).    Last week, New Jersey Governor Christie moved to remove his state from RGGI by the end of the year.

 House Speaker William O’Brien

 “At a time when we must become more competitive both nationally and globally, keeping cap-and-trade in place and adding additional energy costs to our employers and citizens makes no sense.  Eliminating this backdoor tax will expand the New Hampshire Advantage and help us grow our economy and create jobs.  The House is absolutely committed to ending this ill-conceived cap-and-trade program and bringing jobs to New Hampshire.”

 House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt

“By getting out of this cap-and-trade program, we will cut electricity costs for both our citizens and businesses.  This gives New Hampshire one more advantage over our neighbors in attracting new jobs here.  House Republicans have taken the lead in getting rid of this economic drag and working to make our state the best place to live and grow businesses.”