Granite State Conservation Voters Endorses Governor Lynch for Third Term

AUGUST 20, 2008                                                                                        

 CONTACT: JIM O’BRIEN   228-1970

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                     

CONSERVATION VOTERS

ENDORSE

GOVERNOR LYNCH FOR

THIRD TERM

Cites leadership, bipartisanship and record of achievement as basis for endorsement

CONCORD, NH… The Granite State Conservation Voters (GSCV), the political voice of the New Hampshire conservation community, today endorsed John Lynch for a third term as New Hampshire’s Governor at a press conference on the lawn of the Statehouse. 

“John Lynch’s support of land conservation, renewable energy programs, greenhouse gas reductions and greater protection of our lakes, rivers and ponds made supporting his re-election a unanimous decision of our bipartisan board of Directors,” said Rick Russman, Chairman of the organization.

The Granite State Conservation Voters works to elect conservation minded candidates to state office, and holds lawmakers accountable for their voters and positions on key environmental policies. 2008 marks the third time that the organization has endorsed Governor Lynch.

“The challenges to our environment are many and require leaders who will work across party lines to develop solutions,” continued Russman.  “The New Hampshire conservation community feels strongly that John Lynch’s record of achievement and leadership style makes him the clear choice for Governor.”

Over the past two years working with the New Hampshire legislature, Lynch has advocated for and signed into law policies such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the Renewable Portfolio Standard, Shoreland Protection and dedicated funding for the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP).  Earlier this year Governor Lynch, by Executive Order, created a Task Force to develop a Climate Change Action Plan for the state.

“New Hampshire voters want their leaders in Concord to share their environmental values,” said Jim O’Brien, Executive Director.  “It is clear through his words and deeds that John Lynch will work to protect the true New Hampshire advantage – our environment and quality of life.  The Granite State Conservation Voters is looking forward to doing our part to help Governor Lynch get reelected this November.”

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Endorsement of Governor John Lynch

August 20, 2008

Remarks by Rick Russman 

On behalf of the Board of the Granite State Conservation Voters and the NH Conservation community, I am really pleased to announce our endorsement of John Lynch for a third term as Governor.  This is the third time GSCV has endorsed the Governor.

Importantly, New Hampshire needs leaders in Concord who understand that our economy and quality of life are directly linked to the health of our environment. 

John Lynch’s support of land conservation initiatives, renewable energy programs, greenhouse gas reductions and greater protection for New Hampshire’s lakes, rivers and ponds made supporting his candidacy a unanimous decision of our bipartisan Board of Directors.

Through word and action, John Lynch has proven himself to be a friend of New Hampshire’s environment and a protector of our quality of life.

This year, because of the hard work in the Legislature and with the strong support of the Governor, New Hampshire entered into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, joining our neighboring states to reduce carbon pollution, and establish a region wide cap and trade program. 

We can all appreciate the enormous challenge presented to the state by the increasing cost of energy, especially home heating oil.  New Hampshire residents, businesses and municipalities will soon be faced with at least a doubling of the cost from just a year ago.  While there will no doubt be a need in the short term to help find relief for those most in need, it is imperative that the funds for programs designed to provide energy efficiency improvements not be raided for this purpose as has been done in the past.  Investing in energy efficiency has been shown to be the best way to lower energy use, and energy bills over the long term.

In terms of energy and climate, the Governor knows that the state can not adequately address the challenges of a changing climate without a comprehensive plan. 

Last December, to his credit, Governor Lynch established a Task Force to create a Climate Change Action Plan for the state.  The Task Force being headed up by DES Commissioner Tom Burack, will issue its report in December, providing the state with a roadmap for action to reduce carbon emissions. 

We believe that the recommendations from this Task Force will become the roadmap for action on climate and energy policy in New Hampshire for the foreseeable future.  For this reason, we feel strongly that the expectations for the Task Force should be to establish significant and achievable goals for carbon reduction in both the short and long term.  T

The conservation community is excited to work with Governor Lynch to ensure that the recommendations of his Task Force become fully implemented.

While all the talk in Washington today is about drilling, New Hampshire is doing its part to promote renewable energy.  Governor Lynch created the 25 X 25 initiative, where 25% of New Hampshire’s energy would come from renewable resources such as wood biomass, wind and solar.  We applaud the Governor’s efforts to work towards renewable sources of energy, and plan to work with him to continue to promote clean energy for New Hampshire.

The challenges to New Hampshire’s environment are many and require leaders who will work across party lines to develop solutions which are in the best interests of our state. 

The Granite State Conservation Voters feels strongly that Governor Lynch’s record of achievement and leadership style makes him the Clear Choice for Governor. 

New Hampshire’s transportation system faces many challenges.  The rising cost of fuel coupled with the need to reduce vehicle miles traveled makes improving our transportation systems a top priority for New Hampshire.  How state government chooses to respond to this challenge over the next few years will greatly impact not only our environment, but also our economy and our ability to attract and retain businesses to our state.  Leadership is needed to ensure that our roads and bridges are safe and adequate to meet demand, but also develop alternate systems like increased bus service, rail and ride sharing so that the state can grow in a manner which is sustainable for the next generation.

We are looking forward to doing our part to help Governor Lynch get re-elected, and are eager to keep working with you to protect the true New Hampshire advantage – our environment and quality of life.