U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, Nashua Mayor Jim Donchess, and Business Leaders Highlight Climate and Clean Energy Investments During Roundtable

Nashua, New Hampshire – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan joined Nashua mayor Jim Donchess, EDF Action and the League of Conservation Voters for a roundtable to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is providing critical support for New Hampshire’s municipalities and businesses to accelerate the state’s transition to clean energy. 

Nashua is a leader in pollution reduction and promoting clean energy, with the installation of solar panels on several city properties, and new tax incentives in the IRA are opening up even more clean energy investments for the city and other New Hampshire municipalities.

At the event, the speakers discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act is already helping municipalities and businesses cut energy costs, create good-paying jobs and switch to clean energy. Business leaders noted that the Inflation Reduction Act will help them save money by reducing energy costs. With tax credits to improve building energy efficiency, install rooftop solar, and purchase less-polluting commercial vehicles, available now through 2032, small businesses in New Hampshire have the ability to save money while helping the transition to a clean economy.

Senator Hassan and the panelists also toured Nashua’s Department of Public Works methane gas to energy facility to better understand the city’s plans for a microgrid that will help provide clean electricity for city buildings. The microgrid project will take advantage of tax credits made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. 

“I worked with my colleagues to pass into law the Inflation Reduction Act in order to lower costs, combat climate change, and reduce our reliance on Big Oil and energy sources from foreign countries – and now this law is delivering for our state,” said Senator Hassan. “It was great to hear today from Mayor Donchess and business and community leaders about ways that they’re lowering energy costs through federal investments, and we will keep working together to ensure that NH families and businesses know about tax cuts and other incentives that they can utilize to get more clean energy.”

“Thanks to these federal investments the city of Nashua will continue to be a leader in promoting clean energy that results in cost savings for our residents and businesses. I thank Senator Hassan and the entire NH delegation for fighting to support this historic legislation that is protecting our planet and boosting our economy,” said Mayor Jim Donchess.

“Promoting clean energy and providing savings for our residents and businesses is always top of mind for our office,” said Doria Brown, Energy Manager for City of Nashua. “The incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act now open up even more possibilities for the city’s clean energy plans. From adding the microgrid, to expanding the number of electric vehicles in the city’s fleet, Nashua is well positioned for the transition to a clean energy future.”

“Climate change is here. It’s impacting our health, communities and economy,” said EDF Action New Hampshire organizer Andrew Turner. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Hassan we have the tools to start tackling the crisis head on. Today’s event with Senator Hassan and Nashua Mayor Donchess showcased how federal investments in climate and clean energy are helping New Hampshire. It’s investments like these that will ensure New Hampshire will be able reduce harmful climate pollution while transforming our economy to clean energy.”

“As our municipalities and businesses transition to clean energy we are also creating jobs for our citizens, building resiliency for our communities, and protecting our environment,” said Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director for the League of Conservation Voters. “And Senator Hassan has helped lead the way in making these federal investments in clean energy possible. It is one more example of how she has been a leader in addressing the climate crisis while promoting a more prosperous future for New Hampshire.” 

“Clean energy is a win-win for our economy and we’re seeing that play out here in Nashua. These investments are allowing cities, residents, and businesses to reduce their energy cost while giving New Hampshire businesses the opportunity to create good paying local jobs and pass on savings to consumers. And, the way these federal programs are structured will help promote substantial investments in clean energy production and transportation over the next decade,” said Justin Brenner, NextEra Energy.

Please click here for professional photos from the event that are approved for use. Requests for video clips for the event should be sent to Hannah Blatt, hblatt@edfaction.org.