House Leaders Comment on Blocking Restriction of Use of Gasoline and Heating Oil, Raise Fuel Prices

CONCORD – House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) and House Majority Leader Pete Silva (R-Nashua) today commented on the passage of committee of conference report on House Bill 1487, which would prohibit New Hampshire from participating in any low carbon fuel standards program requiring quotas, caps, or mandates on fuels used for transportation, industrial purposes, or home heating without authorization from the legislature. The scheme to cap the amount of gasoline and other liquid fuels, such as home heating oil, would raise the price of these fuels.  According to an analysis by the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) of the economic impact of the regional low carbon fuel standards on Northeast states, nominal gasoline prices would at least double and diesel and jet fuel prices would increase by at least 18-23% under the program. HB 1487 passed on a voice vote.

House Speaker William O’Brien

“In 2009, Governor Lynch began the process of raising the price of gas and heating fuel by implementing this absurd scheme known as low carbon fuel standards.  Now is certainly not the time to be raising the price at the gas pump. We should be looking for ways to increase production of gas and heating oil, not trying to find ways to restrict it.”

House Majority Leader Pete Silva

“It’s time to stop adding to the burden on the backs of our working families and to start helping our citizens.  The Governor and his Democratic colleagues continue forward on this reckless proposal to increase fuel costs on our citizens.  The last thing we need is a ‘liquid RGGI’ for New Hampshire.”