From New Hampshire’s incredible hiking views in the White Mountains to skiing, leaf peeping and the seacoast, there’s no place like the Granite State. It’s why New Hampshire draws in thousands of tourists each year. Our state’s natural beauty and clean air are unbeatable, and it certainly is why we are consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful states in the nation.

As we celebrated Earth Week this year and all that Mother Nature has to offer here in New Hampshire and beyond, I want to remind everyone that divestments from renewable energy sources mean this could soon disappear. 

You may hear Gov. Kelly Ayotte tout her commitment to promote an “all of the above energy strategy.” Words do not mean actions. Our Governor, working with the Republicans, completely gutted New Hampshire’s Renewable Energy Fund and slashed millions in energy efficiency funding.

Her approach is not sustainable for our state’s long-term future. Investing in future dependence on fossil fuels while our economy transitions to more renewable energies hurts the health and well-being of our beautiful state and those who are committed to growing their families here. These fossil fuels pollute our air and directly contribute to climate change.

Our Governor, who states she is committed to bolstering energy innovation, is the same Governor who signed legislation that ensures our state will no longer invest in clean, affordable and reliable solar and wind energy. Experts warned Ayotte that signing harmful legislation like HB 682 would create significant barriers to meeting the increasing energy demands and keeping prices low. Now, we’re seeing those very warning signs come to fruition.

Granite Staters face some of the highest utility rates nationwide, and Donald Trump’s costly and chaotic agenda has only made electric costs and fossil fuels skyrocket even higher. Electricity rates have risen by nearly 12% in one year under the Governor’s leadership. Hardworking families are wrapping up the final few weeks of a frigid winter, where they paid significantly higher heating and driving costs. 

New Hampshire’s environment isn’t just something we all appreciate — it’s what we depend upon. It powers our tourism economy, supports local businesses, and shapes the quality of life that draws families to live and work here. Protecting our environment isn’t a partisan issue — it’s a responsibility. 

Earth Day was a reminder of what’s at stake for our state. The beauty and health of New Hampshire are not inevitable. It exists because generations of Granite Staters have chosen to protect our forests, our lakes, our air and our mountains. The question isn’t whether New Hampshire is worth protecting; it’s whether our elected leaders are willing to stand up for the place we call home. This requires a commitment to New Hampshire and its future success. It’s clear that our Governor and Republicans in Concord are incapable of rising to that challenge. 

Dr. Jim Gruber represents Cheshire District 16 in the New Hampshire House of Representative. He is a professor emeritus of Antioch University New England. He lives in Alstead.