This bill proposes significant changes to the structure and responsibilities of the Office of Energy Innovation and related entities in New Hampshire. It removes the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development from the Office of Energy Innovation and repeals both the Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Training Center Committee and the Offshore and Port Development Commission. Additionally, the Grid Modernization Advisory Council and the Hydrogen Advisory Council will be relocated to the Office of Energy Innovation, which will now focus on advising the governor and state agencies on clean energy resources in the Gulf of Maine, including assessments of port facilities and workforce development.

The bill also amends various sections of existing law to reflect these changes. Notably, it eliminates references to offshore wind initiatives in the Renewable Energy Fund, which will now primarily support thermal and electrical renewable energy initiatives. Furthermore, it establishes a Hydrogen Advisory Committee within the Department of Energy through the Office of Energy Innovation. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an effective date of September 30, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 12-P:7-b, 12-P:16, 162-B:4, 188-E:30, 362-F:10, 362-H:2, 485-I:5
As Amended by the Senate: 12-P:7-b, 12-P:16, 162-B:4, 188-E:30, 362-F:10, 362-H:2, 485-I:6
Version adopted by both bodies: 12-P:7-b, 12-P:16, 162-B:4, 188-E:30, 362-F:10, 362-H:2, 485-I:6
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 12-P:7-b, 162-B:4, 188-E:30, 362-F:10, 362-H:2, 485-I:6