This bill introduces a new section, RSA 21-I:14-e, which mandates the Department of Administrative Services to incorporate proxy carbon pricing into its procurement decisions. Specifically, the department is required to consider a proxy carbon price when evaluating transportation costs and building heating and cooling costs for all new construction and renovations. The proxy carbon price will start at $85 per ton on January 1, 2026, and will increase by $10 each year until it reaches $2050, with adjustments for inflation based on a 2010 valuation. Additionally, the bill specifies that the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from natural gas will be calculated using a methane multiplier to account for methane leakage.

The bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, leading to indeterminable expenditures for the state. The Department of Administrative Services has indicated that while the bill will require additional staff to calculate and analyze carbon metrics for purchasing decisions, the exact number of staff hours and associated costs cannot be predicted. The fiscal impact of the bill is expected to materialize after FY 2026, as the implementation of the proxy carbon pricing will begin at that time.