This bill, titled "AN ACT prohibiting offshore wind energy infrastructure," aims to prohibit the development and infrastructure related to offshore wind energy in New Hampshire. It introduces a new section to the Coastal Program, specifically RSA 485-I:7, which explicitly bans any person or entity from engaging in the landing, transmission, or installation of offshore wind energy cables, equipment, or related infrastructure within the state. The bill also stipulates that no state agency or private entity may authorize the use of state-owned infrastructure for offshore wind projects, and it establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures and potential criminal charges.

In addition to the prohibitions, the bill repeals several existing provisions related to offshore wind energy, including the Office of Offshore Wind Industry Development and Energy Innovation, the Offshore Wind Industry Workforce Training Center Committee, and the Offshore Wind and Port Development Commission. The bill also removes references to offshore wind initiatives from the Renewable Energy Fund and other related statutes. These changes reflect a significant shift in New Hampshire's energy policy, emphasizing the protection of the state's coastal environment and economic interests by halting any offshore wind energy projects.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 162-B:4, 362-F:10, 362-H:2