Kittery outpacing Portsmouth in climate initiatives + cruise news + upcoming events
Checking in on our neighbors across the bridge
This issue:
A quick peek at Kittery’s climate initiatives
Cruise ships & climate impact
Events
Checking in on … Kittery, ME
Kittery has always seemed to be a bit ahead of Portsmouth when it comes to climate planning. I investigated* the current state of their climate initiatives and found plenty to envy.
* I spent 2 minutes googling “Kittery climate change”
Community Solar is in full swing
Kittery Climate Action have been busy:
KCAN has launched a campaign to increase the number of residents who utilize solar power for their electric needs. With more options than ever, there is a need to reduce confusion and increase people’s understanding about how to become part of the solar solution whether as a homeowner or renter. Through KitteryCAN’s SOLARIZE KITTERY campaign, we aim to enroll 200 households in community solar and rooftop solar over the next year.
How it works:
Community Solar allows you to receive the benefits of solar energy without having to install equipment on your home by connecting you to a local solar farm through a subscription.
Residents of Kittery can enroll already - three contending companies have set up signup pages: Ampion, Nautilus, PowerMarket.
I’m pretty sure we cannot get a similar scheme going until NH law changes. In other words, NH’s legislature is forcing every citizen to pay an extra ~15% on our energy bills compared to consumers in Maine who have the option of community solar.
Climate Action Plan Strategies & Survey
Kittery’s Climate Action Plan .. planning is proceeding apace. They’ve published a draft list of strategies and are looking for feedback from residents.
The proposed 29 Climate Action Strategies reflect the priorities identified by the community over the course of 36 focus group discussions and reflect actions and efforts that align with the State's Maine Won't Wait Climate Action Plan
How does this list compare to Portsmouth's draft list? Someone should run a full comparison (maybe next issue). Some differences jumped out though:
“Enhance planning for disaster response and mitigation for current and emerging climate hazards” - not on Portsmouth’s draft list at all
“Support infrastructure at dock and marine facilities to enable electric fleets”
“Direct growth to areas with existing infrastructure and low flood risk”
“Promote hazard disclosure for property transactions”
I guess Portsmouth must own the bridges though, as I didn’t see any mentions of river turbines.
Links:
Kittery Freebie barn
The freebie barn runs partly on volunteers, and seems to have been a success - diverting 5 tons of working goods away from landfill to date.
Cruise ships coming to Portsmouth?
Portsmouth cruise ship visits close to reality: What to expect in 2024 (Portsmouth Herald)
American Cruise Lines is in its “final assessment” of the New Hampshire Port Authority facility before deciding whether to make multiple stops in Portsmouth during the summer of 2024.
Eric Dussault, the director of port operations for American Cruise Lines, believes “Portsmouth is going to be a really good fit for us.”
The specific cruise is the Grand New England Cruise, for up to 200 people.
The cruise rep quoted goes on to hint at the economic upsides for Portsmouth - with affluent cultural tourists spending $$$ in Portsmouth’s stores and restaurants.
I’m skeptical of how much positive economic impact there will be. For example, will cruise-goers be using Portsmouth’s restaurants, or will they take advantage of their (included) meals back on board?
At the end of a day of discovery, be welcomed back the comfort of your sanctuary aboard the ship. Bask in the warm camaraderie of fellow guests and be treated to the best cuisine of the region.
Grand New England cruise brochure
Climate impact
It’s unclear from reporting whether anyone is assessing the potential environmental impact. Absent an impact report, I looked at two points of view - the cruise company and Friends Of the Earth, who publish a regular Cruise climate impact scorecard.
The operator, American Cruise Lines, claims some green credentials. However, it’s not clear if the Portsmouth cruise would use one of these greener boats designs.
Friends of the Earth caution that the cruise industry is rife with greenwashing, so all claims must be taken with a grain of salt.
EVENTS
Portsmouth Energy Advisory Committee Public Meeting
Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm Zoom or in person.
Brian Callnan, CEO of Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire - Q&A including future projects
My question for Brian: does the CPC track what % of people opt in to the 100% green power tariff? If so, has anyone estimated the climate impact (tons of CO2 saved).
Local Energy Solutions conference in Manchester - sharing information. John Tabor, Peter Somssich
Coffee outside with SABR
November 26th, 4 Tree Island
…SABR and bike-riding coffee lovers will meet up for COFFEE OUTSIDE at Four Tree Island in Portsmouth. Bring your camp coffee gear to make coffee (or tea) onsite.
Community Conversation on Health & the Changing Climate (Portsmouth Climate Action)
November 27, Portsmouth Library.
Making a difference at state level: New Hampshire public consultation for NH’s Priority and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans
November 30th, January 11th, February 8th.
New Hampshire Listens is working on behalf of NH Department of Environmental Services to design and facilitate community engagement – an essential component of NH’s Priority and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans (PCAP and CCAP). These plans are being developed under NHDES’ Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Join the consultation process.