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Transportation

Transportation is the largest energy consumption sector in the Granite State, accounting for 37 percent of statewide energy use in 1999.  Today NH residents drive an average of 9600 miles per year, and 33.3 percent of residents commute to work outside of their residential community (Center for Environment and Population).

Good News

Most of the cars sold in New Hampshire come from states that participate in the Cleaner Cars program; according to the Department of Environmental Services, 98 percent of vehicles are certified.

NH has two clean transportation programs that seek to reduce emissions:

The Granite State Clean Cities Coalition, which is operated by the NH Department of Environmental Services, funded by the US Department of Energy, and used by  private and public transportation  fleets throughout the state. The project seeks to expand the use of alternative, cleaner burning fuels by private and public fleets and individuals.

The Alternative Vehicle Fuels Project is operated by the NH Department of Environmental Services, funded by Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the NH Department of Transportation and the US Department of Transportation and exists to help state and municipal fleets purchase alternative fuel vehicles and related equipment.

Areas of Concern

New Hampshire is the only state in the Northeast that has not adopted the California-based Cleaner Cars program, which requires all vehicles sold in those states to meet certain low emission standards. It is up to the Legislature to vote on whether to join the program.

According to a report from the Clean Water Fund, “Greenhouse gas pollution from transportation continues to grow in NH, yet the state has yet to adopt a clean cars standard - a “clean cars” bill was killed in the state senate - or make meaningful investments in alternative transportation.”

The NH Department of Transportation has rejected the potential for restored rail service to ease traffic congestion, reduce air pollution and enhance safety within the I-93 corridor.