Steven Korzen | Oppose HB219

My name is Steven Korzen, and I am a sitting City Councilor in Berlin, NH. I am writing today to voice my opposition to HB219 and request that you vote "Inexpedient to Legislate" at this time. This bill is both poorly thought out and ill-timed. The City of Berlin has just finalized a new PILOT agreement that allows the Burgess Biomass to emerge from bankruptcy as a viable partner to our city. The phasing out of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) will negatively impact our biomass, wind, and solar resources, which our city relies on. This phasing out will have little effect on overall savings to subscribers but will handcuff the energy industry we greatly depend on for revenue generation in our city. Our schools, public safety, and government have been impacted by the recent bankruptcy but have made adjustments to offset the burden during this difficult economic time. The bottom line is we managed to get it done, but not without some cost to our taxpayers. Phasing out the RPS will create a massive tax burden that Berlin cannot handle at this time. I ask you to oppose this legislation and send a message of support to the great people of Berlin. Steven Korzen, Berlin City Councilor 788 Kent Street Berlin NH 03570