Lois Cote

"The New Hampshire Constitution establishes the state's framework for governance, including the powers and limitations of the legislature. However, it does not explicitly grant the legislature a constitutional right to determine property tax exemptions for local cities and towns. The Constitution does outline the structure of government and individual rights, but specific provisions regarding local tax exemptions are not detailed." Local solar property tax exemptions are a choice made by municipalities, not a mandate. Towns that adopt them do so because they: Encourage residents to invest in clean, locally produced energy; Help stabilize long-term household energy costs; Support local installers and small businesses; Reduce strain on the electric grid; and Align with local climate, resilience and energy goals Repealing the enabling law, which has been in place since the 1970's, takes this choice away from communities, penalizes residents who invested in solar in good faith under existing rules. Fossil fuel energy sources get tax breaks all along their production chain, and so this is just giving solar parity with fossil fuels. This bill does not lower taxes overall. It shifts costs and creates new disincentives for clean energy investments that benefit the public. Because I firmly believe that individual biases and outside interests played a roll in this bill being brought forward, I want to present as a reminder a part of legislators' oath of office: I, A.B. do solemnly and sincerely swear and affirm that I will faithfully and IMPARTIALLY discharge and perform all duties incumbent on me as …, according to the best of my abilities, agreeably to the rules and regulations of this constitution and laws of the state of New Hampshire. So help me God. Please OPPOSE this harmful bill. Thank you