Fuller Clark, chairwoman of the Senate Energy, Environment, and Economic Development Committee, updated members on legislative efforts to increase the use of renewable resources.

Fuller Clark talked about existing transmission lines in New Hampshire's North Country and the issue of who pays for expansion of lines, and by what method energy might be moved from that area to meet demands in the rest of the state and New England. While the expansion cost for Hampton Falls is the responsibility of Public Service of New Hampshire, it actually falls on the ratepayers, Fuller Clark said.

"If PSNH can't come up with a solution to transmission, (we) turn to Canada," Fuller Clark said, describing Canada as having "extraordinary plants. Ideally, we would prefer to develop our own resources here."

Fuller Clark said locally, towns are getting energy from natural gas and foreign oil, while Seabrook Station supplies the rest of New England. Fuller Clark said there is no technical capacity to transport that energy onto the grid.

Fuller Clark talked about weatherization incentives to help homeowners make homes energy efficient, as well as communities' waste recycling programs. Fuller Clark described Senate Bill 1648, which provides support and incentive to homeowners who want to go off the grid.

Fuller Clark spoke about modes of transportation and said there should be a train operating from Massachusetts to areas in New Hampshire not currently serviced, providing an alternative to high gas prices. "We can't widen I-95 any more," she said.

Fuller Clark said the state Legislature oversaw the insertion of an energy section of each town's master plan to affect zoning issues and approval processes in those towns.

The concept of windmills was brought up several times by members of the Energy Committee, along with the NIMBY (not in my back yard) attitude with regard to possible windmill locations.

"It's a shame we have to pansy around (the idea of) windmills," said Hampton Falls committee member Scott Bieber. "Wind is the most exciting thing that's happening right now."

Resident Andy Melville talked about the Isles of Shoals as a wind farm location. Melville also talked about utilizing the knowledge and talents of New Hampshire universities' engineering and business school students as an opportunity to retool energy issues and possibilities.

"New England ought to be self-sufficient on wind power," Melville said.

Fuller Clark said energy alternatives to be considered include biomass, solar, wind and thermal energy.

Committee members asked Fuller Clark how each community could write an energy policy so that each wouldn't be "reinventing the wheel." Fuller Clark said she considered it an opportunity to work from grassroots up, to devise a model statement for master plans across the state. She also suggested members contact Unitil Corporation to learn ways to reduce energy consumption.

"I think it would be very beneficial to bring communities together," Fuller Clark said.

The Hampton Falls Energy Committee includes Chairwoman Susan Smylie, Vice Chairman Shawn Hanson, Secretary John Rattigan and members Scott Bieber, Steve Sabatini, Tony DeLano, Beverly Mutrie and Larry Rice. The committee was formed as a result of a ballot vote in March 2007. Members, who are all volunteers, were appointed by selectmen.