Prepared jointly by the Department of Environmental Services and the Public Utilities Commission, this report summarizes trends in New Hampshire's electric rates, the prices and availability of RGGI carbon allowances, the allocation and spending of auction revenues, and the impact of proposed federal CO2 cap and trade programs on New Hampshire's RGGI program.
The Sustainable Energy Division assists the Commission in administering the Renewable Energy Fund (see Puc Rule 2507; see also HB873) and the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (See Puc Rule 2604; see also HB1434) to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and initiatives in New Hampshire.
The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (GHGERF) is a dedicated fund created by New Hampshire legislation, RSA 125-O: 23. The source of the funding comes from New Hampshire’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI): RGGI is the regional cap and trade program aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the electric power sector across ten participating states in the northeast. Under RGGI, the amount of emissions are inventoried and then an emission cap is established at a level below current levels. For more information on RGGI check the DES website.
New Hampshire adopted the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), HB 1434, in 2008, as part of a Northeast and Mid-Atlantic ten-state initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. The initiative creates a market for emissions allowances through a regional cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gas emissions from area power plants. New Hampshire emissions allowances are sold at quarterly auctions and the proceeds fund the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction (GHGER) Fund.
The proceeds of these allowance auctions are portioned out among the state participants, and in New Hampshire, the statute directs that the proceeds of each auction flow into the GHGERF. The GHGERF is administered by the PUC, which is responsible for distributing the funds to programs across the state. These funds support energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated in New Hampshire. As of June, 2010 the GHGERF has seen revenue of $24.3 million.
10% of RGGI [auction] funds are set aside to help low-income residential customers reduce their energy use and the remainder of the funds are distributed through competitive grants or adjudicative proceedings. The First Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued in February of 2009. The first round of grant awards went to 30 applicants. These awards totaled $17.7 million, and an additional $1.2 million was granted to StayWarmNH. Grants were awarded to towns and schools for audits and retrofits, revolving loan funds (BFA and CDFA), large businesses (LighTec and Propell), electric utilities, non-profits (the Shaker Museum, NH Institute Of Art, and Crotched Mountain), educational institutions (NHEC, UNH, and Dartmouth), job training (DRED/Lakes Region Community College), and to grassroots organizations (NH Farm Energy, PAREI, and SNHRC&D).
A second RFP was issued in May 2010. The scope of eligible programs has been narrowed since the first RFP, focusing on three categories including large-scale energy users, affordable housing, and continuing programs of 2009 grant awardees.
A classical form of Asian bodywork that predates acupuncture, “Amma” is the oldest Chinese word to describe bodywork or massage. Chinese medicine is made up of three broad branches: Acupuncture, Herbs (includes nutrition) and Bodywork forms. There are many forms of Asian bodywork such as Tui Na and Shiatsu. Amma therapy is one form of Asian bodywork, descended through the lineage of a Korean born Tina Sohn (Kim). The Amma therapist is highly trained in the principles of Chinese Medicine including; Yin/Yang theory, 5 Element Theory, Organ theory, tongue and pulse diagnosis, holistic nutrition and food energetics. Like Acupuncture, Amma Therapy focuses on moving Qi (energy) in the body by accessing acu-points along the energetic channels. Where the acupuncturist would use needles, the Amma Therapist uses their fingers to manipulate these points. This combined with a deep, circular, therapeutic massage technique, balances energy in the body and promotes healing at the root level. The Amma therapist relies on their strength and sensitivity of hands, questioning and other assessment skills to give them continual feedback during treatment.
In ancient China, you did not pay your doctor while you were ill–you paid them while you were well–what a different medicine model.
At its best, Amma is a fantastic form of integrative holistic healthcare. Amma is excellent for patients of all ages for both prevention and treatment of disease. It is a very powerful tool in addressing specific illnesses including difficult and chronic diseases. Amma Therapy (acupressure/massage) has been used successfully to treat and/or manage conditions such as sprains, strains, and fractures; chronic disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, circulatory problems, anxiety, depression, gynecological problems, premenstrual problems, peri-menopause, menopausal considerations, […]
The Eight Branches represent the areas of one’s life that should be taken into account for maintaining a holistic, preventative lifestyle. They are listed in an ideal hierarchy—literally, what should be practiced regularly to maintain health before moving into more invasive methods to moderate or regain well-being. Here’s a brief overview.
1–Meditation–By meditating we are able to connect with the deepest aspects of our being, and therefore be able to engage in our lives with greater purpose and direction. It provides the opportunity for deep introspection, creates connection with life and greater space within ourselves. Truly, this is the first step in finding out who you are, why you are here and what you can do. Regular meditation also has innumerable physical benefits such as lowering blood pressure and helping to manage emotions.
2–Exercise–Appropriate exercise is a key to maintaining body and mind health. Finding the correct exercise for the individual needs is a priority. A lack of exercise or over exercising is also detrimental to overall health. Yang (very active exercise) like vigorous martial arts, power yoga, marathon running and mountain biking, may be appropriate for a person with a strong constitution and physical strength. Yin (restorative and calming exercise) like restorative yoga, and gentle qi gong or t’ai qi are great for those needing to replenish, stretch, and deeply nourish. For the overall healthy individual you need a little a bit of both, but for someone recovering from serious illness, gentle yin activity is the start.
3–Nutrition and Tonic Herbs & Foods–How we nourish ourselves is a direct reflection of our state of conscious health. Choosing foods vibrant in Qi, that are mostly local, organic, sustainable and seasonally […]