Forest Society Blog - News & Features

Pipeline Eminent Domain Focus of Statehouse Bills

January 5, 2015

The power of natural gas pipeline developers to take private property using eminent domain will come under the scrutiny of state lawmakers this legislative session. Federal law dictates that any interstate gas pipeline which has won approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee (FERC) is granted the power to take land it needs for the project, so long as it pays fair market price.

A Raid on Dedicated Funds

December 30, 2014

There has been some controversy in recent years about the “raiding” of dedicated funds to assist in balancing the state budget — accomplished by transferring those funds or fund surpluses to the General Fund for general state expenses.

NHPR: Wood Pellets Swift Rise Tests Supply Chain

December 29, 2014

The number of homes in New Hampshire using wood for heat has more than doubled over the last decade, from 3.8 percent in 2005 to 8.6 percent in 2013. Much of that increase comes from wood pellets. Pellets have advantages over cord-wood – they are less work and burn more cleanly – and are cheaper than fuel oil or propane. But the fuel’s rapid growth has meant the pellet industry has earned a few black-eyes from the occasional shortage, and manufacturers and retailers are struggling to figure out how to smooth out their supply chain.