Contact: Barbara Riley
Tuesday, October 7, 2008

HENNIKER NH – United States Senator John Sununu (R-NH) today (10/07) toured Henniker’s HHP, Inc., a hardwood lumber mill, to promote New Hampshire’s timber industry.  While touring the 50,000 square foot saw mill, Sununu advocated a “multiple use” approach for forest and timber management within the White Mountain National Forest and also highlighted new federal tax credits for renewable energy.

“HHP is a great example of how a sustainable forestry industry is good for New Hampshire’s economy,” said Sununu. “Because the mill purchases timber from the White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire’s long-standing ‘multiple use’ approach to forest and timber management, which balances production and conservation, is essential to its operation. 

“Meanwhile, new federal renewable energy tax incentives, including my 10 percent tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves, will foster job growth in our state’s biomass industries, making it even more important to preserve access to timber.  By promoting better forest management and conservation practices, we can ensure a strong industry for forest products in our state.”

The Henniker plant, which was founded in 1966, operates on 25 acres of land and produces kiln-dried and green wood, wood pallets, and hardwood and softwood chips.  HHP, Inc., had the winning bid for the U.S. Forest Service’s Batchelder Brook timber sale in Warren, but logging was delayed due to litigation by out-of-state environmental groups.

BACKGROUND:

• On December 13, 2007, Sununu supported Senate passage of the 2007 bi-partisan Energy Bill, which increased fuel economy standards for the first time in 32 years and encouraged investment in renewable energy technology. Under the bill, the average mileage standards will increase to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.
• Sununu is a cosponsor of the “Clean Energy Tax Stimulus Act” that extends clean energy production tax credits and incentives to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing homes, businesses and appliances. The legislation included Sununu's provision to provide a 10 percent tax credit for the purchase of energy-efficient wood pellet stoves, a provision which was recently signed into law.

• On May 3, 2008, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association honored Sununu with its “Outstanding Legislator of the Year” award for his legislative record in support of practices that further the goals of strong forest management, conservation practices, and a strong industry for forest project in the Granite State.

• Sununu is co-sponsor of the “Gasoline Price Reduction Act of 2008” which would allow additional deep-sea energy exploration and Western oil shale production. The bill also encourages development of plug-in electric cars and trucks and strengthens oversight of the energy futures market.

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