New Hampshire Bans Carbon Sequestration Projects on Public Lands

New Hampshire has passed House Bill 1205, which prohibits state and county lands purchased with public funds from participating in carbon sequestration programs. The law prevents the state from monetizing the ability of public forests to absorb greenhouse gases through carbon offset contracts. Supporters of the bill argue that these lands were acquired for timber purposes and should not be locked into conservation contracts that could limit the local forestry industry. The move reflects a broader debate over the validity of forest carbon offsets and their impact on traditional land use.