Latest news with #RandyPierce
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Advocates for disabled criticize proposed voting changes
Advocates for the disabled charged that two pending election law bills would create unfair barriers for those seeking to vote by absentee ballot or to use accessible voting equipment to cast a ballot in person. But supporters insisted the voter identification requirements for those voting by absentee ballot should be as rigorous as those who vote in person at the polls. They maintain that small towns should not have to lease expensive accessible voting equipment if there aren't going to be any voters who need those services on Election Day. Dr. Randy Pierce is chief executive officer with Future in Sight, an advocacy group that assists the 29,000 residents in New Hampshire who are blind or visually impaired. 'What these result in are creating a barrier and in New Hampshire voting should be a private, independent and undue barrier-free system,' Pierce said. 'The good news is this is not too late.' Both the absentee voting (SB 287) and accessible voting (HB 613) bills are expected to go to a House-Senate conference committee to try and settle differences between the two measures. Currently, anyone can request by mail an absentee ballot application and then mail in their vote to the city or town clerk. The absentee voter has to sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury that he or she qualifies as a resident and eligible voter in that precinct. Late last month, the House Election Laws Committee attached to a related absentee ballot bill the proposed requirement that a copy of the voter's photo identification card and a notarized signature on the application form would be required to receive an absentee ballot. Chairman and state Rep. Ross Berry, R-Weare, said concerns about the mandate were overblown. 'Importantly, New Hampshire law currently allows for electronic and remote notarization services, providing an additional, accessible option for voters to verify their identity remotely,' Berry said. 'Voters who request an absentee ballot in person may simply present their ID at the clerk's office. During committee discussions, it was noted that electronic transmission methods — such as emailing a scanned copy of an ID — would be acceptable, as New Hampshire law currently imposes no requirements for ID submission.' Critics liken bills to voter suppression Rep. Connie Lane, D-Concord, said there's no valid reason for imposing the requirement. 'This bill, like many others passed over the past few years, is based purely on speculation and adds yet another barrier to exercising the right to vote — also known as voter suppression,' Lane said. The House passed the bill along party lines, 184-146 with GOP members in support and Democrats against it. Sen. James Gray, R-Rochester, convinced the Senate last week to have his accessible voting language replace an unrelated measure about default town budgets. As crafted, it would permit any city or town clerk to notify Secretary of State David Scanlan that it will not need to acquire accessible voting equipment unless a local voter asks for it within 60 days of an election. James Ziegra, senior staff attorney with the Disabilities Rights Center, said the change is unconstitutional and would be in violation of federal law as well. Pierce said his members reside in 'every town and city ward' in New Hampshire so all communities should the accessible machines available. 'No one in this state should have to fight to have their vote counted and heard,' added Krysten Evans, director of policy and advocacy for ABLE NH, an interest group that supports the disabled. What's Next: Both bills will be discussed before House-Senate conference committees next week and face a June 19 deadline to reach an agreement. Prospects: Given the support among House and Senate Republican leaders for these changes, odds are high that they are going win approval in the Legislature during these final weeks. klandrigan@
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amite Solar Energy Center marks milestone for NextEra Energy Resources in Louisiana
TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La., June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DEMCO and NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, are proud to announce that Amite Solar, LLC, is now operational. This milestone marks the launch of NextEra Energy Resources' first utility-scale energy facility in Louisiana, delivering reliable, American-made energy to local communities. The Amite Solar Energy Center is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources, one of the country's largest energy infrastructure developers. "Thanks to this collaboration with NextEra Energy Resources, our members will benefit from dependable, low-cost, fixed-price energy for the next 25 years," said Randy Pierce, chief executive officer and general manager at DEMCO. "It's a smart, long-term partnership that reflects our shared commitment to delivering lasting value to the communities we serve." Located in Tangipahoa Parish, the Amite Solar Energy Center has the capacity to generate up to 100 megawatts of energy, which is enough energy to power thousands of Louisiana homes and businesses. The energy center achieved commercial operations in March 2025 and is contributing dependable electricity to Louisiana's power grid. "This is a monumental moment for our team, and we are proud to work with DEMCO to bring low-cost solar energy to their co-op members," said Stuart McCurdy, vice president of development at NextEra Energy Resources. "We're thrilled to deliver homegrown energy that supports local jobs and economic development, exemplifying the power of collaboration between energy infrastructure developers, the community and local utilities in meeting the unprecedented energy demand." Construction lasted 15 months and generated a significant economic boost to Tangipahoa Parish and the state, by creating 200 construction jobs and stimulating the purchase of regional goods and services from local vendors. Over the next 30 years, the project is expected to generate approximately $16 million in additional tax revenue for Tangipahoa Parish. "These funds can be used to strengthen local schools, improve roads and support other essential public services" added McCurdy. "This is about more than energy – it's about investing in the future of Louisiana communities." A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources built, owns and operates the Amite Solar Energy Center, ensuring long-term operational excellence and local economic impact. About NextEra Energy Resources NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, (together with its affiliated entities, "NextEra Energy Resources") is advancing America's energy future with the largest and most diverse portfolio of power generation and infrastructure solutions. NextEra Energy Resources is one of America's largest wholesale generators of electric power in the U.S., leveraging all forms of energy across renewables, storage, natural gas, nuclear and other critical energy infrastructure, with approximately 33,410 megawatts of total net generating capacity. The business operates safe, reliable nuclear power generation facilities in New Hampshire and Wisconsin as part of the NextEra Energy nuclear fleet. NextEra Energy Resources offers a wide range of integrated solutions to help utilities and businesses across the country meet their energy needs when and where they need it. NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information, visit: About DEMCODEMCO is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative that enhances the quality of life for its members, employees, and communities by providing safe, reliable, and competitively priced energy services. Founded in 1938, DEMCO powers 117,800+ meters in seven parishes: Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Livingston, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, and West Feliciana. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NextEra Energy Resources, LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
