Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, toured Contemporary Auto to learn about their solar array, meet with staff and hear about their energy-efficient infrastructure, and receive a business update. As a member of the Energy Subcommittee, Kuster is on the frontlines of developing policies to promote clean energy and help forge the clean energy economy of the future.

“Reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources and becoming energy independent is crucial to our national security, our economic well-being, and our planet,” said Rep. Kuster. “Supporting individuals and businesses as they transition to clean energy is crucial to securing an energy-independent future and preventing the worst effects of climate change. Thank you to Contemporary Auto’s leadership and staff for showing me their beautiful facilities and discussing their decision to invest in solar for their business. I look forward to bringing these insights with me as I continue my work in Washington.”

“It was great having Congresswoman Kuster visit our dealership today.  My wife Audrey and I believe we are all stewards of the environment and should do what we can to help conserve resources. When designing our new building, the instructions to the architects and engineers were clear, find economically viable environmentally responsible solutions wherever possible,” said David Hammer, owner of Contemporary Auto. “Highlights include a building envelope that is tighter than code requires, recycling of all the used motor oil generated in our repair shop and using it to heat the entire building, LED lighting throughout both interior and exterior to reduce our energy demand, and a 135-kilowatt 450 panel solar array on the roof, making Contemporary Automotive New Hampshire’s largest solar-powered dealership. Our employees truly enjoyed getting to meet Rep. Kuster, and appreciated the time she took to speak with them one-on-one.  As auto dealers, we appreciate what Rep. Kuster has done to recognize and support small business generally and auto dealers specifically and the role we play in our local communities.” 

In addition to traditional gas or diesel-powered vehicles, Contemporary Auto sells a number of American-made hybrid electric vehicles. The company has made major renewable and energy efficiency investments including 450 solar panels generating 150,000 kWh per year, solar-powered EV charging stations, light reflective interior windows, and more. Each year, the solar array can reduce CO2 emissions equivalent to consuming nearly 12,500 gallons of gasoline.

Rep. Kuster has long supported clean and renewable energy initiatives, as well as bolstered domestic energy production – especially in the wake of Putin’s unprovoked, brutal invasion of Ukraine. Kuster helped to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which is providing nearly $17 million over the next five years to expand our nation’s electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity. 

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