Today, Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) held a virtual roundtable discussion with Hubbard Brook climate change scientists to discuss the latest research and findings on climate change. The Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest is situated in the White Mountains and administered by the USDA Forest Service. The forest is among the longest running and most comprehensive ecosystem studies in the world and is used to study hydrology, ecology, and the management of the northern forests. 

In January, Rep. Kuster unveiled her Clean Energy Agenda, which consists of legislation she has led and is supporting to address climate change and transition to a clean energy economy. Kuster also discussed the Great American Outdoors Act, which passed the House yesterday and is heading to the President’s desk to be signed into law. The legislation includes full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).

“Hubbard Brook is such an asset to our region and has been instrumental in helping us understand how climate change is already having an effect right here in New Hampshire,” said Rep. Kuster. “I appreciate the opportunity to hear from the Hubbard Brook team today about the impact of ice storms on our forests, the widespread consequences of ‘winter whiplash’ on our environment and economy, the impact of carbon dioxide emissions, and the barriers facing many Granite Staters in pursuing careers in science. I look forward to sharing what I heard today with leaders in New Hampshire and my colleagues in Congress as we continue working to combat climate change and protect our environment.”

“Science briefings with U.S. Congresswoman Kuster are some of my best days on the job,” said Anthea Lavallee, Executive Director of Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. “At the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation, connecting science to environmental problem-solvers is the name of the game. Through smart policy, we can put knowledge to work for people and the planet. Hearing Annie’s commitment to fact-based environmental decision-making is incredibly energizing."

"Research conducted by ethnically diverse teams has been shown to lead to a higher rate of citations than that of homogeneous teams,” said Tyler Edwards, Student Researcher at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. “In order to boost the research emerging from Hubbard Brook, we need to invest in systemic change and creating programs that support students of color throughout their academic career."

During the discussion, Rep. Kuster heard from:

• Anthea Lavallee, Executive Director of Hubbard Brook Research Foundation
• Dr. Lindsey Rustad, Investigator and Forest Service Team Lead at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
• Dr. Charley Driscoll, Investigator at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest
• Dr. Alix Contosta, Research Assistant Professor in the Earth Systems Research Center at the University of New Hampshire and Hubbard Brook Research Foundation Collaborator
• Tyler Edwards, student researcher at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest           

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