Economic vitality and environmental protection have long been linked in New England, and will be again with efforts to address climate change in the region. There is an emerging body of literature to support the potential economic benefits of a so-called "green economy" in the region and the nation. In New Hampshire, economic studies of both the Renewable Portfolio Standards and Regional Greenhouse Gas legislation (the effort to reduce CO[subscript 2] emissions from power plants in 10 Northeast and Middle Atlantic states to address climate change, using a "cap and trade," in which total emissions from affected facilities are limited over time) suggest the programs could create jobs, reduce electricity costs and grow the economy in the state through decreased dependence on greenhouse-gas emitting energy imported into the region and investment in fuel diversity and energy efficiency. In reaction to the environmental challenges and economic opportunities in addressing climate change, the Green Launching Pad (GLP) program was started in February 2010 at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). The impetus for the GLP was the belief that there was no reason why UNH together with New Hampshire's entrepreneurs and inventors could not take the lead in efforts to address environmental concerns in an economically beneficial way. The GLP is an entrepreneurial venture in and of itself. It is a new kind of university and state government partnership that is strategically focused, market-based and links environmental conservation and economic development. And it brings together UNH, Dartmouth and other colleges and partners higher education with the business and entrepreneurship community in the state. Judging from the initial response, the GLP will help maximize the economic benefits in New Hampshire from emerging interest and efforts to reduce energy use and the dependence on high carbon content and imported energy sources. The GLP's focus and timing is right for New Hampshire. People in New Hampshire are concerned about the economy and the poor prospects for strong recovery from the recession. They also care deeply about the environment. These two concerns are increasingly tied together in the Granite State and will be even more intertwined in the future. New Hampshire has an opportunity to ensure a strong economic and environmental future for its citizens with the help of the GLP.