Environment

in committee · New Hampshire · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 1614: restricting the use of coal tar-based sealant products containing levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

HB 1614 restricts the sale and use of coal tar-based sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), harmful chemicals linked to environmental and health concerns. The law bans applying or selling these products on driveways and parking areas starting January 1, 2027, directly affecting homeowners, contractors, and sealant manufacturers. Exemptions are allowed only for research or development of alternatives, requiring written approval from the Department of Environmental Services. The bill has minimal fiscal impact, costing less than $10,000 annually for state agencies through 2029.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans coal tar sealants containing harmful PAHs, directly reducing environmental pollution and health risks from a known pollutant.95% confidence

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signed · New Hampshire · House Jul 16, 2026

HB 707: establishing a solid waste site evaluation committee.

HB 707 requires New Hampshire's Department of Environmental Services to establish site-specific setback distances for new landfills from perennial rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. It mandates that setbacks must be calculated using a formula based on groundwater seepage velocity testing (conducted by an independent hydrogeologist) and must be at least 3,000 feet or the 5-year groundwater travel distance, whichever is greater. The bill directly affects developers seeking permits for new landfills by imposing these distance requirements to protect water sources from contamination. It also includes additional safeguards like 24/7 landfill staffing, restrictions on building near Superfund sites or existing landfills, and soil permeability standards. The law does not apply to expansions of currently operating landfills.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires 3,000+ foot landfill setbacks from water bodies using hydrogeological testing to prevent groundwater contamination, strengthening environmental safeguards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Hazardous Materials Waste Management

in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 226: suspending applications for new landfills and establishing a committee to study the feasibility of incinerating solid waste.

SB 226 suspends all new landfill permit applications until July 1, 2031, to allow for updated regulations and policies. It establishes a legislative committee to study the feasibility of waste incineration, including its environmental impacts and effects on landfill capacity. The suspension does not affect expansions or modifications of existing permitted landfills operating on sites with RCRA Subtitle D landfills as of December 1, 2022. The committee must report its findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentSuspends new landfills to update regulations and studies incineration's environmental impacts, advancing waste management protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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signed · New Hampshire · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 27: relative to dwellings over water.

SB 27 allows owners of existing dwellings built over water (such as houseboats or structures on pilings) to repair, reconstruct, or improve them for maintenance or to meet current building codes without expanding the structure's footprint or increasing interior living space. It requires an approved sewage disposal system for any project and permits the commissioner to waive standard restrictions if the project enhances environmental protection without converting recreational use to residential activity or increasing the structure's size (while reducing kitchen/bathroom square footage). Routine maintenance not involving water work does not require a permit. This bill directly affects owners of existing water-based dwellings in New Hampshire.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires approved sewage disposal and permits waivers if projects enhance environmental protection, directly linking to conservation and pollution control.85% confidence

passed · New Hampshire · House May 5, 2026

HB 215: requiring a landfill permit applicant to submit a report listing potential harms and benefits of the project.

HB 215 requires landfill permit applicants (for new sites or expansions) to submit a report detailing both potential harms (like pollution, traffic, or property value impacts) and benefits (such as meeting New Hampshire's waste capacity needs). The Department of Environmental Services must then determine if the landfill provides a "net public benefit" based on specific criteria, including whether it addresses state waste capacity shortages and aligns with state waste management goals. Applicants bear the cost of an independent third-party assessment to evaluate harms. This bill adds a new requirement for applicants to prove net public benefit before permits are issued, focusing on concrete impacts rather than general claims.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires environmental impact assessments for landfills and mandates net public benefit review, strengthening oversight of pollution and waste management goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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passed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 105: creating a new conservation license plate and directing the additional fee to the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund.

HB 105 creates a new "Love NH Lakes" license plate for New Hampshire vehicle owners, featuring a loon on a lake design alongside the "Live Free or Die" logo. Drivers who purchase this plate pay a $30 fee (in addition to standard registration costs), with all remaining revenue after covering production and administrative expenses directed to the cyanobacteria mitigation fund. The fund uses these resources to support projects addressing harmful algae blooms (cyanobacteria) in New Hampshire waterways. This bill directly affects vehicle owners who choose to buy the special plate, with commercial use of the plate design also contributing royalties to the same fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $30 license plate fee directed to cyanobacteria mitigation fund, funding environmental program via new revenue stream85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects $30 plate fee revenue to cyanobacteria mitigation fund for projects addressing harmful algae blooms (pollution control), explicitly funding environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 109: relative to alteration of terrain permits.

SB 109 requires applicants for state permits, approvals, or written authorizations to request a consultation with the Fish and Game Department's executive director if the issuing agency deems it necessary. The executive director must respond within 60 days (with possible written extensions) by approving the permit with the applicant's proposed conservation measures, suggesting additional measures, or denying it based on impacts to endangered species. The bill also creates a new "Threatened and Endangered Species Compensatory Mitigation Fund" to accept payments for unavoidable habitat loss, funding projects like habitat restoration. This directly affects permit applicants, state agencies issuing permits, and the Fish and Game Department, which must now manage these consultations within strict timelines.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates consultation with Fish and Game for endangered species impacts, requiring conservation measures in permits to protect natural resources and species.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · New Hampshire · House Mar 12, 2026

HB 246: directing the state conservation committee to implement the conservation district climate resilience grant program and making an appropriation therefor.

HB 246 directs New Hampshire's state conservation committee to implement a climate resilience grant program for the state's 10 county conservation districts. It appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the General Fund to fund this program. The grants will support local conservation groups in developing projects to adapt to climate impacts, such as extreme weather or changing ecosystems. The program becomes effective July 1, 2025, with funds distributed by the state conservation committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $50k/year from General Fund for climate resilience grants, directly funding a new state program through budgetary allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates $50k annually to fund climate resilience grants for conservation districts, directly supporting adaptation to climate impacts and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Conservation

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 212: allowing a 180-day operation waiver when a motor vehicle fails an emission control test.

HB 212 extends the temporary operating permit for vehicles that fail emission tests from 60 to 180 days. It applies to drivers whose vehicles pass all other inspection requirements but fail the EPA OBD II emission test. The waiver allows owners to legally operate their vehicles while making necessary repairs, with only one waiver permitted per inspection cycle. The bill also directs the department to consider economic hardship when establishing repair waiver rules.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends repair time for emission failures, encouraging timely compliance with EPA standards and reducing prolonged pollution from non-compliant vehicles.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExtends emission test waiver period to facilitate repairs, promoting sustainable vehicle compliance under transportation regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Vehicle Registration

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failed · New Hampshire · House Jan 7, 2026

HB 171: establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills.

HB 171 establishes an immediate moratorium on the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services issuing permits for new landfill facilities. This directly affects developers and companies seeking to construct new landfills, halting all new permit applications and evaluations. The bill exempts expansions or modifications to existing landfills that were fully permitted by December 1, 2022. The moratorium remains in effect until new regulations, data, or policies are developed, with a repeal clause set for July 1, 2030.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMoratorium on new landfill permits prevents potential pollution and land degradation, directly protecting natural resources and strengthening environmental regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

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