Environment

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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signed · New Hampshire · House May 19, 2026

HB 649: relative to the maintenance obligations of motor vehicle operators.

HB 649 eliminates the requirement for physical safety inspections and on-board diagnostic tests for all private passenger vehicles in New Hampshire, effective January 1, 2026. The bill also repeals the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Abatement Fund, which previously received $0.25 from each vehicle inspection fee. This change will reduce state revenue by approximately $1.7 million in fiscal year 2026, with annual decreases of $3.4 million thereafter, and will impact municipal highway fund block grants that receive 12% of vehicle inspection revenue. The bill affects all passenger vehicle owners who would have been required to undergo inspections and alters the funding structure for vehicle safety and environmental programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesEliminates inspection fees and repeals fund, reducing state revenue by $1.7M in 2026 and $3.4M annually, defunding state budget.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Abatement Fund, eliminating $0.25/inspection revenue for pollution control, reducing environmental protection funding.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationEliminates vehicle safety inspections and repeals pollution fund, reducing highway infrastructure revenue by $3.4M annually.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Air Quality Roads & Highways Vehicle Registration

failed · New Hampshire · Senate Jan 7, 2026

SB 231: relative to road frontage requirements and setbacks for wetlands.

SB 231 would limit local zoning requirements for road frontage and setbacks near wetlands to a maximum of 50 feet, aiming to increase housing density by reducing the minimum distance properties must be from wetlands. The bill ensures these limits remain consistent with existing shoreland protection standards (RSA 483-B:9) and do not override broader environmental regulations (RSA 489:2). It directly affects local governments creating zoning rules and developers building near wetlands, allowing more compact development while maintaining current environmental safeguards. The bill amends state law to add this purpose to zoning ordinances and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill reduces wetland setback requirements from existing standards, weakening environmental buffers to increase housing density despite referencing broader regulations.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill reduces wetland setback requirements to increase housing density, directly advancing housing development by allowing more construction near wetlands.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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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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failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 1621: requiring a baseline environmental impact study to be completed prior to development of certain manufacturing and storage facilities.

HB 1621 requires developers to complete a baseline environmental study before building or expanding manufacturing or storage facilities larger than 50,000 square feet. The study must assess current environmental conditions - including water, air, soil, noise, and light - and analyze potential impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives. Applicants must fund the study, conducted by approved professionals, and resubmit it for ownership changes or facility use modifications. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services must review the study and make it publicly available with a 30-day comment period before issuing permits. This applies specifically to industrial-scale facilities, not smaller operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates pre-development environmental impact studies for large facilities, requiring assessment of water, air, soil, and mitigation measures to prevent ecological harm.95% confidence

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failed · New Hampshire · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 1455: relative to the criteria for reliable energy sources.

HB 1455 establishes new criteria for energy sources used in New Hampshire state programs, requiring them to be affordable, reliable, dispatchable, and include hydrocarbons. It defines "reliable" energy as sources available on demand (dispatchable), maintaining grid stability, and including hydrocarbon-based generation like natural gas. The bill redefines "green energy" to explicitly include nuclear power and natural gas combustion, aligning with National Ambient Air Quality Standards. These standards apply to all energy serving New Hampshire customers through state-funded programs, prioritizing domestic sources and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRedefines 'green energy' to include natural gas/nuclear, requiring hydrocarbons in state programs, favoring fossil fuels over renewables.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRedefines 'green energy' to include natural gas/hydrocarbons, weakening clean energy standards and prioritizing fossil fuels over environmental protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Air Quality

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