Environment

signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 1425: relative to the development of an online wetlands permit processing system.

HB 1425 streamlines wetland permitting for small projects by shortening the review period from 40 to 21 days and creates an emergency permitting process for natural disasters. It modifies existing rules to allow the Department of Environmental Services to approve certain minor projects without full review and authorize immediate protective actions during emergencies. The bill directly affects property owners, developers, and emergency responders needing quick permits for small wetland projects or disaster response. The changes require minimal administrative adjustments, with estimated annual costs under $10,000 for implementation.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentShortens wetland review periods and allows approvals without full review, weakening environmental review requirements for minor projects.85% confidence

passed · New Hampshire · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 1431: restricting the use of neonicotinoid pesticides.

HB 1431 restricts the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (containing ingredients like imidacloprid and clothianidin) in New Hampshire. It bans non-agricultural applications (e.g., for lawns, gardens, or ornamental plants) and requires these pesticides to be sold only to licensed dealers and used by state-certified applicators. The bill also prohibits their use on state property (like parks and highways) except for invasive species control, structural pest management, or approved exceptions, and bans applications during bloom periods on flowering plants to protect pollinators. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture must create an educational program about pollinator-friendly alternatives and integrated pest management. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts neonicotinoid pesticides (harmful to pollinators/environment) in non-agricultural uses and state property, aligning with pollution control and conservation goals.95% confidence

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 1440: relative to properties enrolled in carbon sequestration programs.

HB 1440 requires landowners enrolling forestland in carbon sequestration programs to submit forest management plans to the Division of Forests and Lands. These plans must follow best forestry practices and include a habitat protection component developed with Fish and Game biologists to address impacts on wildlife. The Division and Fish and Game jointly review and approve plans, with periodic on-site inspections to ensure compliance. Noncompliance could lead to plan suspension or revocation. The bill affects current forestland owners in carbon sequestration programs, totaling approximately 183,000 acres statewide.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires habitat protection components with biologists and joint reviews to prevent wildlife impacts, ensuring carbon sequestration programs align with environmental conservation.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Wildlife

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 1086: creating a committee to study neonicotinoid seed treatments.

HB 1086 bans the sale of corn, wheat, and soybean seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, directly affecting farmers and seed sellers in New Hampshire. The bill prohibits selling or using these treated seeds but allows sellers to request a written waiver from the Agriculture Commissioner. It takes effect January 1, 2029, with no estimated state or local costs identified. The measure focuses on restricting specific agricultural seed treatments without altering other farming practices.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans neonicotinoid-treated seeds (harmful to pollinators/ecosystems), directly protecting environmental health without industry prioritization.95% confidence

Track

failed · New Hampshire · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 1530: requiring notification of abutters and public review prior to disturbing beaver dams in non-emergency situations.

HB 1530 requires landowners to notify neighbors and hold a public meeting before removing beaver dams or significantly lowering water levels in "shared" beaver impoundments (ponds or wetlands affecting multiple properties) outside emergency situations. It applies directly to landowners, municipalities, and property managers who want to disturb such dams for non-urgent reasons, like protecting property or infrastructure. The bill mandates 30 days' written notice to affected neighbors and a public informational meeting 15 days before action, published in local media or online. Exceptions include immediate threats to life/property, or installing flow devices (which require no notice). This aims to balance property protection with community input on shared water resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires public review before disturbing beaver dams, protecting wetland ecosystems and natural water systems from hasty removal.85% confidence

Track

died · New Hampshire · House Mar 4, 2026

HB 1028: relative to the definition of renewable generation facility.

HB 1028 updates New Hampshire's legal definition of "renewable generation facility" to explicitly include energy produced from bio-oil, bio-synthetic gas, and biodiesel (as defined in RSA 362-A:1-a). This change directly affects renewable energy projects seeking tax benefits under RSA 72:73, particularly those using these biofuels. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026, clarifying which facilities qualify for related tax provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesClarifies eligibility for existing tax benefits under RSA 72:73, enabling more renewable projects to access tax incentives by expanding the definition of qualifying facilities.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands renewable definition to include biofuels, enabling tax benefits for qualifying projects under RSA 72:73, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure eligibility.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands tax incentives for biofuel renewable energy projects, directly promoting clean energy adoption and aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy

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failed · New Hampshire · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 1602: creating a safe battery recycling stewardship program.

HB 1602 creates a statewide program requiring battery manufacturers and brands (producers) to fund and manage the safe collection and recycling of covered batteries. It applies to portable batteries (under 4.4 lbs primary or 11 lbs rechargeable) and medium-format batteries (11-25 lbs), excluding medical device batteries, vehicle batteries, and lead-acid batteries over 11 pounds. Producers must join a "battery stewardship organization" that meets annual collection targets and follows environmental safety rules, with the Department of Environmental Services overseeing compliance. The program shifts recycling responsibility from consumers to producers, ensuring covered batteries are handled safely through a structured, industry-funded system.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires battery producers to fund safe recycling, preventing toxic waste pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

Track

signed · New Hampshire · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 445: relative to adjudicative proceedings where there is a council or board with jurisdiction.

SB 445 changes the process for enforcing air pollution permits by requiring hearings before suspending permits and establishing a tiered fine system based on violation severity (ranging from $100 to $4,000). It affects businesses holding air pollution permits and the Department of Environmental Services, clarifying when hearings are needed and how fines are calculated. The bill replaces vague references to "hearings" with specific legal procedures under RSA 541-A and RSA 21-O:11. This modifies administrative enforcement without altering environmental standards or permit requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires hearings before permit suspension and implements tiered fines ($100-$4,000) based on violation severity, strengthening air pollution enforcement procedures and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

signed · New Hampshire · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 1535: relative to clarifying eligible renewable energy classes under the renewable portfolio standard.

HB 1535 clarifies which thermal energy sources qualify under New Hampshire's renewable portfolio standard. It modifies three sections of state law to specify that geothermal, methane gas, and solar thermal energy systems must have begun operation after January 1, 2013, to count toward renewable energy requirements. This change directly affects renewable energy providers seeking to comply with the state's renewable portfolio standard. The bill does not create new requirements but clarifies existing eligibility criteria for thermal energy sources. The bill takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies RPS eligibility to require newer renewable systems, promoting clean energy compliance under state standards.95% confidence