Environment (Air Quality)

HB 1618 prohibits solar radiation modification (SRM), weather modification, and other atmospheric interventions that release pollutants in New Hampshire. It directly affects any entity - government agencies, researchers, or private groups - conducting such activities within the state. The bill replaces existing law to ban these interventions, requires enforcement by county sheriffs or deputized citizens, and establishes penalties for violations. The key change is banning experiments involving chemical releases (like cloud seeding) that could harm air quality, health, or ecosystems, as outlined in the "Clean Air Preservation Act."

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.