Environment (Air Quality)

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.

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.

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.