Committee Summary for House Environment and Agriculture (02/11/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1096 00:07:01.520 - 9:05:52 AM	General Working Session	establishing a committee to study ways to manage disposal of vapes and e-cigarettes.	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025
HB1192 00:22:22.240 - 9:21:13 AM	General Working Session	exempting certain household pharmaceutical wastes from the definition of hazardous waste.	Haskins, Linda(D)[F]2025
HB1620 2026-0540h 00:24:48.480 - 9:23:39 AM	General Working Session	establishing closure and remediation requirements for abandoned or leaking on-premises-use fuel oil tanks and requiring disclosure of tank status during property sales.	Perez, Kristine(R)[B+]2025
HB1282 00:42:04.400 - 9:40:55 AM	General Working Session	establishing a commission to advise the department of environmental services on food waste diversion.	Parshall, Lucius(D)[F]2025
HB1275 00:47:32.240 - 9:46:23 AM	General Working Session	relative to the effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances on agriculture.	Thomas, Wendy(D)[CT]2025
HB1018 01:04:24.400 - 10:03:15 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting the use of certain second generation anticoagulant rodenticides.	Harvey, Cathryn(D)[F]2025
HB1676 03:03:17.520 - 12:02:08 PM	Public Hearing	limiting consumer access to certain high-risk rodenticides.	Barbour, Liz(R)[B+]2025
HB138 04:07:32.000 - 1:06:23 PM	Public Hearing	relative to tax impact notation on warrant articles with multi-year tax impacts.	Pauer, Diane(R)[A]2025
HB1138 04:23:38.000 - 1:22:29 PM	Public Hearing	limiting the placement of out-of-state waste going into New Hampshire landfills.	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025

HB1096: Representative German Support00:07:01.520 - 9:05:52 AM; Representative German advocates for the study committee, emphasizing the urgency of addressing vape and e-cigarette disposal due to increasing costs for municipalities and the limitations of the solid waste working group. He argues that a dedicated committee can collaborate with existing groups, review models from other states, and prepare legislation for next year to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) sooner, avoiding delays that could push solutions to 2033.
HB1096: Representative KL (likely Comtois) Oppose00:10:11.839 - 9:09:02 AM; Representative KL opposes the study committee, noting that other states are already studying and implementing legislation on this issue. She suggests waiting until fall to introduce a bill based on those efforts, allowing for more informed discussions without duplication, and relying on the committee's own study capabilities if needed.
HB1096: Representative Haskins Support00:11:21.519 - 9:10:12 AM; Representative Haskins supports the study committee, viewing it as a public health issue requiring urgency. She argues that New Hampshire should lead rather than follow other states and that the committee would gather information efficiently without overburdening the solid waste working group.
HB1096: Representative Baron Oppose00:12:30.160 - 9:11:21 AM; Representative Baron opposes adding a fourth study committee, citing the committee's existing commitments to three others. She suggests an ad hoc approach to gather information from other states and plans to raise the issue with the solid waste working group instead.
HB1096: Unnamed Representative (likely Chair or Vice Chair) Information Only00:13:42.800 - 9:12:33 AM; The representative notes the availability of the legislative department for research on this issue, suggesting it can handle much of the needed work without a dedicated study committee.
HB1096: Representative German (response) Support00:14:42.320 - 9:13:33 AM; Representative German clarifies that the study committee is less about basic research and more about evaluating different EPR models from other states to adapt the best one for New Hampshire. He emphasizes bringing stakeholders together to expedite the process and avoid the slow legislative cycle.
HB1096: Representative Aaron Information Only00:15:44.560 - 9:14:35 AM; Representative Aaron highlights challenges with lithium-ion batteries and nicotine in vapes, suggesting the solid waste working group address these hazardous aspects. She would support the bill only if amended to focus narrowly on these issues rather than broad EPR feasibility.
HB1096: Representative Bixby Support00:18:37.120 - 9:17:28 AM; Representative Bixby discusses the problems with inseparable batteries and nicotine in vapes, which create hazardous waste and burden transfer stations. He advocates for manufacturer responsibility through EPR to incentivize collection and reduce community costs, stressing the need for solutions beyond defining the problem.
HB1096: Representative Comtois Information Only00:21:10.080 - 9:20:01 AM; Representative Comtois questions the study committee's scope, particularly regulation of commercial sales, arguing it falls outside the committee's purview and relates more to commerce issues.
HB1192: Representative Aaron (Chair) Information Only00:22:22.240 - 9:21:13 AM; Representative Aaron describes the bill as housekeeping to align RSA 147-A sections B, C, and D with prior changes, ensuring statutory consistency without debating the exemption's merits.
HB1192: Representative Bixby Support00:23:34.000 - 9:22:25 AM; Representative Bixby supports quick passage to Ought to Pass (OTP), noting the bill resolves conflicts in law regarding disposal under RSA 318E, which already provides a proper mechanism.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative Comp (likely Comtois) Information Only00:24:48.480 - 9:23:39 AM; Representative Comp acknowledges the bill's good intentions but notes conflicts with existing law. She suggests starting with a ban on in-ground oil tanks for residential areas to address issues proactively under time constraints.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative Perez Support00:27:10.480 - 9:26:01 AM; Representative Perez explains the amendment adds a ban on new underground tanks, noting New Hampshire lags behind states like Connecticut and Vermont. She clarifies definitions to avoid confusion between below-ground and in-ground tanks, emphasizes the need for law over regulations, and supports mandated disclosure with soil sampling for sales.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:30:39.600 - 9:29:30 AM; The representative suggests wording like 'buried' or 'below ground and inaccessible' for clarity and proposes consulting DES for technical terms.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Robert Bishop (DES) Information Only00:32:18.720 - 9:31:09 AM; Robert Bishop from DES explains definitions and closure procedures for regulated underground storage tanks, noting they don't apply to residential heating oil but could inform the bill. He supports actions to minimize spills, as underground tanks are harder to remediate.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative Bixby Support00:34:34.800 - 9:33:25 AM; Representative Bixby interprets DES's letter as indicating the bill needs tweaks rather than fundamental changes and offers to work with DES on amendments.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative German Support00:35:41.520 - 9:34:32 AM; Representative German supports mandated disclosure, drawing from personal experience with home buying, to ensure buyers learn about hidden tanks during inspections.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative KTO (likely Comtois) Support00:36:45.920 - 9:35:36 AM; Representative KTO supports mandated disclosure on real estate forms but with exceptions for unknowing sellers, such as 'to the best of my knowledge' language, to avoid penalizing innocent parties.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Chris Glidden (Fuel Company Owner, Farmington, NH) Support00:37:50.320 - 9:36:41 AM; Chris Glidden describes removal processes for tanks in enclosed areas like crawl spaces, including cutting and hauling them out. He stresses the importance of disclosure to inform homeowners of compliance issues and notes replacement costs around $6,000, with no abandonment of tanks.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Unnamed DES Representative Information Only00:40:55.680 - 9:39:46 AM; The DES representative explains the Safe Tank program, funded by oil import fees, provides up to $4,500 for removing underground tanks for income-qualified homeowners to upgrade at-risk heating oil tanks.
HB1620 2026-0540h: Representative Bixby (closing) Information Only00:42:04.400 - 9:40:55 AM; Representative Bixby notes the committee raised the Safe Tank cap last year and believes there's enough information for a meaningful amendment.
HB1282: Representative German Support00:42:04.400 - 9:40:55 AM; Representative German supports the commission, arguing it can handle ongoing tasks like seeking grants and business partners that the solid waste working group and DES lack staff for, thereby increasing food waste diversion efforts.
HB1282: Representative KTO Information Only00:43:11.920 - 9:42:02 AM; Representative KTO suggests allowing DES to implement the new food waste diversion program before establishing a commission, noting the program's infancy and infrastructure challenges. He mentions an anaerobic digester seeking a permit in Londonderry and advocates giving it time to develop.
HB1282: Representative (unnamed, continuing) Information Only00:44:24.720 - 9:43:15 AM; The speaker agrees on the importance of diverting food waste from landfills but opposes a commission due to its size and prefers letting infrastructure develop based on the existing ban. He suggests future incentives or grants instead.
HB1282: Representative Bixby Information Only00:45:45.520 - 9:44:36 AM; Representative Bixby supports encouraging infrastructure for food waste diversion but doubts a commission's effectiveness. He mentions small-scale grant programs and proposes a future bill for larger incentives, or budget allocations to support DES efforts.
HB1282: Representative Guber Information Only00:47:02.960 - 9:45:53 AM; Representative Guber concurs that a 17-member commission would not be timely given current workloads. He supports DES advancing with incentives or pilot programs to create successful models for food waste management.
HB1275: Representative Haskins Information Only00:47:32.240 - 9:46:23 AM; Representative Haskins opens discussion on HB 1275 following compelling testimony, inviting Representative Thomas to discuss effective approaches.
HB1275: Representative Thomas Support00:48:45.440 - 9:47:36 AM; Representative Thomas supports liability protections for farmers unaware of PFAS contamination and establishing a fund from 3M settlements ($16M received, $43M anticipated) for grants/loans for clean water, testing, and remediation. She addresses pushback on a five-year moratorium by emphasizing no safe PFAS level and irreversible environmental damage, citing Merrimack as an example. She proposes alternatives: health-based standards from DES for sandy aquifers, EPA draft risk assessment standards, modeling like Maine/Vermont before bans, or directing DES to model PFAS exposure in water/food/environment to set protective standards. She advocates ideally for a ban to protect health.
HB1275: Unnamed Representative Information Only00:52:12.240 - 9:51:03 AM; The representative questions why PFAS is considered a huge problem in NH, noting lack of testing on farms and biosolids, and seeks basis for the opinion.
HB1275: Representative Thomas (response) Support00:53:21.920 - 9:52:12 AM; Representative Thomas cites Maine as an example, Saint-Gobain's contamination of southern NH, risks from new industries, European studies linking PFAS in water to birth defects, and Merrimack's impacts, stressing even small quantities harm health.
HB1275: Representative King Information Only00:54:29.359 - 9:53:20 AM; Representative King recalls last term's PFAS ban on merchandise and questions if it covers industrial use, suggesting a bill to ban industry use to prevent contamination at the source.
HB1275: Representative Bixby Information Only00:55:41.440 - 9:54:32 AM; Representative Bixby refocuses on PFAS in agricultural soils and biosolids, noting chemical context matters (e.g., organic matter binds PFAS differently from sandy aquifers). He references USGS study showing background PFAS in NH soils, argues complete elimination impossible, and suggests reviewing current standards, testing agricultural soils/water for leaching before a moratorium.
HB1275: Representative German Information Only00:57:08.480 - 9:55:59 AM; Representative German was impressed by NH's strict ppb standards for sludge, emphasizes testing soils before application to ensure safety, and notes alternatives like shipping or landfilling biosolids have issues, advocating a big-picture approach.
HB1275: Representative King Oppose00:59:19.760 - 9:58:10 AM; Representative King feels the bill is a band-aid on a larger problem of PFAS entry via industry/products, references Saint-Gobain disaster, and prefers addressing source importation/use, noting last year's product ban shows appetite for prevention.
HB1275: Representative Comtois Information Only01:01:09.680 - 10:00:00 AM; Representative Comtois agrees on banning PFAS in food packaging but cautions against banning biosolids without alternatives, as companies test for low metals. Cites FDA report on safe uptake in some foods/grasses, and concerns that shipping or incineration could spread PFAS via air/rain, noting background levels already exist.
HB1275: Representative Gruber Support01:03:21.119 - 10:02:12 AM; Representative Gruber agrees it's a serious issue needing assessment/modeling with 3M funds for pipe abatement, but also prevention at industry/products to stop PFAS entering sludge.
HB1275: Representative Bixby (final) Information Only01:03:21.119 - 10:02:12 AM; Representative Bixby clarifies ordinary incineration (e.g., at Bow plant) does not destroy PFAS but releases it into air; pyrolysis is needed but not used, and filters are expensive.
HB1018: Representative Katherine Harvey, Cheshire District 6 (Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Westmoreland) Support01:04:24.400 - 10:03:15 AM; Representative Harvey presents HB 1018, prohibiting sale/use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (brodifacoum, difenacoum, difethialone) with carveouts. These poisons cause painful, slow death by preventing vitamin K1 clotting, stored in liver, leading to bioaccumulation. They attract more rodents, harm non-target species (insects, mammals, birds like owls eating 1000 mice/year, raptors, eagles, turtles), and contaminate food chain (e.g., 100% of 43 MA redtail hawks tested positive; 14/15 NH fishers had rodenticides). Sublethal doses weaken immunity (e.g., mange in wildlife), pass to young/offspring, leach into water (detected in fish), and risk human food chain. MA banned in 40+ communities; CA banned in AB 1788 (2021). Safer alternatives exist; bait box refilling is lucrative business.
HB1018: Representative Katherine Harvey, Cheshire District 6 (Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Westmoreland) Support01:11:10.880 - 10:10:01 AM; Representative Harvey discusses the dangers of rodenticides, noting no safe poison exists and they harm raptors and mammals. She highlights the prevalence of licensed applicators (2,411) versus estimated homeowner users (600), emphasizing professional use blankets the state with bait boxes found in various locations like homes, nursing homes, and banks. She argues rodenticides do not address root causes like food, water, and shelter, and rodents develop bait shyness, allowing breeders to survive while young are killed. Predators lack immunity, leading to their decline. Safer alternatives include fertility control, raptor-friendly environments, electric traps, CO2 pellets, and vitamin D pellets. She notes a barred owl family can consume 3,000-4,000 mice yearly, far more effective than poisons.
HB1018: Dan Burgron, Chief of Wildlife Division, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Support01:19:28.480 - 10:18:19 AM; Dan Burgron represents the department in support of HB 1018, focusing on wildlife impacts. He acknowledges public health risks from rodents like diseases (hantavirus, leptospirosis, tularemia) but emphasizes wildlife concerns. Research shows widespread exposure: in 2019, 34 of 35 NH fox and fisher tested positive for rodenticides. A UNH study found 93-94% exposure in NH/VT fishers, correlating with population declines. Rodenticides cause direct mortality, reduce immune responses, and increase susceptibility to disease and predation, especially in raptors and furbearers. The department supports reducing use on the landscape with exceptions for public health and agriculture. He notes consumer use in rural areas is a major exposure source and endorses both HB 1018 (ban with exceptions) and another bill (restricted use). Integrated pest management, including traps, is recommended over over-reliance on poisons. Suburban sprawl and food sources like backyard chickens exacerbate rodent issues, but non-chemical methods can mitigate.
HB1018: Adam Karach, New England Pest Management Association Oppose01:29:06.800 - 10:27:57 AM; Adam Karach represents the New England Pest Management Association (NEPMA), which serves pest management companies across New England, including New Hampshire. He opposes HB 1018, arguing that it would prohibit second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) for licensed professionals, restricting essential tools for public health and property protection. He clarifies that bait stations (black boxes) are used for various methods, not just poisons, and SGARs are necessary for severe infestations in complex settings like multifamily housing and food facilities where alternatives fail. Rodents pose serious risks by spreading diseases, contaminating food, and causing damage. Professionals are strictly regulated, licensed, and trained in integrated pest management (IPM). He cites California's restrictions leading to challenges, such as a grocery store closure impacting vulnerable communities. He recommends restricting consumer access while allowing professional use and urges the committee to find the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1018: Eric Orf, Retired Wildlife Biologist, NH Fish and Game Support01:40:00.159 - 10:38:51 AM; Eric Orf, a retired wildlife biologist with over 50 years at NH Fish and Game, supports HB 1018. He highlights the golden era of wildlife recovery in NH, including bears from under 1,000 to over 6,000, bald eagles from none to 109 pairs, and other species like deer, moose, and turkeys. However, he presents data showing a decline in fisher populations, from 600-800 trapped annually in the 1990s to 140 by 2015, attributing it to rodenticides. He notes NH trappers once exported fishers to other states and warns that without action, NH may need to import them back. He urges the committee to pass the bill immediately, as they are 'late to the game' in protecting valuable wildlife.
HB1018: Kayn Greyber, Rodenticide Free New Hampshire Support01:46:01.199 - 10:44:52 AM; Kayn Greyber represents Rodenticide Free New Hampshire, a grassroots organization focused on public education supporting a full ban on rodenticides via HB 1018. She presents a petition with about 300 signatures from concerned NH citizens, many unaware of wildlife impacts from pest control contracts where poisons are used as first-line treatments, not last-resort per IPM. She provides data showing pest control companies drive increasing SGAR use despite EPA restrictions, giving them a monopoly that worsens problems. Amid a biodiversity crisis, she argues pesticides are not sustainable long-term solutions as pest populations rise; nature-based alternatives exist but require bold action to prioritize nature. She shares a personal example of resolving a rat issue with backyard chickens using a $40 automatic feeder and better sanitation, emphasizing IPM and increasing biodiversity to naturally reduce pests via predators like owls and fishers.
HB1018: Carol Foss, New Hampshire Audubon Support01:52:10.080 - 10:51:01 AM; Carol Foss, senior adviser for science and policy at New Hampshire Audubon, supports HB 1018. She provides data on secondary poisoning in wildlife rehabilitators, citing one local rehabber who treated nine barred owls, eight red-tailed hawks, and five bald eagles for rodenticide poisoning in 2025; many died, with samples testing positive for brodifacoum and multiple SGARs, indicating cumulative exposure from multiple poisoned prey. She notes this occurs in urban/suburban areas too, with eagle nests near the hearing site and in Manchester, and hawks common in developed areas. These cases represent only reported incidents; the wild scale is unknown. She emphasizes impacts on birds of prey, complementing testimony on mammals.
HB1018: Unidentified Speaker Support01:55:13.840 - 10:54:04 AM; The speaker recognizes the risks of major rodent infestations to public health and property damage and supports the exclusions in the bill. They note that the exclusions provide licensed applicators with necessary tools and encourage working with the sponsor to identify additional exclusions rather than discarding the bill.
HB1018: Sean Jasper, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food and Chairman of the Pesticide Control Board Information Only01:56:44.560 - 10:55:35 AM; Sean Jasper shares personal experience with rodent issues in his farmhouse and supports restricting second-generation rodenticides to indoor use and making them restricted use products. He emphasizes the need for balance to avoid public health issues from banning them entirely and suggests leaving regulation to the Pesticide Control Board, noting the lack of federal action. He highlights concerns for agricultural, daycare, and other settings.
HB1018: David Russo, Director of Pesticide Control Information Only02:00:18.159 - 10:59:09 AM; David Russo reinforces that the Pesticide Control Board can manage the issue through restrictions and supports the proposal for restricted use.
HB1018: Joan O'Brien Support02:03:26.719 - 11:02:17 AM; Joan O'Brien supports the bill, noting exceptions for public health emergencies. She discusses waiting on EPA action, a task force report showing no major rat-related disease cases in New Hampshire, and concerns about misuse in rural areas possibly by pest control companies rather than homeowners. She highlights the profit-driven proliferation of rodenticides and risks to urban raptors like poisoned eagles.
HB1018: Dr. Karishma Mansour, Exeter Support02:07:12.719 - 11:06:03 AM; Dr. Mansour speaks in support to protect bald eagles in Exeter, noting over 80% of tested eagles nationwide have rodenticides in their systems. She explains how rodenticides make rodents easy prey for eagles, disrupting ecosystems, and urges finding ways to address concerns without destroying wildlife and nature.
HB1018: Mr. Aaronberg Support02:09:13.199 - 11:08:04 AM; Mr. Aaronberg supports the bill, emphasizing that poisons are indiscriminate, attracting children, pets, and wildlife. He cites 2022 statistics on over 8,000 rodenticide ingestions in the US, mostly children under six, and notes they cause pet poisonings and kill natural predators like hawks, owls, and foxes, destabilizing ecosystems and worsening rodent problems long-term.
HB1676: Representative Liz Barber Information Only03:03:17.520 - 12:02:08 PM; Representative Barber introduces HB 1676, which restricts sales of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides to licensed or registered applicators, including certified pest professionals and agricultural operators, to limit consumer access.
HB1676: Representative Nick Germana, Cheshire District 15 (Hinsdale, Chesterfield, Keene, Westmoreland, Walpole, Surry) Support03:04:23.200 - 12:03:14 PM; Representative Germana provides background on the bill, noting past expectations for EPA action that didn't occur. He describes collaborative efforts with the Audubon Society and New England Pest Management Association to restrict sales to licensed sellers and applicators. He shares how testimony convinced him to keep rodenticides as a tool for responsible use in severe infestations, especially for low-income households unable to afford repeated treatments. He highlights examples like trailer parks with massive infestations unmanageable by traps, the need for immediate action, and how the bill aligns with regional legislation to manage consumer demand.
HB1676: Representative Germana (continuing) Information Only03:13:35.760 - 12:12:26 PM; Representative Germana responds to questions from committee members about the bill's enforcement mechanisms, comparing it to a previous bill by noting that this version includes specific civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation, providing a more robust enforcement tool than administrative penalties. He explains that violations continuing each day count as separate offenses. He also addresses questions on alternative toxins, integrated pest management, exceptions for consumers, and the impact on retail availability, deferring technical details to experts like Adam from DEES.
HB1676: Adam Karach, New England Pest Management Association, Plaistow, NH Support03:18:23.040 - 12:17:14 PM; Adam Karach supports HB 1676, which restricts sales of high-risk rodenticides like second-generation anticoagulants to licensed professionals trained under NH's pesticide certification program approved by the EPA. He emphasizes that licensed applicators follow IPM principles, using inspections, exclusion, sanitation, and trapping before chemical applications, ensuring safe use to protect public health, children, pets, and wildlife. He suggests a narrowly tailored amendment to allow non-anticoagulant rodenticides (like cholecalciferol and bromethalin) to remain available to consumers, balancing restrictions on high-risk products while providing homeowner options. He notes the bill strengthens safety and regulatory structures without creating a monopoly. During Q&A, he discusses amendment details, risks of alternative methods if rodenticides are restricted, the ineffectiveness of limiting use to indoors (especially for agricultural settings), rodent behavior after ingestion, and other homeowner tools like snap traps and multi-catch traps. He highlights the bill's replicability across states for industry training.
HB1676: Carol Foss, New Hampshire Audubon Support03:33:49.120 - 12:32:40 PM; Carol Foss supports the bill, highlighting risks to pets from direct consumption of rodenticides or eating poisoned rodents, citing 265 dogs and 12 cats treated for poisoning in 2025 at one local service and 6-8 cases annually at other hospitals statewide. She draws parallels to antibiotic overuse leading to resistance, noting similar issues with first-generation rodenticides, and argues the bill prevents misuse by untrained individuals, extending the effectiveness of these tools where needed. She criticizes easy online access to large quantities for improper use, such as scattering around camps in Coos County.
HB1676: Eric Orf Information Only03:36:04.800 - 12:34:55 PM; Eric Orf discusses ongoing efforts with the division to develop education and alternative approaches to rodent control, emphasizing the importance of restricting access to rodenticides for those who misuse them. He shares a story about Adam's experience removing escars from homes due to human health risks. He also mentions birth control compounds as effective alternatives for ongoing maintenance after initial infestations.
HB1676: Unnamed Speaker (Bat Expert) Support03:38:21.200 - 12:37:12 PM; The speaker shares a personal anecdote from the 1980s when he worked at New Hampshire Fish and Game and witnessed professionals authorizing DDT use against bat colonies, which he later countered by starting a bat control business. He describes humane methods to exclude bats without poison, estimating he saved thousands of bats over 25 years. He argues that professionals don't always act in wildlife's best interest and shares experiences with wildlife attracted to bird feeders, advocating for non-poison methods like proofing homes against mice. As a long-time member of the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation, he notes the organization's support for the bill and urges protection of wildlife.
HB1676: Dan Burgron, New Hampshire Fish and Game Support03:42:23.120 - 12:41:14 PM; Dan Burgron, Chief of the Wildlife Division, supports the bill on behalf of the department and commission. He highlights that the bill addresses misuse by the general public, who often ignore labels, unlike licensed applicators under oversight. He recommends reviewing online marketplaces like Amazon, where users misuse rodenticides by dumping them openly, exposing wildlife and violating labels. He believes the bill will prevent such misuse.
HB1676: David Russo, Department of Agriculture Information Only03:45:15.840 - 12:44:06 PM; David Russo from the Division of Pesticide Control explains the existing restricted list and regulations, suggesting the bill's matters be handled by the pesticide control board. He details the types of rodenticides listed (second-generation anticoagulants like brodifacoum, first-generation like warfarin, and non-anticoagulants like zinc phosphide, which is already restricted). He advises comparing the bill's language to existing penalties and restrictions, noting requirements for licensed dealers and users. During Q&A, he discusses enforcement methods, notification of online sellers, and how manufacturers register products, ensuring restrictions are flagged.
HB1676: Linda Deion Oppose03:53:30.560 - 12:52:21 PM; Linda Deion opposes the bill, arguing it blames consumers while giving pest control companies a monopoly, who she sees as the main culprits poisoning wildlife. She shares her experience rescuing chickens, attracting rats, and successfully using multiple-catch traps (catching 70 rats) followed by contraceptives, avoiding poisons. She notes healthy rats and alternatives like rat terriers from Ratology in Rochester. She cites New York City's contraceptive program and stories of poison risks, like to horses and owls, emphasizing patience with non-lethal methods and unlabeled bait boxes.
HB1676: Joan O'Brien Oppose04:00:38.319 - 12:59:29 PM; Joan O'Brien opposes the bill, predicting it will increase use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides by professionals, who deploy them despite IPM claims. She references industry reports showing growing rodent control revenues, mostly residential, and surveys where pros use rodenticides first. She questions trusting the industry, citing the National Pest Management Association's influence in shelving a ban in New Hampshire. During Q&A, David Russo details enforcement: 768 inspections in FY2025, 360 on commercial applicators, 150 warning letters, and 11 fines, emphasizing active oversight beyond complaints.
HB138: Nick Germana, Representative Cheshire 15 Support04:07:32.000 - 1:06:23 PM; Representative Nick Germana from Chesterfield, Hinsdale, Keene, Westmoreland, and Walpole introduces HB 138, proposing a 15% cap on out-of-state waste for future landfills and 30% by 2030 for current ones, mainly affecting Turnkey in Rochester. He notes a 25% decrease in out-of-state waste since previous years, but highlights New Hampshire becoming a dumping ground for banned items like mattresses and textiles from neighboring states. He argues the caps are reasonable under interstate commerce, allowing operators to adjust rates (e.g., charging out-of-state haulers more) without undue burden, as alternatives like shipping to Ohio would be costlier.
HB138: Ray Brereslin, Londonderry Support04:18:31.359 - 1:17:22 PM; Ray Brereslin from Londonderry, speaking as a private citizen and volunteer on utility, water, sewer, and solid waste committees, supports restricting out-of-state waste. He discusses landfill leachate contaminating waterways like the Merrimack River with PFAS chemicals, which treatment plants struggle to remove. He argues New Hampshire has enough local waste and should challenge interstate commerce rules to stop imports, especially from Massachusetts via highways, emphasizing better oversight of landfills and trucks.
HB1138: Henry Veu, Waste Management Oppose04:23:38.000 - 1:22:29 PM; Henry Veu from Waste Management testified against HB 1138, highlighting constitutional challenges under the commerce clause, citing historical Supreme Court cases from 1978 onward that have ruled against similar state restrictions on waste as interstate commerce. He emphasized that solid waste management is a regional system, with the Turkey landfill close to Massachusetts and Maine borders, making logistics complex. Veu noted the significant investments required for landfills and how the bill could deter future investments by impacting the free market. He explained that existing permits already prioritize New Hampshire waste until 2034, with a depletion schedule that sometimes requires turning away out-of-state waste to reserve capacity. Veu suggested that if the state wants to limit out-of-state waste, it could build its own landfill, but acknowledged the high costs involved. He addressed questions on pricing, expansion plans potentially extending operations to 2035-36 or beyond with a new 20-year permit application forthcoming.
HB1138: Mike Winsat, Director of Waste Management Division, NH DES Information Only04:31:33.680 - 1:30:24 PM; Mike Winsat, Director of the Waste Management Division at New Hampshire DES, provided neutral testimony on HB 1138, stating the agency takes no position. He raised concerns about the bill's constitutionality under the dormant interstate commerce clause, noting past discussions and the likelihood of legal challenges from industry players even if the impact is minor. Winsat referenced a prior memorandum from the Attorney General's office on the topic, offering to share it with the committee and suggesting outreach to the current AG for updated views. He also questioned the bill's application to existing facilities seeking permit modifications for expansion, unclear whether they would be subject to the 30% or 15% out-of-state waste limit post-2026, recommending tweaks for clarity in implementation.

Aron, Judy(Chairman)(R)[A-]2025	King, Seth(Clerk)(R)[B+]2025	Barbour, Liz(V Chairman)(R)[B+]2025
Gruber, James(D)[F]2025	Bixby, Peter(D)[F]2025	Sofikitis, Catherine(D)[D-]2025
Freeman, Lisa(R)[B+]2025	Comtois, Barbara(R)[B+]2025	Scully, Kevin(R)[A-]2025
Howard, Molly(D)[D]2025	Wheeler, Jonah(D)[D-]2025	Haskins, Linda(D)[F]2025
Potenza, Kelley(R)[A]2025	Kenny, Catherine(R)[B]2025	Germana, Nicholas(D)[F]2025
Miner, Laurence(R)[B]2025