Environment

HB 1192 exempts properly collected household pharmaceutical wastes (like unused medications) from being classified as hazardous waste under New Hampshire law. This change directly affects households that use designated collection programs for medications, removing the need for special hazardous waste disposal. The bill amends key definitions in hazardous waste management statutes to explicitly exclude these wastes, which are collected under RSA 318-E. This simplifies disposal for residents while maintaining existing collection requirements.

HB 1205 prohibits all state and county-owned lands in New Hampshire from enrolling in carbon sequestration projects, which are programs that capture and store carbon dioxide to reduce atmospheric emissions. This bill directly affects state and county governments, preventing them from participating in such initiatives on public lands they manage. The key provision adds a new section to state law (RSA 79:38) explicitly banning enrollment in carbon sequestration programs for public lands. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

HB 1585 requires New Hampshire's state and local public retirement systems to prioritize only financial factors when making investment decisions, excluding environmental, social, or political considerations. The bill directly affects retirement systems managing state pension funds, mandating that fiduciaries (like investment managers) act solely in the financial interest of participants and beneficiaries. Key provisions prohibit considering factors such as climate policies (e.g., restricting fossil fuel investments), diversity criteria, abortion access, or firearm industry engagement when managing assets. The law explicitly states that investment decisions must not be influenced by "environmental, social, political, or ideological interests," even if tied to corporate practices. This shifts focus entirely to financial returns and risk, eliminating ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria from retirement fund strategies.

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.