Committee Summary for Senate Energy and Natural Resources (01/20/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
Unclear 00:03:01.280 - 8:01:48 AM	General Working Session	Unclear
SB596 00:14:32.880 - 8:13:19 AM	Public Hearing	prohibiting smoking in Hampton Beach State Park.	Altschiller, Debra(D)[CT]2025
SB644 00:26:18.240 - 8:25:05 AM	Public Hearing	requiring background checks for solid waste and hazardous waste facility owners.	Pearl, Howard (R)[B]2025
SB443 00:36:47.680 - 8:35:34 AM	Public Hearing	relative to wastewater engineering.	Ricciardi, Denise(R)[B]2025

Unclear: Mark Dano, Commissioner and Interim Chair, New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Information Only00:03:01.280 - 8:01:48 AM; Mark Dano provided an overview of the Public Utilities Commission's role as the state's economic regulator for utilities, including electric, gas, public water, and limited sewage services for investor-owned entities. He discussed regulation of entities like Pennichuck Water, owned by the City of Nashua, and addressed questions on oversight of large water withdrawals, rates, capital structure, and investments. He highlighted pre-filed testimony on PUC operations and 2026 legislative expectations, without requesting specific bills. Dano expressed concerns about the Site Evaluation Committee, particularly sharing an administrator with a new solid waste facility committee, and suggested clarifications on roles between PUC and Department of Energy regarding rate-making authority. He emphasized the strong relationship between PUC and DOE and the importance of legislative clarity to avoid future issues.
SB596: Senator Deborah Altschiller, representing Senate District 24 (Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, North Hampton, Rye, Stratham) Support00:14:32.880 - 8:13:19 AM; Senator Altschiller introduced SB 596 FN to prohibit smoking at Hampton Beach State Park, emphasizing education and culture change without fines or penalties. She highlighted existing park rules restricting activities like drone use, pets, alcohol, and glass containers to ensure safe enjoyment. Citing beach cleanups where cigarette butts are the most littered item, confirmed by the Blue Ocean Society, she argued beaches should not be ashtrays. Altschiller discussed successful culture shifts against littering and smoking in public spaces through awareness campaigns, reducing U.S. adult smoking rates from 42% in 1964 to 15-18% today. She noted failed attempts to meet with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR), but the fiscal note confirms costs for signage can be absorbed. She described the park as a natural resource and revenue driver, already smoke-free in areas like the Seashell Stage and picnic zones, urging an 'ought to pass' vote.
SB644: Senator Howard Pearl, representing District 17 (Loudon) Support00:26:18.240 - 8:25:05 AM; Senator Pearl introduced SB 644, requested by the Department of Environmental Services (DES), to correct statutory language for conducting multi-state criminal background checks via the FBI for solid waste and hazardous waste facility permit applicants. He noted this is the fourth attempt, as prior versions failed due to amendments or insufficient FBI-compliant language. Corrections, developed with DES, Department of Justice, and Department of Safety, clarify who is subject to checks and simplify the process without expanding requirements.
SB644: Mike Whimsatt, Director, Waste Management Division, New Hampshire DES Support00:29:49.200 - 8:28:36 AM; Mike Whimsatt supported SB 644, explaining it adjusts 40-year-old statutory language to meet FBI requirements for federal database criminal background checks, without introducing new requirements. He confirmed close collaboration with Department of Justice and Safety, noting the bill mirrors last session's SB 302 with only minor typographical fixes. It narrows the scope from vague terms like 'significant control' to specific leadership roles (owners, officers, directors, partners, members) to reduce burden on applicants. Addressing concerns about extensive ownership lists, he stated such cases are rare in practice and rules could exempt certain permit types; the bill simplifies and targets key personnel. It applies to new and existing facilities, including ownership changes requiring permit modifications.
SB443: Senator Denise Ricciardi, representing District 9 Support00:36:47.680 - 8:35:34 AM; Senator Ricciardi introduced SB 443 as a cleanup bill removing outdated, unused, and confusing statutory language to clarify DES authority over industrial discharges and sewer connections. It modernizes practices without creating new programs or requirements, ensures consistent and transparent administration, and eliminates fees for the industrial pre-treatment program, aligning with prior elimination of sewer connection permit fees via HB 2. The bill grants DES rulemaking authority to adapt to evolving environmental practices, supporting municipalities and industries like waste food digesters and breweries with clear wastewater review to avoid delays. It promotes efficiency, a level playing field, and better collaboration between government, municipalities, and industry.
SB443: Zach Borch, NH DES Wastewater Engineering Bureau Support00:39:33.599 - 8:38:20 AM; Zach Borch testified in support of SB 443, explaining that the bill clarifies NHDES's authority over wastewater discharges to municipal sewers. He emphasized that it ensures a level playing field for industry while supporting municipalities in regulation. The bill removes archaic language and advances positive direction for NH DES.

Avard, Kevin(Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Pearl, Howard (V Chairman)(R)[B]2025	Watters, David(D)[D-]2025
Rosenwald, Cindy(D)[F]2025	McConkey, Mark(R)[B]2025