This bill proposes to suspend the issuance of new landfill permits by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services until July 1, 2028. The bill aims to ensure that any new landfills are sited appropriately, serve the public benefit, and align with the state's solid waste management goals. While the department will continue to accept and investigate applications for new landfills, the statutory time frames for the department's required actions under RSA 149-M will also be suspended. The bill does not prevent the expansion or modification of existing landfill facilities that were fully permitted as of December 1, 2022, on sites owned by a landfill operator or its affiliates.

The fiscal note attached to the bill indicates that there will be no impact on state revenue, and no new funding or positions are authorized to implement the bill. For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, there is no anticipated impact on state, county, or local expenditures. However, starting in fiscal year 2026, there may be an indeterminate increase in expenditures due to potential increases in transportation and waste disposal costs as local disposal capacity decreases. These costs would affect waste generators, including state, county, and local governments. The Department of Environmental Services has indicated that existing staff will handle the work required to update and enforce the revised statute without additional expenditures.