This bill amends the existing law to require the commissioner to act upon an air pollution control permit application within 120 days of receiving a complete application, unless the applicant agrees in writing to extend this period. This amendment specifically inserts language that overrides RSA 541-A:29 and RSA 541-A:29-a, which may have previously allowed for a more flexible timeline. The bill also clarifies that applications for affected sources are subject to the time limits established by Title V of the Clean Air Act, including specific references to 40 C.F.R. 70.4(b)(6) and 70.7(b)(4) as of July 1, 2023. The requirement for public notice and the opportunity for a hearing remains, except for devices or sources deemed by the commissioner to have an insignificant effect on air quality.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new paragraph that mandates the Department of Environmental Services to submit annual reports to the chairs of the senate energy and natural resources committee and the house science, technology, and energy committee. These reports, due on February 28 starting in 2025, must include the number of air permit applications received, the number of permits granted or denied, and the number of applications pending without decision for more than 120 days. The bill is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, with an approved date of July 26, 2024, and an effective date of September 24, 2024.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 125-C:12
Version adopted by both bodies: 125-C:12
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 125-C:12