This bill amends the requirements for landfill permit applicants by requiring them to submit a report that details the potential harms and benefits of their proposed projects. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) is tasked with determining whether the proposed solid waste facility provides a "net public benefit," defined as the potential benefits outweighing the potential harms. The bill repeals and reenacts RSA 149-M:11, III, mandating that the DES conduct an initial review to assess this net public benefit before proceeding with a full technical review of the application. This assessment must include an independent third-party evaluation of potential impacts on human health, property values, and the environment, with costs incurred by the applicant. Additionally, the bill modifies existing language in RSA 149-M:11, VIII, replacing "substantial public benefit" with "net public benefit," and clarifies that the evaluation must be specific to the proposed project.

The bill also introduces new legal language to extend the application review timelines for landfill expansions or new landfills, adding procedural steps to the application process. The DES anticipates increased administrative costs due to the need for regulatory updates and more complex application reviews, estimating the need for two new full-time staff members, including a licensed professional engineer and an environmental scientist, with projected staffing costs of $153,000 in FY 2026, $196,000 in FY 2027, and $202,000 in FY 2028. Furthermore, if a state, county, or municipal entity applies for a landfill expansion or a new landfill, the DES estimates potential additional expenditures ranging from $0 to $100,000, depending on the number of applications submitted. The bill emphasizes the need for additional funding allocations to maintain minimum service levels and meet statutory deadlines due to longer application review times and increased agency consultations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:11
As Amended by the House: 149-M:11