This bill designates Coos County as a distressed place-based economy due to its significant economic challenges, such as high unemployment and financial losses compared to other counties in the state. To address these issues, the bill mandates that commissioners of state agencies consult with county commissioners before making regulatory decisions that could impact the county's economy. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative regulatory approaches that consider local government input to minimize unintended economic consequences and promote the health and welfare of the county's interdependent economy. Additionally, the bill repeals the previous designation of Coos County as a distressed place-based economy, reflecting a shift towards more tailored regulatory frameworks. The bill also introduces new regulations for the Department of Environmental Services regarding landfill siting, prohibiting permits for new landfills located too close to drinking water sources and requiring specific setback distances based on groundwater velocity. It mandates thorough subsurface investigations and 24-hour site personnel for landfill operators, along with stricter criteria for soil permeability and storm event considerations. Furthermore, the bill incorporates the "Ford Act" into landfill permitting, specifically prohibiting the establishment of municipal solid waste landfills within six miles of certain smaller public airports, and requires the Department of Environmental Services to deny permit applications if specific conditions are met, replacing previous discretionary language. The introductory paragraph of RSA 149-M:7 is repealed and reenacted, granting the commissioner authority to adopt necessary rules to protect public health and the environment. The fiscal impact of these changes is uncertain, with potential costs estimated between $500,000 and over $1,000,000.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 149-M:7, 149-M:9