The bill, HB 707-FN, establishes the Solid Waste Facility Site Evaluation Committee in New Hampshire, which will evaluate applications for major solid waste disposal facilities. This committee, consisting of seven members with expertise in relevant fields, is designed to streamline the siting process while ensuring environmental protections and local economic considerations. The bill emphasizes a preference for expanding existing landfills over developing new sites, granting the Department of Environmental Services exclusive authority to approve such expansions, which cannot be restricted by local regulations. Additionally, landfill operators are required to increase compensation to host municipalities to a minimum of $2.50 per ton during expansions.

Key provisions of the bill include new requirements for the application process, such as public information sessions and detailed application criteria, including potential impacts on local land uses and economic effects. The bill introduces a fee structure for applications, with a base fee of $20,000, and mandates that the attorney general appoints counsel to represent public interests. It also establishes monitoring and enforcement responsibilities for the Department of Environmental Services, with penalties for violations. The bill suspends the issuance of new capacity permits for major solid waste disposal facilities until July 1, 2027, except for landfill expansions, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 149-M:7, 149-M:9
As Amended by the Senate: 149-M:4, 149-M:9, 149-M:11, 6:12