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Sununu signs one bill targeting ‘forever chemicals’ but vetoes another • New Hampshire Bulletin

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1 year ago

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Sununu signs one bill targeting ‘forever chemicals’ but vetoes another • New Hampshire Bulletin


Gov. Chris Sununu signed a bill Friday that bans certain products with intentionally added PFAS from sale in the state starting in 2027 and creates strict liability for PFAS polluters.

He vetoed another measure that would have created liability for PFAS facilities, citing its “broad” definition and the fact that its standard for chemical concentrations that would trigger regulatory action contradicted the other bill he signed. The standard of the vetoed bill was significantly stricter.

PFAS – or or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are linked to a number of health problems, including some cancers, weakened immune systems, high cholesterol, development issues, and more. They are commonly used in industrial and consumer products for their stain- and water-resistant properties.

Sen. Denise Ricciardi, a Bedford Republican who worked on the liability portion of the signed measure, House Bill 1649, called it a “landmark bill” that was “long, long overdue.”

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The bill creates a right to civil action for certain PFAS contamination. It also holds facilities “strictly liable” to the state “for containment, cleanup, restoration, or other remediation related to the release or threatened release of hazardous waste or hazardous material in accordance with applicable law and departmental rules.”

Rep. Karen Ebel, a New London Democrat who was the prime sponsor, said she was “ecstatic” for this moment of progress for the state.

“This is a huge step forward for the people of New Hampshire,” she said. “Our state has been burdened so much by PFAS contamination, especially in the southern part of the state. And there really isn’t any way … to effectively tackle the problem if we don’t stop using these dangerous forever chemicals in our products.”

The law bans a number of products with intentionally added PFAS but does not include those with accidental contamination that may happen during the production or shipping processes. The ban will include:

  • Carpets or rugs;
  • Cosmetics;
  • Textile treatments, such as those that add PFAS for stain- or water-resistant properties;
  • Feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads;
  • Food packaging and containers, such as plates, bowls, and bags;
  • Products for children under 12, such as high chairs, playmats, and strollers;
  • Upholstered furniture; and
  • Textile furnishings, such as draperies, bedding, and towels.

The ban exempts medical devices, adult mattresses, personal computers, wireless phones, and some other electronics. It also allows products with at least 85 percent recycled content, the resale of products made before the ban, and replacement parts for products manufactured before 2027.

The bill includes an appropriation of $250,000 to the Department of Environmental Services for “expenses associated with the PFAS restrictions on consumer products.”

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The vetoed bill, House Bill 1415, would have held liable PFAS facilities that release such chemicals into the groundwater or surface water in total combined concentrations of 100 parts per trillion or greater. The standard created by the signed bill was much less strict, at 10,000 parts per trillion. 

“This contrary language makes it extremely difficult to administer both and enforce them appropriately,” Sununu wrote. 

He added: “It is extremely important to hold appropriate parties accountable for their actions, but this legislation misses the mark.”

The sponsor of that bill, Rep. Nancy Murphy, a Merrimack Democrat, said she was glad the PFAS products bill was signed, calling it a “good first step,” though one that “greatly needs to be improved.”

On the veto, she said she was “very disappointed” but “not at all surprised.” “Legislation that is less protective of the environment and public health leaves NH citizen taxpayers holding the bag,” she said.

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“We don’t have lobbyists at the State House protecting our best interests,” she said. “… That’s our job as state reps, and it’s unfortunate when paid lobbyists for polluters are heard, their voices are heard above that of actual constituents and the people that the government is supposed to be working for.”



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New Hampshire

Federal vaccination policy changes put New Hampshire’s health at risk – The Boston Globe

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6 days ago

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September 23, 2025

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Federal vaccination policy changes put New Hampshire’s health at risk – The Boston Globe


As a public health professional and state representative, I’m alarmed by recent shifts in federal vaccination policies from the US Department of Health and Human Services. These changes threaten to undermine decades of progress in protecting New Hampshire families from preventable diseases.

Vaccines remain one of the most powerful tools we have against serious illnesses, from seasonal flu to emerging infectious threats. Historically, federal agencies like the CDC have provided clear, science-based guidance and helped ensure vaccines are affordable and accessible to all Americans.

But recent moves signal a retreat from this commitment. The decision to abandon universal COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for adults is just the latest example of how federal leadership is stepping back when we need it most. Without straightforward guidance, confusion grows, and with it, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation flourish.

This shift disproportionately harms the most vulnerable Granite Staters: Those in rural areas, low-income families, and elderly residents who already face barriers to health care. Worse, the change threatens to increase out-of-pocket costs by removing insurance coverage guarantees tied to universal recommendations. This is a direct threat to equal access and public health.

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New Hampshire has fought hard to maintain vaccination rates, investing in outreach and community clinics. But state-level efforts can’t fully compensate for federal retreat. When Washington cuts funding, muddles messaging, and abdicates responsibility, it’s our communities that pay the price.

Vaccination is not a partisan issue. It is about protecting lives, reducing strain on our health care system, and safeguarding the future of our children and elders.

I call on our federal leaders to restore strong, science-driven vaccine policies, fully fund public health programs, and ensure vaccines remain affordable and accessible to all Granite Staters. The health of our communities depends on clear leadership and unwavering commitment.

Jennifer Mandelbaum is a public health expert representing Rockingham 21 in the New Hampshire House of Representatives.





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New Hampshire

Brockton man injured after box truck crashes into tree on I-93 in New Hampshire

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2 weeks ago

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September 14, 2025

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Brockton man injured after box truck crashes into tree on I-93 in New Hampshire


A Brockton man is recovering after a box truck crashed into a tree in New Hampshire early yesterday morning.

Around 4:30 a.m., emergency crews responded to I-93 North at Exit 23 in New Hampton, where they found a box truck lodged in a tree.

According to state police, the driver, identified as Anilton Resende Barros, 21, lost control while navigating a curve in the road.

The box truck went straight into the median, traveling over the crossover between the north and southbound lanes, struck an embankment, and launched into a group of trees before coming to a final stop in the woods separating the opposing lanes.

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Barros suffered minor injuries in the crash and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The left travel lanes of I-93 northbound and southbound were closed at Exit 23 for about four hours for the cleanup of the crash. All lanes were back open at 8:58 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

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New Hampshire

Give Back NH: Gilford Public Library

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2 weeks ago

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September 13, 2025

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Give Back NH: Gilford Public Library


In this special summer series from Give Back NH, we explore how local libraries across New Hampshire strengthen communities, support lifelong learning, and build trust—through the people, programs, and stories that make them essential.

Learn more about the Gilford Public Library and all it has to offer, here.

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

When you hear the word “library,” you probably think of it as the place where you can borrow books, movies, occasionally a metal detector, but what about learning how to line dance?

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Every Saturday, Bonnie Deutch teaches her beginner line dancing class in the meeting room on the lower level of the Gilford Public Library.

Bonnie Deutch: When I moved up here, I wanted people to line dance with, but I didn’t really see much. And so I kind of waited. And then one day, one of the ladies of the library said to our Tai Chi instructor, “can you do this twice a week?” And she said, “no, I can’t.” And I said, “well, Nancy, I said, I’ll do line dancing on Wednesdays.” And she goes, “well, I’ll come if you play Willie Nelson.” And there it was.

Bonnie Deutch: I never knew that there’d be so much information advocating dancing for heart health, mental health, things that just keep popping out of the woodwork about dance, dance, dance.

I’m Dan Cahill, and this is the 3rd stop on Give Back New Hampshire’s library tour.

Eugene Seymour, a guinea pig who lives at the Gilford Public Library, who Miss Linda affectionately refers to as “the Mayor.”

Also on the lower level, there’s the children’s library, and as soon as you walk in, you’re greeted with the “mayor,” Eugene Seymour — A guinea pig who lives at the library and every year, children come to the library to celebrate Eugene’s birthday, his cage surrounded by handmade cards wishing him well on his special day.

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Handmade cards from children who visit the library wishing Eugene a happy birthday.
Handmade cards from children who visit the library wishing Eugene a happy birthday.

Next to Eugene sits Miss Linda, an assistant at the children’s library, and a former teacher.

Miss Linda: Since I taught in town, what’s a real benefit for me being here, is that I can keep connections with the children I taught. I do have teenagers who come in, and it’s lovely to reconnect with them because I taught fifth grade, which is 10/11. But I also have children that I taught who now have their children and they bring them in. So not only do I get to see where “my kids” ended up, but I get to meet their children, and it’s just lovely to continue to instill the love of reading for all these generations.

The most important thing about libraries though, Linda says, is the connections they can create.

Miss Linda: We see that a lot with the children and the adults that come, they build these friendships, and then they go out into the community together and they’re pretty lasting ones. They’re really lovely. And even with the programs that are held downstairs here, where we see the adults that attend them, they’re just so happy to be able to connect with other people in meaningful ways.

For Annie, a local mother, those connections helped her family after they moved to Gilford in 2021.

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Annie: My husband is from here, and so he always talked about how wonderful the library was. And so when we moved here and we didn’t know anybody, this is where we started coming. And we’ve made lots of friends since we’ve started doing that. It’s been a real like sense of place and community here for us.

Line dancing, new connections, even some furry friends, there’s much to experience at the Gilford Public Library. I think Colden, who was visiting the library with his mother Bryanne says it best.

Miss Linda: And what did you tell me this morning when you came in? You said, “I want to go to the library…”

Colden: Every day!

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