New Hampshire
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.”
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.”
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.
“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.”
Following the arrest of more than 50 people after a “takeover” at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire during the hot weather on Tuesday, the police chief tells WBZ-TV his department is seeking to charge those who organized the event.
Flyers posted on various social media sites advertised a “Hampton Beach Takeover.” The result was that on Tuesday, thousands of kids, many of them high school seniors skipping school, congregated at Hampton Beach.
When the skies opened and it started rain around 4:30, the group of teens ran onto Ocean Boulevard, where police say that fights broke out. Fifty people were arrested for charges, including alcohol possession and disorderly conduct.
Beach takeovers like this are not uncommon. WBZ-TV has covered several similar situations on Revere Beach in Massachusetts.
Local Hampton business owner Kristen Statires said this has become an annual issue, happening on the first hot weather day of every season since the pandemic.
“And the police know about it, we know about it, so we were expecting it. Like we knew it was going to happen,” she said.
When the kids ran into the street, she closed her shop doors and shut down for the day.
In a phone call with WBZ, Hampton Police Chief Alex Reno said his department already knows the two groups of people behind organizing the beach takeover, and plans to file the appropriate charges.
“It would be an aggressive move on the police’s part, but it would certainly send a message,” said WBZ legal analyst Jennifer Roman.
Reno said his department was continuing to gather evidence and is working with law-enforcement partners across New England and even at the federal level to determine the appropriate charges before issuing arrest warrants. The hope is that charging the organizers creates a deterrent for any future similar behavior.
New Hampshire
Nashua Man Had Baggies Of Cocaine, Fentanyl, And Meth Inside Coalition Apartment Building, Concord Cops Say
CONCORD, NH — The fifth person arrested during a drug raid at the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness apartment building downtown is due back in court for a probable cause hearing next month.
Wilkie Gabriel Reyes Reynoso, 27, of Kendrick Street in Nashua, was arrested on May 14 on three felony counts of possession of a controlled drug.
On May 13, just before midnight, police executed a search warrant at an apartment in the Coalition’s new building on South State Street. The warrant was for the apartment and anyone located inside, according to an affidavit.
Also Read
Earlier in the evening, Denise Davenport, 57, who listed the address as her residence despite being trespassed from all Concord Coalition properties, was picked up on an electronic bench warrant as well as two felony counts of acts prohibited-sale of controlled drugs.
Editor’s note: This post was derived from information supplied by the Concord Police Department and Concord District Court and does not indicate a conviction. This link explains how to request the removal of a name from New Hampshire Patch police reports.
Officers arrived at the apartment and detained multiple people.
Reyes Reynoso was accused of possessing a baggie of fentanyl, a baggie of methamphetamine, and two baggies of cocaine. He also had a cell phone vape, a cell phone, and $295 in cash, the affidavit said. Reyes Reynoso was processed and held on preventative detention.
Crystal Marquis Credit: Concord Police Department
Crystal Marquis, 46, of Concord, on a resisting arrest or detention charge.
Brittany Price Credit: Concord Police Department
Brittany Price, 29, of Concord, on a Merrimack County Sheriff’s Department warrant on a theft by unauthorized taking charge, as well as warrants from the Hooksett police, Brentwood District Court, and two Franklin District Court warrants. Another man, in his late 40s, was detained but has not been charged, according to police documents. According to the affidavit, “(he) was searched and nothing was located on his person.”
Reyes Reynoso was deemed “indigent” by Judge Ryan Guptill and given a public defender. He was released on personal recognizance after being arraigned on May 14 and is due back in Concord District Court for a probable cause hearing on June 8.
New Hampshire
Stabbing Victim Dies, Man Faces Murder Charge | Riot At The Beach, Dozens Arrested | More: PM Patch NH
Community Corner
Also: Massive brush fire goes to 4 alarms; small businesses raise concerns about labor shortage; Planet Fitness bathroom policy under fire.
CONCORD, NH — Here are some share-worthy stories from the New Hampshire Patch network to discuss this afternoon and evening.
This post features stories and information published during the past 24 hours.
Ayotte Kicks Off New Hampshire’s Summer Travel And Tourism Season With Ice Cream And Apple Crisp: Video: Officials say New Hampshire’s Original Ice Cream Trail offers 69 “must-visit” shops in every part of the Granite State this summer.
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Manchester Man Accused Of Stabbing Another Man Outside Queen City Gas Station: Antonio Cajigas was charged with one count of second-degree murder for causing the death of Christopher Marcoux by stabbing him on Monday.
Hampton Beach Sees 51 Arrests After Fights Prompt Unlawful Assembly Declaration: Police said 127 calls for service were logged, and charges include riot, assault, driving under the influence, and disorderly conduct.
Find out what’s happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Concord, Other Firefighters Extinguish Massive Brush Fire Near Webster Town Line: Video: With some help from the National Guard, firefighters and forestry units found several fires near power lines off Blackwater Road Wednesday.
Concord Planet Fitness Bathroom Controversy Puts Statehouse Bill Battle In Spotlight: When Judy Walcott raised concerns about a man in the women’s bathroom, PF canceled her membership, charged an extra month, and called cops.
Help Wanted: NH Small Businesses Say Labor Shortage Still Top Concern: The National Federation of Independent Business says finding qualified workers and dealing with the impacts of inflation are big concerns.
Milford Trout Fishing Derby At Ryefield Farm Offers Free Entry, Food, Prizes: Former WWE Superstar Ted Arcidi is hosting a free trout fishing derby in Milford with stocked fishing and tagged trout prizes.
Concord Artist Saad Hindal Chosen To Design 52nd Annual Market Days Festival Poster: The new poster contest invited Concord Arts Market artists to create a design reflecting Market Days and Concord.
Teacher Of The Year Down To 3 | Indictments | Cheapest Gas For Memorial Day Weekend | More: PM Patch NH: Executive councilor makes right-to-know request concerning murder-suicide case; Granite State Challenge finals; neo-Nazi trial delayed.
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