Lakes Legislative Weekly

February 25, 2010

Restricting Phosphorus in Residential Lawn Fertilizer (House Bill 1299 as amended)

Will prohibit the sale and distribution of residential lawn fertilizer containing phosphorus.  Phosphorus has a significant detrimental impact to lakes and rivers, often acting as a prime fertilizer for aquatic vegetation, leading to overabundant plant and algal growth.

Most New Hampshire soils do not require phosphorus fertilizers, and phosphorus free lawn fertilizers are available through several manufacturers.    

Unfortunately, on Thursday, February 18, the NH House Environment and Agriculture Committee voted Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1299 as amended.

Although the Committee agreed that phosphorus is a problem in our lakes, they felt that more information was needed before establishing a complete ban on the sale and distribution of residential lawn fertilizers.   

NH LAKES is committed to this issue and will work with lawmakers and local communities to eliminate phosphorus in residential lawn fertilizers. 

Look for our phosphorus awareness campaign this summer – Don’t put ‘P’ in the lake.

Creation of a Septic System Commission (House Bill 1298)

This bill would establish a commission to review all the issues relating to septic systems in New Hampshire, including new technology that would provide smaller, more efficient alternatives.

Unfortunately, on February 11, the NH House Resources, Recreation & Development Committee voted Inexpedient to Legislate (ITL) on HB 1298. 

Although the Committee agreed with the intent of the bill, they felt that the House of Representatives legislative rules prevented them from supporting the bill this year.

However, the Committee urged NH LAKES to continue to work on the challenges of septic systems and bring back the legislation next session (2011). 

Improve Access to Funding for Exotic Aquatic Weed Prevention Programs (like Lake Host™)

Changes language to provide for the cost associated with the administration of the granting program, and revises language to include a minimum of ¾ of the funds go toward prevention grants, recognizing that a total of $4 for every boat registration goes toward prevention now (up from $3 before).

This bill is currently in the NH Senate.

Establish Purchasing Alliances for Affordable Insurance

This bill would allow nonprofits and small businesses to form purchasing alliances to bring down costs associated with health insurance.
 
Nonprofits provide many of services to New Hampshire citizens, yet the rising costs associated with health insurance have been a burden that is preventing some organizations from fulfilling their mission.  This bill will help alleviate those costs by establishing more affordable insurance premiums. 

This bill is currently before the NH Senate.

Permanently Establish a Speed Limit on Lake Winnipesaukee (SB 464)

This bill would repeal the sunset provision of January 1, 2011, and permanently establish a speed limit on Lake Winnipesaukee of 45 mph during the day and 25 mph at night. 

NH LAKES supports the bill because speed limits on our lakes encourage more recreational users, especially families, to enjoy our lakes.  The bill will also hopefully encourage more tourists to the Lakes Region and help the local economy. 

ACTION: The bill is currently before the NH Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee with a scheduled hearing of Thursday, March 11 at 10:30 AM.

Please visit our website regularly for the latest information. 

And, to find out who your legislators are and to contact them, visit: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ie/whosmyleg/

Thank you,

Jared A. Teutsch
President
NH LAKES