Committee hears plan for ‘Loon’ conservation plate to fund cyanobacteria mitigation

Summary

Lawmakers and state scientists described growing cyanobacteria blooms and endorsed HB 105, which would create a voluntary conservation license plate to fund a state cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund; officials said the plate alone will not cover needs but would provide a steady non‑tax revenue source.

Representative Rung, sponsor of HB 105, told the House Transportation Committee the proposed “Love New Hampshire Lakes” (loon) conservation plate would create a non‑tax revenue stream for the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.

“I'm very pleased to introduce HB 105… to provide a nontax revenue source for the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund,” Representative Rung said, noting toxic cyanobacteria blooms are increasing across New Hampshire lakes and can pose health and economic risks.

The committee heard scientific and agency testimony about the scope and cost of mitigation work. Amy Smagoula, director of the Limnology Center at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, said the DES has issued more than 120 cyanobacteria…

Committee hears plan for ‘Loon’ conservation plate to fund cyanobacteria mitigation

Summary

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