Committee approves changing a Solid Waste Working Group member and extending report deadlines

Senator McConkie introduced House Bill 355 on behalf of Representative Bebel. The bill proposes to change one member of the statutory Solid Waste Working Group and to extend the due dates for that group's interim and final reports.

Matt Leahy, public policy director for the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, testified that his organization would be willing to serve on the working group and could provide perspective on land- and water-resource impacts of solid-waste management. Leahy emphasized the organization is a nonprofit land trust and forestry manager rather than a solid-waste technical expert but said environmental and land-use interests are relevant to the group’s charge.

Committee members asked about prior participation by recycling organizations and whether those groups remain active; Leahy said some national or regional groups cited capacity constraints rather than disappearance. Senators also asked whether the forest society takes blanket positions on landfill siting; Leahy said the organization evaluates siting on a case-by-case basis rather than opposing all landfills categorically.

After testimony, the committee moved and seconded a motion to return HB355 to pass; the motion carried on a voice vote. The committee record shows the bill will be recommended for passage.

Why it matters: The Solid Waste Working Group studies and reports on recycling and solid-waste issues; adding a conservation-oriented member and extending deadlines can change the group’s expertise mix and schedule.

What’s next: The committee advanced HB355 with a recommendation to pass; the member substitution and reporting extensions will proceed as governed by the statute once enacted.