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Environment committee raises seven bill concepts, approves municipal leaf‑blower measure
Summary
The state Environment Committee voted to raise seven concept bills for drafting — on topics including Burr Pond safety, air permits for crematories and soil testing at solar sites — and separately approved a measure on municipal leaf‑blower use; a first public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 20.
State Representative John Michael Parker, co‑chair of the Environment Committee, presided over an 11 a.m. meeting in which the committee voted to raise seven concepts for drafting into bills and approved a separate proposal on municipal leaf‑blower use.
Parker read the seven concepts the committee would forward for drafting: proposals on wildlife action plans; safety‑capacity rules at Burr Pond; air permits for crematories in the state; the Bristol Resource Recovery Facility; wake‑surfing rules on certain lakes; testing soils at certain solar facilities; and the release of sterile carp in Pawtjog Pond. After a motion from Senator Lopes and a second from Representative Grescoe, Parker called for a voice vote and declared the motion to raise items 1–7 passed.
Rep. Kalyan (Pat), during a brief clarification, said the Burr Pond item is a safety‑capacity issue “much like we did on ... a few years ago,” and that the wake‑surfing concept would not override local ordinances. "They would be grandfathered," he said, and municipalities could be more restrictive, not less. Kalyan also noted a proposed 200‑foot offshore guideline intended to mirror other states and said the committee hopes to hold a hearing on that distance.
On a separate motion, the committee considered item 8, an act concerning the use of leaf blowers by municipalities. Senator Lopes moved the item and Representative Shannon seconded. With no discussion, Parker called a voice vote; members voiced support and Parker declared the item approved.
Parker told members the committee will reconvene on Friday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m. for a committee meeting that will be followed by the committee’s first public hearing at 11 a.m. He then recessed the meeting until 1 p.m.
Several participants reported brief technical problems with the online conference during the meeting; one member said a message indicated the host had removed them and asked that their attendance be recorded. Committee staff acknowledged the issue and members confirmed their attendance before the recess.
