HB 1264, Bipartisan Clean Water Legislation, Sent to Governor
Contact Name: Sara Persechino
Phone: (603) 271-3479
Email: Sara.Persechino@leg.state.nh.us
CONCORD - Today, HB 1264 was delivered to the Secretary of State. HB 1264 is a bipartisan clean water bill addressing PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) contamination and drinking water safety as well as extending the Commission on the Seacoast Cancer Cluster Investigation. It next goes to the governor’s desk where he will have five business days to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without his signature.
Senator Tom Sherman (D-Rye), Senator David Watters (D-Dover), and Senator Shannon Chandley (D-Amherst) issued the following statements in response:
“We can all agree, access to clean drinking water across the state is a public health priority,” said Senate Health and Human Services Chair Tom Sherman (D-Rye). “HB 1264 brings together four goals critical to the health of our state: setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS based on the latest toxicologic science from the NH Department of Environmental Services, providing relief to municipalities facing remediation projects, ensuring insurance coverage for PFAS blood testing, and extending the Commission on the Seacoast Cancer Cluster Investigation. Everyone deserves the right to clean drinking water and I urge the governor to sign HB 1264 into law.”
“All session, the Senate has worked across party lines to develop strong, bipartisan legislation that works to prevent exposure from “forever chemicals” that can have long term and costly effects on public health,” added Senator David Watters (D-Dover). “These measures constitute important steps that put a stop to PFAS exposure and set up long term solutions to help alleviate the financial burden of remediation from our municipalities.”
Senator Shannon Chandley (D-Amherst) concluded, “We need to ensure access and equity to insurance coverage of PFAS and PFC blood testing. Through the incorporated language from SB 623, which unanimously passed the Senate, patients and their medical providers will be equipped to detect and monitor disease and, as we know, early detection is critical in preventing negative long term health effects. I am grateful for the bipartisan support of this legislation and look forward to the governor’s signature.”
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