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Bill

HB 171

establishing a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new landfills.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nick Germana and 3 co-sponsors

HB 171 would pause issuing new landfill permits in NH to reassess waste management impacts before permitting additional facilities.

Inexpedient to Legislate, MA, VV === BILL KILLED ===; 01/07/2026; SJ 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 171

Summary: HB 171 (2026) – Establishing a Moratorium on the Issuance of Permits for New Landfills (New Hampshire)

Note: The bill’s action history shows the legislative path and final disposition in this session. The final status indicates the bill was killed as “Inexpedient to Legislate” on January 7, 2026.

Quick overview

  • Purpose (intent): Establish a temporary or permanent moratorium on issuing new landfill permits in New Hampshire. The aim is to pause the authorization of new landfills to evaluate environmental, public health, economic, and regional impacts before permitting additional facilities.
  • Scope: Applies to the issuance of permits for new landfill facilities within the state.

Key provisions (as indicated by status and committee activity)

  • The bill would create a legislative framework to halt the processing or approval of permit applications for new landfills, likely by prohibiting the Department of Environmental Services (DES) or related agencies from issuing new landfill permits for a defined period or until certain criteria are met.
  • It may include:
    • A defined moratorium period (e.g., a set number of years or until sunset with conditions).
    • Process requirements for agencies to pause review, public notice, and environmental impact considerations on new permit applications.
    • Potential study or reporting mandates to evaluate waste management capacity, alternative disposal methods, and recycling/composting progress during the moratorium.
    • Emergency or temporary exemptions, if any, for certain locations or critical waste needs (e.g., medical waste, hazardous waste, or facilities already under permit).
  • If enacted, the bill could require:
    • Public hearings or comment periods for proposed moratorium rules.
    • Legislative or executive oversight, including reporting back to the Legislature on impacts and progress.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies: Department of Environmental Services and any state agencies involved in permitting, siting, or environmental review of landfills.
  • Waste management sector: Businesses seeking to develop or operate new landfills; waste haulers and municipalities evaluating long-term disposal options.
  • Public and environment: Communities hosting or potentially affected by proposed landfill sites, with possible temporary changes to odor, traffic, groundwater, and air quality considerations during the moratorium.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced/Referral history:
    • Introduced January 2025; referred to Environment and Agriculture (Hearing in January 2025; subsequent committee action through 2025).
    • Referred to Energy and Natural Resources in March 2025; multiple committee work sessions and hearings occurred through 2025.
  • Committee actions:
    • Notable committee votes included “Ought to Pass with Amendment” in March 2025 (vote 13-1 for the amendment).
    • The bill underwent extensive committee review, hearings (public hearing January 28, 2025), and executive sessions.
  • Final disposition:
    • On January 7, 2026, the bill was declared “Inexpedient to Legislate,” effectively killing it for the current session (SJ 1).

Practical implications if enacted (hypothetical)

  • A moratorium would halt new landfill permit issuance until the moratorium’s terms are lifted or conditions are satisfied.
  • Local governments and developers would need to adjust plans for new waste disposal sites, possibly seeking approval for alternative disposal strategies or expanding capacity at existing facilities.
  • The legislation could prompt analysis of regional waste management needs, recycling rates, and modernization of waste processes.

Conclusion

HB 171 sought to pause the permitting of new landfills in New Hampshire to reassess and harmonize waste management strategies. Despite substantial committee consideration and public engagement in 2025, the bill was defeated in the 2026 session with an “Inexpedient to Legislate” determination, ending its path for that legislative cycle.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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