Advocacy Alert!

Please share this widely with your friends and neighbors.

Below are important updates from our partners at NH LAKES about

four bills being heard next week that LSPA is supporting this session!

The bills below will provide critical funding to fight toxic

cyanobacteria blooms:

HB 1301: Increasing mooring fees to support the cyanobacteria mitigation loan and grant fund

What this bill does: HB 1301 raises the annual individual mooring fee from $25 to $50 on lakes with mooring programs. Half of that fee ($25) would go directly to the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund, raising about $80,000 per year—a modest but helpful boost.

Why it matters: Created in 2023, this fund has already helped a handful of lake and watershed associations fight back against harmful cyanobacteria blooms. But it is now nearly depleted—even as more lakes are affected each year—and there is no sustainable funding source to replenish it.

Hearing Date/Time: Wed. Jan. 14, 11:30am, Granite Place, Room 228

Sign-In Online in Support:

STEP 1: Go to the Online Testimony Submission Form. Fill in your personal information. 

STEP 2: Select the date of the hearing: Wed. Jan. 14

STEP 3: Select Bill

Select the Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Choose the Bill: 11:30am - HB 1301

I am: A member of the public

I’m Representing: Myself

Indicate your position on this Bill: I support this bill

STEP 4: Upload Remote Testimony

Tell the committee why you support the bill and why they should, too. Upload an attachment or type a few sentences into the space provided.

STEP 5: Submit

HB 1477: Establishing a permit program for anchored seasonal floating platforms

What this bill does: This bill requires all anchored seasonal platforms, including inflatables, on public waters to obtain a $50 permit from the Department of Safety, Division of State Police Marine Patrol. Permit revenue is split evenly, with $25 going to the Navigation Safety Fund, which funds marine patrol operations and boating safety enforcement, and $25 to the Cyanobacteria Mitigation Loan and Grant Fund. 

Why it matters: This bill strengthens boating and navigation safety by supporting marine patrol operations, while also creating a new, sustainable funding source to help communities address harmful cyanobacteria blooms. While the Department of Safety estimates it would need two additional staff to administer the program, the revenue from registering platforms across New Hampshire’s approximately 1,000 lakes is likely to far outweigh the added administrative costs. 

Hearing Date/Time: Wed. Jan. 14, 2:30pm, Granite Place, Room 228

Sign-In Online in Support:

Step 1: Go to the Online Testimony Submission Form. Fill in your personal information. 

Step 2: Select the date of the hearing: Wed. Jan. 14

Step 3: Select Bill

Select the Committee: House Resources, Recreation and Development

Choose the Bill: 2:30pm - HB 1477

I am: A member of the public

I’m Representing: Myself

Indicate your position on this Bill: I support this bill

Step 4: Upload Remote Testimony

Tell the committee why you support the bill and why they should, too. Upload an attachment or type a few sentences into the space provided.

Step 5: Submit

The following bills will help prevent salt pollution:

HB 1607: Improving storage and management of salt and ice control chemicals

What this bill does: This bill sets rules for the storage and management of snow and ice control chemicals—including sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and treated abrasives—so they don’t contaminate groundwater or surface water. The Department of Environmental Services will issue regulations for safe storage, with stricter requirements near areas already affected by these chemicals.

Why it matters:  Runoff from improperly stored road salts and de-icing chemicals can harm drinking water sources, lakes, and aquatic ecosystems, including creating conditions that favor harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Safe storage and management help protect water quality and public health.

Hearing Date/Time: Tues. Jan. 13, 10:30am, Granite Place, Room 228

Sign-In Online in Support: 

Step 1: Go to the Online Testimony Submission Form. Fill in your personal information.

Step 2: Select the date of the hearing: Tues., Jan 13

Step 3: Select Bill

Select the Committee: House Public Works and Highways

Choose the Bill: 10:30am - HB 1607

I am: A member of the public

I’m Representing: Myself

Indicate your position on this Bill: I support this bill

Step 4: Upload Remote Testimony

Tell the committee why you support the bill and why they should, too. Upload an attachment or type a few sentences into the space provided.

Step 5: Submit

HB 1810: Establishing a road salt fee to fund salt reduction best practices

What this bill does: This bill establishes a $4 per ton fee on bulk road salt, road salt mix, and brine sold in New Hampshire, collected by certified bulk sellers and deposited into a new Road Salt Mitigation Fund. The fund will support grants to municipalities, businesses, and the state for certified winter maintenance practices, helping them acquire equipment and follow best practices. Bulk sellers must register and maintain records, and the bill sets penalties for noncompliance.

Why it matters: Road salt runoff can contaminate groundwater and surface water, harming lakes, rivers, and aquatic ecosystems—including conditions that favor cyanobacteria blooms. The fee provides a dedicated funding source (estimated at $4 million annually) to reduce salt pollution, improve public water protection, and support safer and more effective winter road maintenance. State and municipal costs are expected to be modest and partially offset by grant funding and more effective use of materials.

Hearing Date/Time: Mon. Jan. 12, 11:30am, Granite Place, Room 159

Sign-In Online in Support: 

Step 1: Go to the Online Testimony Submission Form. Fill in your personal information. 

Step 2: Select the date of the hearing: Mon., Jan 12

Step 3: Select Bill

Select the Committee: House Ways and Means

Choose the Bill: 11:30am - HB 1810

I am: A member of the public

I’m Representing: Myself

Indicate your position on this Bill: I support this bill

Step 4: Upload Remote Testimony

Tell the committee why you support the bill and why they should, too. Upload an attachment or type a few sentences into the space provided.

Step 5: Submit

Additional Resources from NH LAKES:

Who's My Legislator?

Find a Bill

Tips on How to Advocate

Thank you for your support!

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