Governor Applauds House Committee's Support For Ban on Burning of Toxic Construction and Demolition Debris
Governor Applauds House Committee's Support For Ban on Burning of Toxic Construction and Demolition Debris
Gov. John Lynch today applauded members of the House Science, Technology and Energy Committee for overwhelmingly supporting legislation (HB 428) banning the incineration of toxic construction and demolition in New Hampshire.
The committee voted 13-1 to recommend passage of the legislation.
"The burning of toxic construction and demolition debris poses an unnecessary and unacceptable danger to the health of New Hampshire's people and the health of our environment. I thank the committee for their support of this important legislation, " Gov. Lynch said.
Last year, Gov. Lynch signed legislation extending a moratorium on the burning of the debris. That moratorium expires on Dec. 31. The Governor called the moratorium an important step, but said a permanent ban is needed because the risks involved with the incineration of construction and demolition debris "are too great."
"Construction and demolition debris contains many toxic substances including mercury, lead, and arsenic," Gov. Lynch said. "Last year, we worked to craft legislation aimed at reducing mercury emissions from power plants in New Hampshire, which I was pleased to sign into law. I strongly believe that it makes no sense to reduce mercury pollution from one source, only to turn around and leave the window open for new mercury polluters in New Hampshire."
In recent years, construction and demolition debris has not been burned in any of New Hampshire's neighboring states except Maine. However, 80 percent of what was burned in Maine came from out of state. Gov. Lynch said that by initiating this ban, the state will make it clear New Hampshire will not become the new burning site for this toxic material.
Gov. Lynch also said he will continue to work with the Department of Environmental Services and lawmakers to determine what may be better alternatives for the disposal of this material in the long term.
The prime sponsor of HB 428 is Rep. Christine Hamm. A large, bi-partisan group of lawmakers are also sponsoring the legislation, including, Reps. J. David Knox, Jay Phinizy, Suzanne Harvey, James Pilliod, and Sens. Peter Burling, Martha Fuller Clark, Harold Janeway and Sylvia Larsen.
http://www.nh.gov/governor/news/2007/030607.html