NH House Leadership Statements on Passage of SB 154 (Shoreland Protection Act)

CONCORD – The House today voted to pass reforms to the Shoreland Protection Act. It is supported by the NH Lakes Association, the Department of Environmental Services, home builders and property rights advocates.  House leaders released the following statements:

 “We need to minimize burdens on property owners but also ensure that we have one common state standard for clean water. SB 154 maintains important environmental and water quality protections while also respecting the rights of property owners,” said House Speaker William O’Brien.

 “The state of our environment is directly related to our economy and quality of life. Senate Bill 154 will continue to improve the water quality in our state, but will simplify much of the paperwork and red tape faced by landowners under the current law. It will also ensure that we guard against erosion and contain contaminants found in storm water, thus protecting fish and other wildlife. The reform of this legislation was a shining example of bipartisanship and cooperation among usually opposed interest groups. This legislation if passed in to law would simplify the permitting process and give a boost to the depressed construction industry in the Lakes Region,” said Bettencourt.

Bettencourt statement: Shoreland protection act reform

The following statement was issued today following the vote on SB 154, the comprehensive shore land protection act reform legislation.   

“This is yet another piece of legislation aimed at simulating job growth in New Hampshire. This will also help to improve water quality as well as simplify and streamline the entire  process at a time of the year when people are looking  to improve their lakefront property.  This is clearly a bi-partisan effort to bring  together common sense environment regulations with the needs of our property owners.”