The Engaged Sierran
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HB 1570 sponsors, left to right: Rep Alan Turcotte, Merr 2; Rep Tara Sad, Ches 1; Rep Robert Burns, Merr 2; Rep Suzanne Gottling, Sull 2. |
Update on HB 1570, Paint Stewardship – Support Needed!
As previously reported in this newsletter, a bill to create a Paint Stewardship program (HB1570) in New Hampshire was sponsored this year by several state representatives. The bill attempts to simplify the disposal of all types of paint for both the consumer and the local transfer stations, plus allow a certain percentage of unwanted paint to be remanufactured and reused -- a win-win situation! Consumers won't have to wait until Hazardous Waste Day to turn in leftover paint, or dry out latex paints to dump in the general waste stream.
At this time, the Department of Environmental Services, certain planning boards and many transfer station managers are firmly behind this program. However, there is considerable opposition to this bill, mostly centered on the minimal cost to consumers at time of paint purchases. This fee supports the paint program in its entirety, and there is no cost to the State.
The Paint Stewardship bill was voted out of committee on April 23, amended with language that clarified certain areas of concern, but the spirit of the original Bill was retained. The 3-2 vote resulted in a recommendation to the Senate floor of Ought to Pass, but the Bill is still likely to encounter stiff opposition.
For this reason, we are asking you to send an email to your Senator before May 1st support HB 1570. This bill could go a long way toward getting NH moving toward TRUE recycling!
Meet Representative Scott Burns, Sponsor of HB 1570
Representative Burns is a lifelong resident of New Hampshire, a member of both the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Sierra Club, and has a degree in Environmental Science. Having climbed all the 4,000 footers in NH and VT, he has set his sights on those in Maine, and all the rest of the 100 4K mountains in New England!
Rep Burns has a years-long, serious commitment to establishing meaningful recycling practices in our state. HB 1570 is the first of many ideas he would like to promote, including mattress, battery and carpet stewardship programs, some of which exist in other states. He also suggests a need for composting legislation to get large facilities, such as hospitals schools and restaurants to put valuable resources back into the earth, and to work toward an electric car infrastructure.
Rep Burns feels that more needs to be done to meet State goals under RSA 149-M:2, relative to a 40 percent reduction in materials ending up in landfills or incinerated, by removing recyclable materials from the waste stream. He has shown himself willing to lead on this issue. His work, and that of his co-sponsors, is to be commended.
Moms Clean Air Force Event
Tuesday, May 6
Moms Clean Air Force, NH is convening to demonstrate broad, statewide support to defend our children from toxic air pollution and climate change. At the Holiday Inn in Concord we will hear from our elected officials and discuss how we can make a difference in the decision-making process that determines the quality of the air that we breathe. In the afternoon we will head to the capitol for a rally and press event and then tour the state house and speak with our elected officials.
There is no cost to register--lunch will be provided and gas gift-cards are available to those who rideshare. For more information please visit and register at www.momscleanairforce.org/mama-summit. If you have questions, concerns or want to get more involved in the event, contact Yvonne Nanasi, MCAF-NH Field Manager, at ynanasi@momscleanairforce.org.
Sierra Club member Jim Bull, Windham, sent us a nice note and photo last month upon receipt of the March e-newsletter: "Such a nice coincidence this morning, as I am halfway through my first reading of Mr. Muir's My First Summer in the Sierra, I paused to read today's email. It is amazing and very encouraging to see the spirit of his words still so important 140 odd years on." We agree, Jim. Thanks for sharing! |
Earth Day, Every Day!
We hope you all enjoyed celebrating Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day events continue this weekend and beyond. Make every day an Earth Day! Following is a selection of upcoming Earth Day events in New Hampshire:
Saturday, April 26 - Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals and Earth Day Celebration at the Science Center
36 Industrial Way, Rochester, NH - 9am
The Seacoast Science Center is hosting a 5K trail race on April 26 to save marine mammals. After the race and walk the festivities continue with raffles, music, and free Earth Day activities.
www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events
Saturday, April 26 - Monadnock Earth Day Festival
Cypress Street next to the Monadnock Food Co-Op, Keene - 12pm-4pm
http://www.antiochne.edu/events/2014-monadnock-earth-day-festival/
Saturday, May 3 - Stonyfield Earth Day 5K
Celebrate Spring and Earth day in this morning-long festival featuring a 5K run/walk followed by a free Earth Day Fair for all ages.
http://stonyfield5k.com/
Saturday, May 10 - Greater Salem NH Earth Day Festival
http://www.gsnhed.org/#!salem-nh-earth-day-expo/ce5x
April 2014