Prohibiting the sale of ski, boat, and board waxes that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances.
Impact
If enacted, HB167 will amend the current state laws by adding restrictions on the sale of particular waxes, thus addressing the environmental and health impacts associated with PFAS. The bill is expected to have a minimal fiscal impact, calculated to be less than $10,000 annually for the fiscal years 2025 to 2028. This regulation will enable better control over the types of chemicals consumers may be exposed to, as well as support efforts toward reducing environmental contamination linked to the usage of harmful substances.
Summary
House Bill 167 (HB167) is a significant piece of legislation aimed at prohibiting the sale of specific waxes, namely ski, boat, and board waxes, that contain intentionally added per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals that have raised concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks to humans. This bill reflects a growing movement to regulate chemicals that pose risks to public health and the environment, particularly in consumer products frequently used for recreational activities.
Contention
While this bill is primarily aimed at protecting public health and the environment, it may face scrutiny from manufacturers and retailers who use PFAS in their products. Some stakeholders might argue that this could result in increased costs or reduced availability of certain consumer goods. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of alternative products that do not contain PFAS, which could impact consumers' choices and experiences. Such contention emphasizes the ongoing debate between environmental safety and economic considerations within legislative discussions.
Relative to prohibiting certain products with intentionally added PFAS and relative to civil actions for PFAS contamination, and relative to settlement of lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS for impacts to public drinking water systems.
Relative to eligibility criteria for the therapeutic cannabis program and establishing a commission to study state-controlled sales of cannabis and relative to the prohibition on the sale of hemp products containing certain levels of THC.
Making an appropriation to the department of health and human services to fund the Merrimack, New Hampshire Kidney Cancer Incidence Phase 3 Feasibility study.