HB1389

PFAS have caused significant harm to our community and potential lasting health consequences. I forever have a pang of fear when I drink water because of the negligence and intentional corruption of those that polluted our waterways and wells. I support HB1389 and urge the committee to vote Ought to Pass

As a member of the public, I support this important environmental bill. We have only learned recently about how long lasting and detrimental to health these chemicals are, though some companies were aware of these problems for years before they came to public attention.

We must finally define and regulate PFAS substances released into our environment, and hold facilities responsible for contamination. This is long overdue.

I support NH HB1389 because accountability is one of the few tools strong enough to change corporate behavior when environmental damage is profitable. PFAS pollution is especially severe because it is persistent, it spreads through ecosystems, and it accumulates in human bodies. There are already serious concerns about cancer, immune impacts, thyroid disease, and reproductive and developmental harm linked to PFAS exposure. HB1389 is a start in the right direction because it recognizes a basic principle: those who make decisions that cause or worsen contamination should be held responsible for the harms that follow. Passing this bill tells corporate leaders that New Hampshire will not accept business as usual when the outcome is long term chemical exposure and permanent ecological damage.

If companies knew they could not pollute without having to pay for the cleanup, they might avoid polluting ini the first place.

As we uncover more places where PFAS has been found, more people with unacceptable levels of PFAS in their blood, we need HB1389 to define the problem and ensure those who knowlingly produce PFAS are held liable, even if they leave the state. Will this bill ensure that St. Gobain will be held responsible for the harm it has caused to New Hampshire residents?

It is unfortunate that PFAS chemicals produce such dire consequences when they escape into the environment, but we've known this for many years, which has been enough time to find alternatives. Any manufacturer or retailer dealing with these chemicals going forward should be held liable for damages the chemicals cause.

REGULATION IS NEEDED. Water knows no boundaries. (see CRRL in Hanover & St. Gobain in VT and NH) HB1389 establishes liability for facilities that handle perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cases of groundwater contamination. It repeals and reenacts definitions related to PFAS, clarifying what constitutes perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances and a manufacturing process. The bill specifies that any person who owns or operates a PFAS facility where PFAS concentrations in groundwater or surface water exceed 500 parts per trillion will be subject to strict liability under federal regulations, particularly concerning the closure and decommissioning of equipment and infrastructure associated with PFAS.

I state my opinion for this bill for the sake of residents in NH.

HB1389 establishes liability for facilities that handle perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cases of groundwater contamination. It repeals and reenacts definitions related to PFAS, clarifying what constitutes perfluoroalkyl & polyfluoroalkyl substances and a manufacturing process. The bill specifies that any person who owns or operates a PFAS facility where PFAS concentrations in groundwater or surface water exceed 500 parts per trillion will be subject to strict liability under federal regulations, particularly concerning the closure and decommissioning of equipment and infrastructure associated with PFAS.

PFAS pollution is a hidden environmental hazard that needs remediation. This bill will help protect parms and thus help prevent further forever chemical pollution,

PFAS facility liability is important to manage.

I support this bill. Please vote Yes to support it.

The people contaminating our water with PFAS need to take responsibility for it and do the right thing.